“The meaning is that _the law was given to show the true nature of transgressions_, or _to show what sin is_. It was not to reveal a way of justification, but it was _to disclose the true nature of sin_; to deter men from committing it; to declare its penalty; _to convince men of it_, and thus to be ancillary to, and preparatory to, the work of redemption through the Redeemer. This is the true account of the law of God as given to apostate man, and this use of the law still exists.”—_Dr. Albert Barnes, on Gal. 3:19._ 8. How is this same truth again expressed? “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. _But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful._” Rom. 7:12, 13. 9. For what purpose did the law enter? “Moreover the law entered, _that the offense might abound_.” Rom. 5:20. NOTE.—By the giving of the law at Sinai, then, God designed, not to increase or multiply sin, but that men might, through a new revelation of Him and of His character and will, as expressed in a _plainly spoken_ and _plainly written_ law, the better see _the awful sinfulness of sin_, and thus _their utter helplessness_ and _undone condition_. While in Egypt, surrounded as they were with idolatry and sin, and as the result of their long bondage and hard servitude, Israel even, the special people of God, had largely forgotten God and lost sight of His requirements. Until one realizes that he is a sinner, he cannot see his need of a Saviour from sin. Hence the entering, or republication, of the law to the world through Israel at Sinai. 10. By what is the knowledge of sin? “_By the law_ is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20. See also Rom. 7:7. 11. Under what condition is the written law good? “But we know that the law is good, _if a man use it lawfully_.” 1 Tim. 1:8. 12. And what is indicated as the lawful use of the law? “Knowing this, that _the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient_, for the _ungodly_ and for _sinners_, for _unholy_ and _profane_, for _murderers_ of fathers and _murderers_ of mothers, for _manslayers_, for _whoremongers_, for them that _defile themselves with mankind_, for _menstealers_, for _liars_, for _perjured persons_, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.” Verses 9, 10. NOTE.—In other words, the lawful use of the written law is to show what sin is, and to convince sinners that they are sinners, and that they need a Saviour. God’s design, then, in giving the law at Sinai was to shut men up under sin, and thus lead them to Christ. 13. Who does Christ say need a physician? “They that be whole need not a physician, but _they that are sick_.” Matt. 9:12.