Galatians 3:22-23 But the scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.… I. THE SCRIPTURE STATEMENT OF MAN'S NATURAL CONDITION. And what now do you expect to hear? That man, though fallen and frail, has nevertheless many native virtues and excellences? that, if his conduct be sometimes amiss, yet his heart is good? These are, I know, the vain imaginations which multitudes indulge: — but they receive no countenance from Holy Scripture. No — if God's Word is to decide, you will find that — 1. The Scripture brings against man a charge of sin. As preparatory to this, the Bible fully sets forth man's duty: sometimes dwelling on the several particulars of the ten commandments; at other times, comprehensively demanding "Love" as "the fulfilling" of the whole law; expanding this, again, into the two branches of that love — love to God, love to man; or pointing to still more special duties, arising out of special relations and situations in life. Furthermore, we are told, that "whoso offendeth in one point is guilty of all" — he has broken through that hedge of the law, which should have kept him from all sin. After laying down a strict principle like this, it ceases to be surprising, that the Scripture invariably addresses man as a sinner. For man's own conscience must tell him that God's perfect law has not been kept. 2. On this charge the Scripture shuts man up (for that is the meaning of the words "hath concluded") as already sentenced and condemned. Man is not merely in danger of this sentence; it is passed on him already. Living in this world, he is but a prisoner at large. God's justice has got firm hold of him; and wander where he may, and vaunt as he likes, the day of execution is coming nearer and nearer — and he cannot escape. 3. All men, without a single exception, come under this charge. All nations. All ranks. All ages. 4. The charge is incessantly reiterated, and pressed again and again. II. THE DESIGN WITH WHICH THIS STATEMENT IS SO EARNESTLY INSISTED UPON. Why do the Scriptures thus shut up all men under the charge of sin. St. Paul replies — "that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ may be given to them that believe." The object aimed at, in the Scripture doctrine of man's sin, was — 1. To show the reasonableness of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Though man be guilty, condemned, and under actual sentence; yet his condition, so long as life endures, is not hopeless. There is in the same Scripture a promise — a promise of salvation. 2. To compel sinners actually to accept the promise by believing in Christ. The terrors of God are really mercies; they are the wholesome rod by which the lost sheep are driven back to that gracious fold, where they may remain safe, under the care of the good shepherd, Jesus Christ. In conclusion, I ask, (1) Are you not sinners? Methinks there should be no doubt on this head. (2) Is salvation yet given to you? In other words, have you believed in Jesus Christ? (3) What will ye do in the end — that end which is shortly approaching — death — judgment? (J. Jowett, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. |
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