1. Galatians 2:21 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What would it mean for righteousness to be gained through the law?

Galatians 2:21 (ESV)

21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

For righteousness to be gained through the law is for a declaration of righteousness in the sight of God to be given in response to obedience to the law.1 This is not possible for fallen man (Romans 1:18 – 3:20).