What is the role of the law in justification?

The law serves the purpose of illuminating our sinfulness and demonstrating our inability to meet God's holy standards. According to Romans 3:20, 'by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight.' The law exposes our guilt and points us to our desperate need for a Savior, as it can only condemn but not redeem. Thus, the perfect obedience required by the law showcases our utter incapacity to achieve righteousness and leads us to place our faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law's demands on our behalf.