The law leads to Christ as it reveals human inability. Testifying to the fact that perfect obedience is required for life in God’s presence, it helped the people of Israel to realize that they cannot do what God requires and that they are dependent on the Messiah for rescue. In this manner it was meant to shift focus from an individual's own imperfect obedience to hope in Christ.1 It was meant to prevent man from seeking to secure righteousness in any way other than faith in God’s promises, as per the covenant made with Abraham.2 Sadly, many of the individuals who lived under the old covenant did not hold fast to God’s promises but sought rather to make themselves righteous through strict obedience to the law.3
24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.