Chapter 31—The Law in Galatians
I am asked concerning the law in Galatians. What law is the
schoolmaster to bring us to Christ? I answer: Both the ceremonial and
the moral code of ten commandments.
Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. The death
of Abel was in consequence of Cain’s refusing to accept God’s plan
in the school of obedience to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ
typified by the sacrificial offerings pointing to Christ. Cain refused the
shedding of blood which symbolized the blood of Christ to be shed
for the world. This whole ceremony was prepared by God, and Christ
became the foundation of the whole system. This is the beginning
of its work as the schoolmaster to bring sinful human agents to a
consideration of Christ the Foundation of the whole Jewish economy.
All who did service in connection with the sanctuary were being
educated constantly in regard to the intervention of Christ in behalf
of the human race. This service was designed to create in every heart
a love for the law of God, which is the law of His kingdom. The
sacrificial offering was to be an object lesson of the love of God
revealed in Christ—in the suffering, dying victim, who took upon
Himself the sin of which man was guilty, the innocent being made sin
for us.
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In the contemplation of this great theme of salvation we see Christ’s
work. Not only the promised gift of the Spirit, but also the nature and
character of this sacrifice and intervention are subjects which should
create in our hearts elevated, sacred, high ideas of the law of God,
which holds its claims upon every human agency. The violation of that
law in the small act of eating of the forbidden fruit, brought upon man
and upon the earth the consequence of disobedience to the holy law of
God. The nature of the intervention should ever make man afraid to
do the smallest action in disobedience to God’s requirement.
There should be a clear understanding of that which constitutes
sin, and we should avoid the least approach to step over the boundaries
from obedience to disobedience.
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