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19 Then why is there the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

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The Purpose of the Law

19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring[a] would come to whom the promise had been made, and it was ordained through angels by a mediator.(A) 20 Now a mediator involves more than one party, but God is one.(B)

21 Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. 22 But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through the faith of Jesus Christ[b] might be given to those who believe.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 3.19 Gk seed
  2. 3.22 Or through faith in Jesus Christ