Galatians 3:15-29
The apostle explains why the law in no way changes the divine promises. They were made before the law and God does not go back on them. In particular, they were made to the seed of Abraham, that is to say, to Christ (v. 16). Nothing could possibly annul or contradict what God had assured to His well-beloved – and to those who are His. "Wherefore then . . . the law?" (v. 19). It has been compared to a mirror. It shows me my defilement, but it is just as incapable of taking it away as the mirror is of washing me. That is not its function. The law serves to convince me of sin. It is also my tutor (JND trans.) until Christ (v. 24). After that its role is finished, just as that of a teacher who has prepared his pupils to go into a higher class. A painful school, indeed, is the law! It teaches me that I am a sinner, but it does not make me righteous; that I am dead, but it has no power to make me live; that I am without strength, but it can give me none. All that I lack, I then find in the Lord Jesus.
Baptism is the public sign that I am set apart for Christ, by His death. You who have been baptised, are you truly "children of God by faith in Christ Jesus"? Have you truly "put on Christ"? (vv. 26, 27). Putting on a uniform which one is not entitled to wear is fraud, and abuse of trust.