The Law is like a mirror

“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” Romans 3:20
Many people have the wrong idea about what the Law is supposed to do. It is true that it is the way that God wants us to live. But it is not true that we can be saved by keeping the Law. Every one of us has broken it at one time or another, and some of us more often than others. The commandments of the law aren’t like strands on a rope, where a few can be broken but the rope will still be ok. No, they are like links in a chain – break just one, and the load it is holding will come falling down.
But here’s the thing: the Law was not intended to bring salvation. Rather, it was intended to show us what sin is, and that we are guilty of it. It is like a mirror – it can show us that we are dirty, but it cannot make us clean. Cleansing from sin is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.