Every law is given to restrain sin. Does it not then make men righteous?
 Martin Luther, Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians (1535). copy citation

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Author Martin Luther
Source Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians
Topic sin law
Date 1535
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Theodore Graebner
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1549/1549-h/1549-h.htm

Context

“What is the function of the Law? "Transgression," answers the Apostle. The Twofold Purpose of the Law The Law has a twofold purpose. One purpose is civil. God has ordained civil laws to punish crime. Every law is given to restrain sin. Does it not then make men righteous? No. In refraining from murder, adultery, theft, or other sins, I do so under compulsion because I fear the jail, the noose, the electric chair. These restrain me as iron bars restrain a lion and a bear.” source