Galatians 3:22 Since You are Shut Up Under Sin, Trust Christ for Salvation

Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

As Paul has just said (and we have just looked at), if we could attain righteousness or it could be imputed somehow based upon the Law, then indeed righteousness would come through the Law. However, the Law cannot impart spiritual life. Why is this such a problem? Because we are dead in our transgressions and slaves to the power of sin—as the Scripture has made clear. The Scripture has made us prisoners under sin—it has shown that we are held captive by sin to do its will. Thus, since the Scripture has shown (and the Scripture always speaks truthfully) that we are under all under sin, all peoples and all people throughout the world (cf. Romans 3:9), we are dead to the ways of God and unable to receive the promise through the Law. Our hearts are stone hard because of sin, and since the Law cannot do anything about this, a righteous standing before God cannot come by the Law.

Since this is the case, the promise to Abraham must come by another means. That means is by faith in Christ. In fact, as Paul has said, that is why the Scripture has “declared everyone to be a prisoner under sin” (my translation). By all being under sin, the promise comes by faith in Jesus Christ to all who trust in Him. All who hope in Christ are saved by faith, rather than by Law, because we are declared (in a legal sense) to be under sin. If we were not under sin, salvation would come by adherence to the Law. However, God’s plan to save the helpless who believe, through faith in Jesus Christ (God’s chosen One to be Lord) is accomplished. God’s divine right to have mercy upon whom I have mercy, and [to] have compassion on whom I have compassion” (Romans 9:15) is upheld. Thus, God gets the glory for salvation, for no one can boast before Him.

Thus, again I urge you, dear sinner, believe in Christ and receive the promise by faith; lest you seek righteousness by the Law and stand before God “declared… a prisoner under sin” when you stand before Him for judgment.