What is the Purpose of Law?

How would we know if we did something wrong? If there were not a law against going through a traffic red light, we would not know that we must stop. So, law points out the fact when we are in the wrong. It gives us knowledge of sin. The law can protect us. If we go through a red light it is very likely to be struck by another vehicle in the intersection.

God gave laws in His word not only to protect us, but to let us know when we are doing something that would lead to death. We are not justified by following the law, but directed to life. It is the roadmap to Jesus who came to fulfill the law and be a sacrifice for our sins so that we can live through the cleansing of His blood.

“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”  Romans 3:20  NKJV

“…knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”  Galatians 2:16  NKJV

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  Ephesians 2:8,9  NKJV