Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

The purpose of God’s law was to enable humanity to be aware that we are sinful, that we are in need. God’s overarching purpose was for humans to live in relationship with God. If we believe ourselves to be sufficient, then we are less likely to seek out God. The law makes us aware of our need for God.

The law never had any power to save humanity or to, in and of itself, bring anyone closer to God. The law is a catalyst that enables us to pur our faith in God. It is through faith that we are united in relationship to God. The law can not save; only faith can save.

This leads to Paul’s comment at the end of chapter three…

Romans 3:31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.

Our faith does not make the law invalid; in fact, we still have a responsibility to work toward living out God’s law. But living perfectly according to the law is not the goal of a Christian’s life. The goal of a Christian’s life is to live under the grace and by the example of Jesus Christ, loving all those we meet, and doing that which God calls us to do.