²¹ Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!^(A) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.^{(B) 22} But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,^(C) so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God

²³ Before the coming of this faith,^[a] we were held in custody^(D) under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.^{(E) 24} So the law was our guardian until Christ came^(F) that we might be justified by faith.^(G)