Inferior, temporary, co-operating such is the distinctive nature of the Law. It had held Israel prisoner, till Christ should come. Or it resembled the slave who led a child to (Christ's) school (1 Corinthians 4:15 *). Now that Christ has appeared there is no room for a law-regime. Sonship, faith, a new humanity put on like a garment at baptism (Galatians 3:27; cf. Romans 13:14, and in a modified application, 1 Corinthians 15:53 f.), these are the privileges of Christians. Why be circumcised? Why Judaize? The new humanity is international no room now for Jewish superiority! And, while there is a blessing in being Abraham's seed, the true descent is spiritual, and Christ gives the blessing according to the promise. Law give it? Never! Evangelical Protestants must not ignore Paul's sacramental doctrine; still, they are entitled to urge that the keynote of all remains faith. The apostle believes and teaches nothing which could make faith less than all-important. (1 Corinthians 8 ff. is peculiarly instructive as to his attitude towards quasi-magical sacramental doctrines. The idol taint is not physical.)
Galatians 3:27. put on. It is tempting to conjecture that the phrase is borrowed from the mystery religions; but authorities have failed to find confirmatory evidence.