Question. Do you then think that those who obey the Law of God in all things are justified?
Answer: Yes, truly; if anyone were able to keep it perfectly, they would be justified by the Law. But we are all, through the original corruption of our nature, so blind, wicked, and stubborn that we can neither understand, nor are we able or willing to do the duty required by the Law. And though someone may be found who keeps one or two outward points of the Law, yet he offends in many others; and the heart of man is always straying from the inward justice and innocence required by the Law. Therefore, no one can be justified by the Law before God, for He declares all to be cursed and detestable who do not fulfill everything contained in the Law.
Scripture Reference: Rom. 10:15; Gen. 6:5; and 8:21; Prov. 20:9; Rom. 7:14-15; Gal. 2:16; Prov. 20:9; Deut. 27:36; Gal. 3:10; James 2:10-11
Question. Does the Law then place all people in this hopeless condition?
Answer: The unbelieving and ungodly, yes—the Law both puts and leaves them in that state I have spoken of. For as they are not able to keep even the least part of the Law, they also have no trust at all in God’s mercy through Christ. But among the godly, the Law has other purposes.
Scripture Reference: Deut. 27:26; Rom. 3:10 and 8:7-8; Eph. 5:5-6; James 2:10