The Mediator: Galatians 3:20-22
“20 Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one. 21) Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. 22) But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” Galatians 3:20-22
Paul was not throwing out the Law, he was merely putting it in its rightful place. The Law is not against the promise of God, it is simply not the vehicle to deliver the promise of salvation or life. Jesus became the mediator of a better plan. He became the “go between” or “peace maker” between God and man. (See Hebrews 8:6; 9:15 and 12:24). The Law became a wall between God and man, Jesus Christ became the bridge or mediator.
The Law did a great job of conveying Gods holiness to man, but it was not able to make mankind holy. Why? Because by nature people are plagued with a sin nature. The human flesh is bent toward sin. (See Romans 7:14-25) Instead of imparting life, the Law amplified human sinfulness.
According to Galatians 2:22, there was a purpose behind the Law shutting up all people under sin, it paved the way for Jesus Christ and the gospel. (See Romans 3:19-26) It prepared the way for the promise of life to be given to those who place faith in Jesus Christ.
So is the Law bad? Not at all! It accomplishes exactly what God intended it to do. It still has the same power today to convict people of sin or “missing the mark.”
I often use the Ten Commandments in witnessing and evangelism to show people that they have fallen short and are sinful. The obvious conclusion is that they need a way other than self righteous to be acceptable by God. Jesus Christ is that way. He is the mediator between God and man.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
