19 So what was the law for? The law was given to show the wrong things people do. It continued until the special descendant of Abraham came. God’s promise was about this descendant. The law was given through angels who used Moses for a mediator to give the law to men.
20 But a mediator is not needed when there is only one side. And God is only one.
21 Does this mean that the law is against God’s promises? Never! If there were a law that could give men life, then we could be made right by following that law.
22 But this is not true, because the Scriptures showed that the whole world is bound by sin. This was so that the promise would be given through faith. And it is given to people who believe in Jesus Christ.
23 Before this faith came, we were all held prisoners by the law. We had no freedom until God showed us the way of faith that was coming.
24 So the law was our master until Christ came. After Christ came, we could be made right with God through faith.
25 Now the way of faith has come, and we no longer live under the law.