What was the purpose of the Law for Israel?
The Law served as Israel’s schoolmaster, preparing the nation for the coming Messiah. It was given to bring them to readiness so that, by faith, they could receive Him and He could fulfill the work of the Cross. Though a few believed, the nation largely rejected Him.
Les explains that the Law functioned like a hired servant or schoolmaster assigned to bring the child to the place where he could step in and work with the Father. It was not about adopting a child from another union but placing him as a full operating son with equal responsibility and function. The Law was intended to prepare Israel, and prepare, and prepare, bringing them to readiness so that when Messiah came they could in faith say yes. A few did, but the nation for the most part rejected it. The same valid concept carries into the Gentile economy: the Law was given to prepare everything for the coming of the Messiah, so He could fulfill the work of the Cross—He had to die, be buried, and be raised for our justification.