18 For 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.

THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW

19 Why, then, was the law given?a It was added for the sake of transgressionsA until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angelsb by means of a mediator.c 20 Now a mediator is not just for one person alone, but God is one.d 21 Is 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. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin’s power,B,e so that the promise might be given on the basis of faithf in Jesus Christ to those who believe.g 23 Before this faithh came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed.i 24 The law, then, was our guardian until Christ,j so that we could be justified by faith. 25 But since that faithk has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.

SONS AND HEIRS

27 For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.l 28 There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free,m male and female;n since you are all oneo in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirsp according to the promise.q