How Does The Law Lead Us To Christ?
The Law as a Guide: Understanding Its Purpose
One of the most profound themes in Scripture is the relationship between the Law of God and the coming of Jesus Christ. The Law, as given in the Old Testament, especially through Moses, served many functions: it revealed God’s holiness, exposed human sinfulness, and pointed forward to the need for a Savior. But how exactly does the Law lead us to Christ? Let’s explore this pivotal question through the lens of Scripture.
The Law Reveals God’s Perfect Standard
The Law was never intended as a mere set of rules to earn God’s favor, but rather as a revelation of His holy character. God’s standards are perfect, just as He is perfect:
Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy. - Leviticus 19:2 ASV
The Law’s requirements, from the Ten Commandments to the detailed ceremonial laws, show us what true righteousness looks like. However, as humans, we are unable to meet these standards perfectly.
The Law Exposes Our Sinfulness
One of the central purposes of the Law is to make us aware of our sin. Paul explains:
because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin. - Romans 3:20 ASV
The Law acts like a mirror, revealing our inability to live up to God’s standards. It does not empower us to obey but instead shows us our need for forgiveness and grace.
The Law as a Tutor to Lead Us to Christ
Perhaps the clearest statement on this topic comes from Paul’s letter to the Galatians:
So that the law is become our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith is come, we are no longer under a tutor. - Galatians 3:24-25 ASV
The Greek word translated “tutor” refers to a guardian or guide for children. The Law’s role is to guide us to the realization that we cannot save ourselves and to point us to Christ, the only one who can justify us before God.
Christ Fulfills the Law
Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it:
Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. - Matthew 5:17 ASV
He lived a sinless life, perfectly keeping the Law on our behalf, and then offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Through faith in Him, we receive the righteousness of God.
Salvation by Grace Through Faith, Not by the Law
The Law leads us to Christ by showing us our need for a Savior, but it cannot save us. Salvation is a gift received by faith:
for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV
Therefore, the Law’s purpose is not to provide a ladder to God but to show us the depth of our need and drive us to the cross of Christ.
Conclusion: The Law’s End in Christ
The Law, in its divine wisdom, is a signpost pointing to Jesus—the only One who can save. It reveals God’s holiness, exposes our sin, and brings us to the realization that we need a Savior. In Christ, we find both the fulfillment of the Law and the gift of righteousness by grace through faith.