544. Christ, who is the better hope than the law

Gal 3:23-24, Gal 2:16,21, Rom 10:4, Rom 3:21-22, Gal 3:22

Through the sacrifice, the Israelites were temporarily forgiven of their sins and were able to meet God indirectly. But now we have eternal forgiveness of our sins and direct encounter with God through Christ, who is a better hope than the law. (Heb 7:11-12,18-19)

Heb 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

The law is leading us to Christ. In other words, the law convinces us that we are sinners and makes us believe in Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. We are made righteous by believing that Jesus is the Christ. We cannot become righteous by keeping the law. (Gal 3:23-24, Gal 2:16,21)

Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

God has imprisoned everyone under sin through the law. And God justified people by making them believe that Jesus is the Christ. (Rom 10:4, Rom 3:21-22, Gal 3:22)

Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.