“For This End Was the Law Given”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

The Law, of Moses was given, in the words of Paul, as a “schoolmaster until Christ” (JST, Galatians 3:24).

It was given:

  1. Because of the transgressions of the children of Israel, because of their inability to abide the terms and conditions of the everlasting gospel, and thus to receive the blessings of the higher priesthood (see Galatians 3:19); and
  2. To point out transgressions—to point up one’s inability to meet the challenges of mortality without a Redeemer, without divine assistance (see Romans 3:20; Romans 5:20; Romans 7:7).
Few matters are more well established in the Book of Mormon than the fact that the Law of Moses was given to direct men’s hopes and faith toward Jesus the Christ (see 2 Nephi 11:4; Jacob 4:5; Jarom 1:11; Mosiah 13:30; Alma 25:16-17; Alma 34:14).

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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