But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Before faith came, God's people were kept under the ceremonial law given by Christ. That solemn sanctuary service typified grand truths to be revealed through successive generations, and it held a glorious place in the plan of redemption in relation to Christ's work, worthy of its divine Originator even after it was no longer to be observed. Its cloud of incense ascending with Israel's prayers shows that only Christ's righteousness can make the sinner's prayer acceptable to God, its bleeding victim on the altar of sacrifice testified of a Redeemer to come, and its visible token from the holy of holies shone forth the divine presence. Thus through age after age of darkness and apostasy this keeping preserved faith alive in human hearts until the time came for the advent of the promised Messiah.
The verse belongs to plain light about the law that must be accepted, and turning away from that light comes from fear of having to accept what it teaches about the law. Its truth about the law will bear open investigation and criticism in a Christlike manner without tottering or falling. Differences of view upon its doctrinal points are not vital questions, while whether believers are Christians with a Christian spirit and are true and open and frank with one another is a vital question. Right views of it must sanctify those who hold them, bringing forth fruits after Christ's order and not bitter as gall.
Before faith came, God's people were kept under the ceremonial law given by Christ. That solemn sanctuary service typified grand truths to be revealed through successive generations, and it held a glorious place in the plan of redemption in relation to Christ's work, worthy of its divine Originator even after it was no longer to be observed. Its cloud of incense ascending with Israel's prayers shows that only Christ's righteousness can make the sinner's prayer acceptable to God, its bleeding victim on the altar of sacrifice testified of a Redeemer to come, and its visible token from the holy of holies shone forth the divine presence. Thus through age after age of darkness and apostasy this keeping preserved faith alive in human hearts until the time came for the advent of the promised Messiah.
The verse belongs to plain light about the law that must be accepted, and turning away from that light comes from fear of having to accept what it teaches about the law. Its truth about the law will bear open investigation and criticism in a Christlike manner without tottering or falling. Differences of view upon its doctrinal points are not vital questions, while whether believers are Christians with a Christian spirit and are true and open and frank with one another is a vital question. Right views of it must sanctify those who hold them, bringing forth fruits after Christ's order and not bitter as gall.