Thursday, 7 April 2016
But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:25
In the previous verse, Paul explained the purpose of the pedagogue, or “child conductor.” That individual’s duties did not carry on forever. Instead, they were set up with a particular timeframe in mind, after which he would no longer be needed. The person’s duties would end, and a new part of the individual’s life would come about.
So it is true with the Law of Moses. It was never intended to be a permanent part of the God’s plans in redemptive history. Instead, it would serve its purpose and then be set aside. That pre-determined point was after the work of Jesus Christ. In His death, the law was fulfilled, and in His resurrection comes a new covenant. It also initiated a new dispensation – that of faith. The promised Seed has come and through Him we are granted full rights as children of God.
In other words, the Law of Moses was the pedagogue for the people of God. It has shown us our need for Christ, and led us directly to Him. How people can’t see this is simply amazing. Even after being shown the explicit words of the New Testament concerning the fulfillment and ending of the law, people perversely turn from Christ’s work and back to the law! They would rather be under the strict, and even harsh, hand of a pedagogue than be considered sons of God with the full rights that come along with that honorable position.
The law was a tutor; faith has come; therefore, “we are no longer under a tutor.” In other words, “we are no longer under the law.” Be done with it in its entirety. Now, live by faith in Christ Jesus, remembering Paul’s words from Chapter 2 –
“For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:19-21
Life application: Do you consider yourself a child of God with full rights as a son? If you are still attempting to please Him through works of the law, then you are mistaken. Trust in Christ’s fulfillment of the law, and live by faith in the Son of God.
Day unto day as the world turns on its axis, there is wisdom on display. Everything is so perfectly balanced, there is precision in the workings of the universe, and all is as it should be. The cycle of life, though painful at times, carries on as it should. Only in the heart which is contrary to God is there true error. Help us to align ourselves to Your will, O God. Help us to live for You through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.