Galatians 3:19

Here an objection is moved: Some might be ready to say, "If the law, that is, works done in obedience to the law, do not justify, then the law given by Moses upon Mount Sinai, is in vain, and to no purpose; for why was the law given, enjoining so many duties, promising life to the obedient, and threatening wrath and. curse to the disobedient, if the inheritance come not by the law?" The apostle answers, that one great end for which the law was given, was to discover sin, and. sinner's undone condition by reason of sin, and to lead him to seek out for. remedy. The law was added because of transgressions: that is, to make transgression appear, to discover the pollutions of men's hearts and natures, and make them sensible of the condemnation they are under. The law was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come: that is, Christ and his church.

Where note, that the legal dispensations were not to continue always in the church, but only till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: at whose death the partition wall was broken down, and the Gentiles called into the fellowship of the church, as well as the Jews.

Observe, farther, the glorious and amazing manner, in which the law was given upon Mount Sinai, in thunder and lightning, by the ministry of angels, in such. terrible manner, that there was no access for sinful man to God, but by Moses,. mediator, standing betwixt God and them; who in that action was. type of our Lord Jesus Christ, the only Mediator between God and us. As Moses was. typical, national, and representative Mediator, standing between the Lord and that people of the Jews, so Christ was. substantial and universal Mediator between God and mankind.

Where note, that the law was published in mercy and pacification, not in fury and revenge; for had the Lord intended death in the publishing of the law, he would not have proclaimed it in the hand of. Mediator, but of an executioner. He adds, That. Mediator is not. Mediator of one, that is, of one party, but of disagreeing parties. God and man were once friends. They were one, and needed no Mediator: But God and man, by sin, fell at variance, and now need. Mediator. The very notion of. Mediator doth suppose, that men by sin, are at odds with God, and that God, by grace, is willing to be one with man. However, though. Mediator is not. mediator of one, yet God is one: that is, together be two covenants: he carries on one and the same purpose and intention, both in the law, and in the gospel; namely,. benevolence and good-will towards, and. hearty desire and reconciliation with mankind.