Galatians 3:12

And the law is not of faith.

The law and the gospel

I. They differ in the work of our justification.

1. The law promiseth life to him that performs perfect obedience, and that for his works.

2. The gospel promiseth life to him that believes for the sake of Christ.

3. The law then requires doing, the gospel believing.

II. They agree in our good conversation.

1. Faith comes first.

2. Then the life of faith.

3. Then the evidence of the love of faith in obedience.

Observe--

1. Salvation was the unfulfilled end of the law, and so it is now.

2. Salvation is the accomplished beginning of the gospel.

3. The law under which we live is not by obedience-salvation, but by salvation-obedience. (W. Perkins.)

The necessity of Divine law

Under whatever relation we consider God to stand to us we must feel that He has a law by which He governs us all. Is He a King? There must be royal decrees. Is He a Master? There must be appointed service. Is He a Judge? The very name implies a tribunal. Is He a Redeemer? The redemption must be in accordance with the principles of righteousness. Is He a Father? The home over which He presides must be a scene of harmonious action. (S. Pearson, M. A.)