What could the Law do from the human standpoint?
The Law, from the human standpoint, was weak and beggarly, powerless, and 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 humanity's side it was powerless.
Les explains that while the Law is perfect, holy, and righteous in itself, from the human standpoint it was weak and beggarly and powerless. It just couldn't get the job done; all it could do was point the finger of condemnation at mankind. Yet because it is a covenant, it is a one-way street: every covenant in Scripture begins and ends with God, and men cannot touch it, enlarge on it, or subtract from it.
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.