¹⁹ Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions^(A) until the Seed^(B) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels^(C) and entrusted to a mediator.^{(D) 20} A mediator,^(E) however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

²¹ Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!^(F) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.^{(G) 22} But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,^(H) 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^(I) under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.^{(J) 24} So the law was our guardian until Christ came^(K) that we might be justified by faith.^{(L) 25} Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.^(M)

²⁶ So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God^(N) through faith, ²⁷ for all of you who were baptized into Christ^(O) have clothed yourselves with Christ.^{(P) 28} There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,^(Q) nor is there male and female,^(R) for you are all one in Christ Jesus.^{(S) 29} If you belong to Christ,^(T) then you are Abraham’s seed,^(U) and heirs^(V) according to the promise.^(W)