3 ²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not; for if a law had been given which could make alive, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 3 ²² But the scripture consigned all things to sin, that what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

3 ²³ Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. 3 ²⁴ So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. 3 ²⁵ But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; 3 ²⁶ for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 3 ²⁷ For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 3 ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 3 ²⁹ And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

4 ¹ I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; 4 ² but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. 4 ³ So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. 4 ⁴ But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 4 ⁵ to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 4 ⁶ And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 4 ⁷ So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.