The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. It exposed our sin, revealed God’s holiness, and showed our need for a Savior. The term “schoolmaster” refers to a guardian or tutor who disciplines and prepares a child until maturity. The law was not the means of salvation but the preparation for it.
Paul explains:
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
(Galatians 3:24)
The law taught mankind about sin by setting a standard that could not be perfectly kept. Paul also writes:
“By the law is the knowledge of sin.”
(Romans 3:20)
This knowledge was not meant to condemn without hope, but to lead sinners to the only solution, Jesus Christ.
The law demonstrated that outward compliance was not enough. It dealt with actions, but Christ dealt with the heart. Once faith in Christ came, the law’s role as a schoolmaster was fulfilled:
“But after faith has come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.”
(Galatians 3:25)
This does not mean the law is abolished. It means it no longer holds believers under condemnation. Its purpose was to guide us until the coming of the Messiah, who fulfilled it.
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
(Romans 10:4)
The law points to Christ. It shows what righteousness looks like and proves that we cannot achieve it on our own. Through it, God prepared His people to understand grace and the necessity of faith.
