A frequent misinterpretation is to see the law merely as an oppressive prison that imprisoned humanity in despair without redemptive purpose, overlooking its protective and preparatory function as a custodian leading to faith; another error is to assume the law became wholly irrelevant or abolished for believers, disregarding its continued value in exposing sin, instructing righteousness, and distinguishing God's people even in the age of grace.
Galatians 3:23
King James Version (1769)
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
This passage conveys the core truth that before faith in Christ was revealed, the Mosaic Law functioned as a guardian or tutor, confining and protecting people under its authority to restrain sin and prepare them for the coming promise of justification by faith alone, emphasizing the law's temporary custodial role until the fullness of faith arrived through Jesus.