For, on the one hand,there is a setting asideof a formercommandmentbecauseof its weaknessand uselessness
and throughHim everyonewho believesis freedfrom all things,from whichyou couldnot be freedthroughthe Lawof Moses.
Do we thennullifythe Lawthroughfaith?May it neverbe! On the contrary,we establishthe Law.
For whatthe Lawcouldnot do, weakas it was throughthe flesh,God[did]: sendingHis ownSonin the likenessof sinfulfleshand [as an offering] for sin,He condemnedsinin the flesh,
Brethren,I speakin termsof humanrelations:even thoughit is [only] a man'scovenant,yetwhen it has been ratified,no onesets it asideoradds conditionsto it.
What I am sayingis this:the Law,which camefour hundredand thirtyyearslater,does not invalidatea covenantpreviously ratifiedby God,soas to nullifythe promise.
Is the Lawthencontraryto the promisesof God?May it neverbe! For ifa lawhad been givenwhich was ableto impart life,then righteousnesswould indeedhave beenbasedon law.
Tellme, you who wantto be underlaw,do you not listento the law?
But nowthat you have come to knowGod,orratherto be knownby God,howis it that you turn backagainto the weakand worthlesselemental things,to whichyou desireto be enslavedall overagain?
for bodilydisciplineis only of littleprofit,but godlinessis profitablefor all things,since it holdspromisefor the presentlifeand [also] for the [life] to come.
Do not be carried awayby variedand strangeteachings;for it is goodfor the heartto be strengthenedby grace,not by foods,throughwhichthosewho were so occupiedwere not benefited.
(for the Lawmadenothingperfect),and on the other handthere is a bringingin of a betterhope,throughwhichwe draw nearto God.
