Galatians 3:17-24

17My point is this: The law, which came 430 years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously established by God and thus cancel the promise.

18For if the inheritance is based on the law, it is no longer based on the promise; but God has graciously given it to Abraham through the promise.

19Why, then, was the law given? It was added for the sake of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator.

20Now a mediator is not just for one person alone, but God is one.

21Is the law therefore contrary to God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if the law had been granted with the ability to give life, then righteousness would certainly be on the basis of the law.

22But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin’s power, so that the promise might be given on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ to those who believe.

23Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed.

24The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith.