The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel

 

Definitions

The Gospel – a Christian declaration that God has reconciled His people to himself. This was accomplished by the persona and work of Jesus.

Faith – certaintly in a promise. Faith in Jesus takes his promises as certain.

Comparing Law & Gospel

LawGospel
Preach every SundayPreach every Sunday
First Commandment cannot be keptI AM (Matt 22:37)
To unrepentant sinners to CRUSH them
scoffers will ignore, … wise will listen
To crushed sinners to lift / save
Death Liberated from sin, death, and the devil
We must ascend to Heaven God descends to meet us
Pray, struggle, wrestle Believe in Christ
Doubt and purgetory Certainty of reconciliation and salvation
In NTIn OT, like Psalm 51
Sin has earthly consequencesSin still has consequences until we repent
What we ought to doGod's work/agency, God's kindness
God is difficult – Commands and demandsChildlike faith – No demands
Moses, John the Baptist, the rich young manJesus! and the Holy Spirit
Quit Sinaigo to Golgotha
Shall NOTA gift passively received
Shows man's depravityNew creation
Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is unforgivableAegidius Mimmius, ... can repent
Written on human heartsOnly possible via the Holy Spirit
Death/darkness/thirstLife/light/refreshed
Concupiscence… can repent
Roman Catholic tradition is new lawNOT a new "law"
"on account" of faith (works)"by" faith (Grace)
To appease God/godsTo glorify God
ll belief systems have law – there is NO exit There will always be a remnant

After the Gospel

After the Holy Spirit indwells us (the Gospel has taken hold) we can:
  •   Receive the benefits of the Sacraments … Grace
  •   Justification
  •   Reflect God's kindness
  •   Perform works that please God
  •   Daily repentance (in the narrow sense) that brings absolution
  •   Pray effectively
  •   Have feelings that further develop our faith
  •   Sanctification
  •   …
  •   New Heavens and new earth

Doctrine

Point of DoctineParticipants
Jesus was/is eternalAthanasius and Arius, 319 AD
Preach Law and Gospel every sermonAntinomian heresy
Man does NOT have Free Will in matters of faithAugustine of Hippo
Fear The LORD.. future discussion ..
The Bible is discernable, it is a reliable witness.. future discussion ..
Elected / Lutheran Predestination.. future discussion ..
The Keys / Forgiveness.. future discussion ..

Miscellaneous Notes

8/23  Session 9

8/9  Session 8

7/26  Session 7

7/12  Session 6

6/14 and 6/28  Sessions 4 and 5

  GettingNOT Getting
What you deserveThe World … Justice?Mercy
What you do NOT deserveGrace??

5/24/23  Session 3

5/10/23  Session 2

4/26/23  Session 1

 

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