From Tutor to Sonship: Understanding Freedom Through Faith

Brothers and sisters, have you ever been in a place where the rules were clear, the structure was undeniable, but you still felt like you were waiting for something—something more? Maybe you’ve been studying the scriptures, diligently following the covenants, feeling the weight of expectation, like you were being trained for a role you couldn't yet fully inhabit. It can feel like living under a very good, very detailed system of expectation.

If that resonates, then I want to talk to you today about what Paul was teaching in Galatians—a profound lesson on transition. It’s a lesson that speaks directly to our journey as Latter-day Saints: moving from preparation to full inheritance. It’s about the difference between being *kept* and being *freed*.

In the recent lesson we looked at, Paul draws a powerful analogy using the Roman tutor. Think about it: these tutors were highly educated, necessary for discipline and training, but they were not the parents. They were meant to prepare a young man for emancipation—for receiving his true inheritance. The Law, in that context, served as that tutor. It was good, it was guiding, it was necessary for structure, but it wasn't the final destination.

The Shift: From Restrainer to Revelation

Paul makes this distinction so clearly in Galatians 3:23. He says that before the arrival of the faith—and I want to emphasize that word—we were kept in custody under the law. The law was the restrainer, the guide, until the true revelation, the Gospel, was ready to be unveiled.

Now, pay close attention to the nuance Paul uses. He distinguishes between two uses of 'faith.' One 'faith' means *to believe*—it’s personal trust, the act of believing in someone. The other, 'the faith,' refers to the established body of doctrine, the Gospel itself—the revealed promise. This distinction is key for us as we study the scriptures!

The Law trained us to believe, yes. It taught us what was right and wrong, setting the parameters of righteous living. But what did it prepare us for? It prepared us to receive the Father's promises, and we receive those promises by *believing* in Christ. When Paul says we are justified by faith, he means by the act of trusting Him. When he says 'now that the faith has come,' he means the Gospel revelation has arrived, and the tutor is no longer necessary.

The Inheritance: Sonship by Faith

The ultimate destination, the inheritance, isn't just adherence to rules; it's sonship. It's becoming a child of God. And how do we secure that position? Through faith in Christ Jesus. This isn't earned by perfect adherence to every commandment of the Law; it’s gifted through the Atonement, received by trust.

This principle is so vital for every one of us—whether you're prepping for your mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply trying to live more fully as a disciple in your own home. We are all continually moving from one stage of preparation to the next, always being guided toward the fullness of the Gospel.

If you want to dig deeper into this beautiful theology, I highly recommend revisiting the lesson on Galatians. It’s a perfect example of how the Spirit guides us through necessary stages of learning until we are ready for the fullness of the covenant path.

As you continue your own journey of discipleship, remember that the Spirit doesn't let us remain in the 'tutor' phase forever. He gently guides us forward. If you're feeling the pull toward deeper study, I invite you to join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Or, if you want to test your understanding of these deep doctrines, I'd love for you to bring your questions to Davee. He’s ready to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask about faith versus law.

Keep striving to be Christlike in all things, my friends. The work is eternal, and our capacity to receive the blessings of the Gospel is limitless when we keep our hearts open!