Galatians 3:22 – “But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is explaining that the law did not bring righteousness—it revealed sin. He says that Scripture “locked up everything under the control of sin,” meaning that God’s Word has made it clear that everyone is a sinner and in need of salvation. The law does not save people; instead, it shows them their guilt before God.

Paul contrasts this with “what was promised,” which refers to the blessing of Abraham—the promise of salvation by faith. Instead of salvation coming through keeping the law, it comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

The phrase “might be given to those who believe” makes it clear that salvation is a gift from God, received by faith alone. Paul is saying that because Scripture has proven that all are guilty, the only way to be made right with God is through trusting in Christ.

Historical Context

The Jewish people had received the law of Moses, which included commands on how to live, sacrifices for sin, and ceremonies to maintain a relationship with God. Many Jews believed that following these laws was the way to be right with God.

However, Paul is arguing that the law was never meant to save—it was meant to show sin. In Romans 3:23, Paul says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The law revealed this truth—it “locked up everything under the control of sin” by proving that no one could be perfectly obedient.

The false teachers in Galatia were telling Gentile believers that they needed to follow the Jewish law to be truly saved. But Paul is refuting this idea, showing that the law’s real purpose was to point people to Jesus, not to be a way of salvation itself.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important truths about salvation and the law:

1. The law shows that all people are sinners. No one can claim to be righteous by their own efforts.
2. The law does not provide salvation—it reveals the need for salvation. The more people try to keep the law, the more they realize they fall short.
3. Salvation is a gift that comes by faith. It is not something people can earn—it is given by God to those who believe in Jesus.
4. Faith in Jesus is the only way to be set free. The law locks people up under sin, but Jesus provides the way out.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of “Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin” is powerful. It paints a picture of humanity trapped—enslaved to sin—without any way to escape on their own.

• “Locked up” – This phrase suggests being imprisoned or confined. It shows that sin is not just something people do—it is a power that holds them captive.
• “So that what was promised… might be given” – Paul is showing that the law was never the final answer. The real solution was always God’s promise—salvation through faith in Christ.

Paul uses a contrast between sin and faith:

• The law exposes sin and leaves people “locked up.”
• Faith in Christ sets people free and gives them salvation.

This contrast is central to Paul’s argument—people cannot be saved by their works, but only by trusting in Jesus.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Everyone is under sin.)
• Romans 11:32 – “For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.” (Similar to Galatians 3:22, this verse shows that God allows people to see their sin so they will turn to Him.)
• Galatians 3:10 – “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse.” (The law does not bring life—it brings a curse because no one can keep it perfectly.)
• Romans 7:7 – “I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.” (The law reveals sin, but it does not save.)
• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Salvation comes through faith, not law-keeping.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that salvation is not about trying harder—it is about trusting Jesus. Many people today still believe that being a good person, following religious traditions, or obeying rules will make them right with God. But Paul makes it clear:

• The law proves that we cannot save ourselves. No amount of effort will make us good enough for God.
• Sin holds people captive, but Jesus sets them free. If people try to rely on their own good works, they remain “locked up” under sin.
• Faith is the key to salvation. God’s promise of salvation is not based on performance—it is given freely to those who believe.

For modern Christians, this means:

• Stop trying to earn God’s approval—Jesus has already made the way.
• Recognize that you cannot save yourself, but Christ has done it for you.
• Trust in God’s promise rather than your own efforts.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His desire to set people free from sin. He did not give the law to condemn people forever but to help them see their need for a Savior.

Instead of leaving humanity “locked up” under sin, God sent Jesus to break the chains and offer salvation as a gift. This verse shows that God’s love is not based on people trying to be good enough—it is based on His faithfulness to His promise.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise:

• Jesus came to set people free from the power of sin. The law exposes sin, but Jesus removes it (John 8:36).
• Jesus fulfilled the law so that righteousness could come through faith. He did what no one else could do—He obeyed God perfectly (Matthew 5:17).
• Through Jesus, the promise of salvation is given to all who believe. Just as Abraham was justified by faith, so are all who trust in Christ (Galatians 3:6-9).

Paul is making it clear: Jesus is the only way out of the prison of sin.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that Scripture has “locked up everything under the control of sin”?
2. How does this verse show that salvation is by faith, not by works?
3. Why did God give the law if it could not bring righteousness?
4. How does knowing that sin “locks people up” help you appreciate what Jesus has done?
5. How can you help others understand that salvation is a free gift, not something they have to earn?