The Harmony Between the Law and the Gospel
Canon Vernon Hutton., I. Watts, D. D. Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life… I. THE GOSPEL GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT MADE OF NONE EFFECT BY THE LAW. Abraham was justified by faith. 1. Which is God's old covenant. 2. Resting on God's own promises. 3. And still endures. II. THE LAW IS NOT MADE OF NONE EFFECT BY THE GOSPEL GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. The law is — 1. For conviction. 2. Discovers need for righteousness. 3. Leads to righteousness by leading to Christ. (Canon Vernon Hutton.)If the law had been for the same end as the gospel, for man ruined and sinful to obtain life and salvation by it as well as the gospel, then they might have been supposed to contradict one another; but since they are given for different purposes, they are but different revelations of God which are happily subordinate one to another, and their different ends and designs are both obtained. (I. Watts, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. WEB: Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law.