Galatians 3:15-22

¹⁵ Brethren , I speak in terms of human relations : even though it is only a man's covenant , yet when it has been ratified , no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. ¹⁶ Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed . He does not say , "And to seeds ," as referring to many , but rather to one , " And to your seed ," that is, Christ . ¹⁷ What I am saying is this : the Law , which came four hundred and thirty years later , does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God , so as to nullify the promise . ¹⁸ For if the inheritance is based on law , it is no longer based on a promise ; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise .

The Purpose of the Law

¹⁹ Why the Law then ? It was added because of transgressions , having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator , until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made . ²⁰ Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one . ²¹ Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God ? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life , then righteousness would indeed have been based on law . 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 .