For if the inheritance [of the promise depends on observing] the Law [as these false teachers would like you to believe], it no longer [depends] on the promise; however, God gave it to Abraham [as a free gift solely] by virtue of His promise. Galatians 3:18 (AMPC)
If law and Promise were signposts pointing out construction works on the road, on the law signpost there would be indicated ” men at work” and on the Promise signpost there would be indicated “God at work”
The illustration is to define law as the system where we are working in our own human wisdom and strength to get results. The Promise is the system where God is working in His own wisdom and strength to get results.
When Abraham had Ishmael with Hagar it was according to human strength because Hagar was still a young woman able to bear children. But when Abraham had Isaac with Sarah it was through God’s wisdom and strength because both Abraham and Sarah were too old to have children naturally and moreover Sarah was barren.
The law is where we live and walk by self-will and self-effort while the Promise is where we live and walk by the Word and Spirit of God.
In Christ Jesus we are not under law but we are of the Promise. We are saved, delivered, made right and continue therein, not in our own ability but by what God has already done and is saying to us through the Gospel.
