Why is it impossible to be saved by the law?

The law serves as a mirror reflecting humanity's sinful nature, as indicated in Galatians 3:10-11, which states that those who rely on the law are under a curse because they cannot perfectly fulfill its demands. The law requires absolute perfection, which is impossible for fallen humans. Jesus elaborates on this in Matthew 5:48, telling us to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect, leading to hopelessness in attempting to earn salvation through obedience.

This impossibility brings us to an essential gospel truth: salvation is only possible through grace, as stated in Romans 3:20, where it says that by the deeds of the law, no flesh will be justified in His sight. Only through Jesus's atoning sacrifice can we be reconciled to God, fulfilling the law's demands on our behalf. Thus, the law illustrates our need for mercy and drives us to seek Christ's righteousness.