The Law in Galatians: Understanding the Schoolmaster

The 1888 General Conference in Minneapolis marked a turning point in the theological direction of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At the heart of the discussion was the message of "Christ our Righteousness," as presented by A.T. Jones and E.J. Waggoner. Central to this message was a reevaluation of the law in the book of Galatians—a topic that remains misunderstood by many even today.

The Law in Galatians: Moral and Ceremonial
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24). Many Adventists interpret this "law" as referring only to the ceremonial law. However, Ellen White clarified:

"In this Scripture, the Holy Spirit through the apostle is speaking especially of the moral law. The law reveals sin to us..." (1MR 130.2)
"What law is the schoolmaster to bring us to Christ? I answer: Both the ceremonial and the moral code of ten commandments." (1MR 131.4)

Both laws, therefore, served as guardians to bring sinners to Christ, revealing their insufficiency and pointing to the necessity of a Saviour. But once we come to Christ, the role of the schoolmaster is fulfilled.

Paul reaffirms this in Romans 7:6:

"But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:6)

This new life is directed by the Spirit, not by the stone tables of the law.

Rejection of the 1888 Message
Ellen White strongly rebuked the resistance shown at the 1888 conference:

"An unwillingness to yield up preconceived opinions, and to accept this truth, lay at the foundation of a large share of the opposition manifested... The light that is to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted..." (1MR 130.3)

Opponents of the message could not accept a righteousness that came entirely from Christ, because they still clung to the law—especially the moral law—as a means of guidance and even justification.

The Purpose of the Law: A Schoolmaster
Paul makes it plain in Galatians 3:19 and 3:24–25 that the law was added "because of transgressions" and served as a schoolmaster "until the seed should come." Its role was temporary and instructive, preparing hearts for Christ.

Like children playing with dolls to learn adult responsibilities, Israel was given the law to act out the plan of salvation until the real thing arrived. As one matures, toys are no longer needed. Likewise, when Christ came, the object lesson was fulfilled.

Bondage Under the Law
Paul uses the analogy of a child under guardians in Galatians 4:1-3. Though heirs, children are like servants, under tutors and governors. He applies this to the church before Christ—in spiritual infancy, bound to a system of rules.

"Mount Sinai gendereth to bondage" (Gal 4:24), producing slavery rather than freedom.
Paul emphasizes that this bondage is not to sin, but to a system of external control. To return to that system is to regress spiritually.

The Change Brought by Christ

"When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son... to redeem them that were under the law" (Gal 4:4-5).

Those under the law were spiritual minors. Christ came so we could become sons, guided by the Spirit, not law.

Jesus Himself clarified this transformation:
"I no longer call you servants... but I have called you friends" (John 15:15).

Servants obey without understanding; sons obey because they know and love the Father.

The Spirit vs. the Letter
Paul's concern was not about paganism but Judaism. The Galatians were turning back to a system of legal obedience. He calls it "weak and beggarly elements" (Gal 4:9) because the law could never bring righteousness.

"For the law made nothing perfect" (Hebrews 7:19) "If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain" (Gal 2:21)

To be led by the Spirit is to live above the letter, fulfilling its intent, not merely its form. It is to have the law written on the heart, not just on stone.

The True Status of God's People Today
We are no longer children. We are heirs, sons and daughters of God, led by the Spirit. The law was a guide for the immature. But maturity brings internal transformation:

"If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law" (Gal 5:18)

Illustration About True Principles
It had been raining heavily outside. Two children, after playing, returned home and approached a door with a sign that read: “Please wipe your shoes.” One child wiped his shoes hastily and stepped inside, leaving muddy footprints behind. The other removed his shoes before entering, keeping the floor clean. Which one truly honored the intent of the rule?

The second child understood the purpose behind the rule. Likewise, Christians today must live by the principle, not just the letter.

Modern Misunderstandings About the Law

Today, many claim to understand the 1888 message, yet their lives reflect a spirit of legalism and external formality. They may proudly display the Ten Commandments in their homes as a daily guide—believing this will help them avoid sin. While the intention may be sincere, it often results in misplaced trust in the letter of the law rather than in the living power of Christ dwelling within.

When asked why they abstain from eating unclean meat, rather than giving an explanation rooted in Christ-centered health principles—motivated by love, wisdom, and faithful stewardship of the body—many simply respond, “Because the law says so,” and cite Leviticus 11. This response tends to frame their choice as a way to avoid sin, rather than as a living expression of love, temperance, and Spirit-led self-governance.

Yet under the New Covenant, eating unclean meat is not defined as a moral sin that separates a person from God (see Mark 7:18–19). The dietary laws given to Israel were primarily ceremonial and contextually beneficial for their time. However, many still view their Christian journey through the lens of stone-inscribed rules, turning life into a checklist to avoid punishment rather than a Spirit-led journey shaped by love, discernment, and trust.

When someone abstains from unclean meat primarily out of fear of judgment by the law rather than because of health, it often signals a mindset still bound to the old covenant—a fear-based framework rather than one founded on faith. This approach subtly suggests that one’s standing with God is maintained by performance and external compliance rather than inner transformation and Spirit-led conviction. Instead of trusting that their righteousness is found in Christ alone, such believers may continue to operate as if they are still under a tutor—afraid to displease God through ceremonial missteps, rather than walking boldly in the freedom of faith and love.

This misunderstanding also spills into modern health decisions, like vaccination. Some believe that taking vaccines, such as COVID vaccines, is morally wrong because certain ingredients might be considered “unclean.” Even those in professions like nursing, teaching, or healthcare—roles where COVID vaccines may be required by secular regulations in order to work legally—sometimes feel pressured to quit rather than act from a principle of sacrificial love. While such convictions may stem from sincerity, it’s crucial to ask: is the driving force fear, or love?

This is not a judgment against those who decide differently, but a gentle invitation to evaluate whether our actions align with the principles of Christ. As Jesus said, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth...” (Matthew 15:11). Love—expressed in service, compassion, and sacrifice—must guide every decision, not fear of impurity or health anxiety that overshadows our calling.

As Paul affirms: “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” (Romans 7:6). In Christ, obedience flows from inner transformation—not mere duty. We are led by the Spirit, not controlled by the law. The law was our schoolmaster, pointing us to Christ—but once we have come to Him, we are called to walk in freedom, guided by His indwelling love.

Conclusion: The Path to True Righteousness

The law—both ceremonial and moral—was given to lead us to Christ. But many still try to cling to it for guidance and righteousness. In doing so, they miss the central truth of the 1888 message: Christ is our Righteousness.

It is not the law that transforms, but the Spirit of Christ within. To remain under the schoolmaster after the arrival of the Teacher is to reject maturity. It is time to stop playing with shadows and enter into the fullness of Christ.

As Paul declared:
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Gal 5:1)