Condemnation Before Salvation

“But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” (Ga 3:22 AV)

It is often, and rightly, said that one cannot lead a soul to Christ unless he realizes he is lost.  This is so true.  We have a problem in evangelical circles today and that is just it.  The movement is “leading people to Christ” who have no idea what it means to be lost.  Paul is making the argument for the purpose of the law.  Since the promise of righteousness by faith was given to Abraham and his seed 430 years prior to the giving of the law to Moses, what purpose does the law make?  It actually makes perfect sense to give the promise before the need for that promise is revealed.  More on that in just a bit.  Suffice it so say, Paul correctly teaches us the law is that tool which reveals to us just how lost and accountable we are.  It reveals the holiness of God.  The law reveals God’s standard for each individual and also warns failure to keep that law results in condemnation.  Therefore, the law was never intended to save anyone.  It was given for several purpose.  In our passage, Paul reveals the law was given to teach us our need of a Redeemer because we cannot redeem ourselves.

 I know that I have used this example in my life before; but bear with me.  When I reached the height of thirty-six inches, it was time for swimming lessons.  My parents thought it was prudent to teach their children how to swim.  They were correct.  I still remember that first day.  The instructor had is read the depth of the water painted on the rim of the pool.  He then had us stand against the wall and read our height.  He asked the question, “If you were to merely stand on the bottom of the pool, would your head be above water?”  He then showed us the rescue pole.  Tell us that in any event that he felt we were in trouble; we would feel the tap of the pole on our head and all we had to do was reach for it and he would pull us to the side of the pool.  We had all the evidence we needed to jump in the pool.  This took little faith.  But then we moved to the deep end.  The end where standing on the bottom was not an option.  Knowing that we could not sustain ourselves in that pool, he made us jump in anyway.  Soon, we felt the tap of the pole and were pulled to safety.  The promise had to come before the attempt.  The attempt revealed to us the need of the promise.  Eventually, we learned how to swim in the deep end.  But learning how could only come by trust in a promise.

 The law is not something to reject.  It is still our schoolmaster.  As Paul stated, it was our schoolmaster to bring us unto faith in Christ for our salvation.  It is still our guide into holiness.  The law is holy, just, and good.  But what we want to consider this Lord’s Day is exactly what the law did for us and the value of it.  It condemned us all and revealed our need of mercy and grace in the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  It condemned us as wicked and unworthy.  As one reads the Old Testament, he is made keenly aware how sinful he is.  This is what is missing in today’s presentation of the gospel.  Evangelicalism is avoiding the discussion of sin because it does not want to be a downer.  “Just give Jesus your life.” “Ask Jesus into your heart.” Or, “Welcome Jesus as your Savior.”  Savior from what?  There is little discussion on our sin and need for the mercy of God.  The law is ignored and therefore, those who are “coming to Christ” are doing so as a consumer comes to a restaurant.  Not for forgiveness and mercy, but rather, as asking amiss that we might consume Him upon our lusts.