What could the Law actually accomplish from the human standpoint?
From the human standpoint, the Law was powerless and weak and beggarly. It could not get the job done; all it could do was point the finger of condemnation at mankind. Though the Law itself is perfect, holy, and righteous, from man's side it was unable to accomplish anything else.
Les explains that the Law, so far as humanity was concerned, was weak and beggarly. It just couldn't get the job done. From the human standpoint it was powerless, and all it could do was point the finger of condemnation at mankind. However, we ordinarily think of the Law from the other side—that it was perfect, holy, and righteous, and that it is. But since a covenant in Scripture is always a one-way street, beginning and ending with God, men cannot touch it, enlarge on it, subtract from it, or add to it. Even though from man's standpoint it is weak and beggarly, if it be confirmed, no man disannuls or adds thereto.
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
More Questions
Why does it shock people to say the Law was weak and beggarly?
People are sometimes shocked by the idea that the Law was weak and beggarly because they ordinarily think of the Law as perfect, holy, and righteous.