Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Faith/faithfulness » The time prior to the coming of faith
Now before faith came about, we were held in custody and confined under the Law in preparation for the faith that was to be revealed. And so the Law was our guardian until the Messiah came, so that we might be justified by faith.
Law » What the law is
The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring life. The testimony of the LORD is steadfast, making foolish people wise.
Verse Concepts
Now death's stinger is sin, and sin's power is the Law.
Because the command is a lamp and the Law a light, rebukes that discipline are a way of life
Therefore, God will not justify any human being by means of the actions prescribed by the Law, for through the Law comes the full knowledge of sin.
Instruction that comes from you is better for me than thousands of gold and silver coins. Yod Your hands made and formed me; give me understanding, that I may learn your commands. May those who fear you see me and be glad, for I have hoped in your word. read more.
I know, LORD, that your decrees are just, and that you have rightfully humbled me.
I know, LORD, that your decrees are just, and that you have rightfully humbled me.
What should we say, then? Is the Law sinful? Of course not! In fact, I wouldn't have become aware of sin if it had not been for the Law. I wouldn't have known what it means to covet if the Law had not said, "You must not covet." But sin seized the opportunity provided by this commandment and produced in me all kinds of sinful desires, since apart from the Law, sin is dead. At one time I was alive without any connection to the Law. But when the rule was revealed, sin sprang to life, read more.
and I died. I found that the very rule that was intended to bring life actually brought death. For sin, seizing the opportunity provided by the rule, deceived me and used it to kill me. So then, the Law itself is holy, and the rule is holy, just, and good. Now, did something good bring me death? Of course not! But in order that sin might be recognized as being sin, it used something good to cause my death, so that through the rule, sin might become more exposed as being sinful than ever before. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am merely human, sold as a slave to sin. I don't understand what I am doing. For I don't practice what I want to do, but instead do what I hate. Now if I practice what I don't want to do, I am admitting that the Law is good.
and I died. I found that the very rule that was intended to bring life actually brought death. For sin, seizing the opportunity provided by the rule, deceived me and used it to kill me. So then, the Law itself is holy, and the rule is holy, just, and good. Now, did something good bring me death? Of course not! But in order that sin might be recognized as being sin, it used something good to cause my death, so that through the rule, sin might become more exposed as being sinful than ever before. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am merely human, sold as a slave to sin. I don't understand what I am doing. For I don't practice what I want to do, but instead do what I hate. Now if I practice what I don't want to do, I am admitting that the Law is good.
Why, then, was the Law added? Because of transgressions, until the descendant came about whom the promise pertained. It was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator. Now a mediator involves more than one party, but God is one. So is the Law in conflict with the promises of God? Of course not! For if a law had been given that could give us life, then certainly righteousness would come through the Law. read more.
But the Scripture has captured everything by means of sin's net, so that what was promised by the faithfulness of the Messiah might be granted to those who believe. Now before faith came about, we were held in custody and confined under the Law in preparation for the faith that was to be revealed. And so the Law was our guardian until the Messiah came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come about, we are no longer under a guardian. For all of you are God's children through faith in the Messiah Jesus. Indeed, all of you who were baptized into the Messiah have clothed yourselves with the Messiah. Because all of you are one in the Messiah Jesus, a person is no longer a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a male or a female. And if you belong to the Messiah, then you are Abraham's descendants indeed, and heirs according to the promise.
But the Scripture has captured everything by means of sin's net, so that what was promised by the faithfulness of the Messiah might be granted to those who believe. Now before faith came about, we were held in custody and confined under the Law in preparation for the faith that was to be revealed. And so the Law was our guardian until the Messiah came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come about, we are no longer under a guardian. For all of you are God's children through faith in the Messiah Jesus. Indeed, all of you who were baptized into the Messiah have clothed yourselves with the Messiah. Because all of you are one in the Messiah Jesus, a person is no longer a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a male or a female. And if you belong to the Messiah, then you are Abraham's descendants indeed, and heirs according to the promise.
Of course, we know that the Law is good if a person uses it legitimately,