Law
& Gospel
There are
different views of the Law and Gospel among Christians.
As you continue on Lutheran
101, here is
information on how Lutherans understand both Law and
Gospel.
Part of the "Rule of
Faith" includes
the proper understanding of Law and Gospel when
reading and interpreting the Scriptures.
Robert Hoerber, in his introduction to the Concordia
Self-Study Bible, states that the law
"Shows Our Sins, while the gospel Shows Our
Savior". He further
adds:
"The
entire Bible contains both law and gospel, the Old
Testament as well as the New. ...Any serious study of
Scripture must recognize both law and gospel and must
distinguish between them. To omit either one or to
confuse the two invites a misunderstanding of Christian
doctrine. Preaching the atoning ministry, death,
resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ without first
proclaiming the sinfulness of the human race is an
exercise in folly.
The
gospel
must be preached by a proclamation of the law, which
shows the hearers their need for a Savior, who has
released them from the guilt and punishment of their
sinfulness. Preaching the gospel apart from the law
results in a diluted, shallow, emotional message.
Likewise, to proclaim the law without the comforting
truth of the gospel can offer no assurance to a troubled
conscience."
Many evangelical and non-denominational churches have a
different understanding Law and Gospel. Robert Hoerber
states:
"...mingling
law and gospel, or assigning the function of one to the
other, is equally as dangerous. Statements such as, "You
are saved
if
you believe" or "You are saved
because
you believe" are a mixing of law and gospel, for the
words "if" and "because" imply conditions and
contributions in addition to God's grace. The grace of
God is complete and unconditional.
Our
salvation
is fully achieved by the suffering, death and
resurrection of God's one and only Son, Jesus Christ. It
does not depend on anything we do or have done - or any
"if" or "because" on our part. To mix law and gospel is
to pervert and destroy the sweet message of God's grace.
Our faith is not our contribution or our work; it is a
gift of God through the work of the Holy Spirit."
Law
& Gospel Articles:
The Law and the Gospel: How Can A
Mortal Be Righteous Before God?
Walther, Law & Gospel and the State
of the Church Today
Law & Gospel
The Proper Distinction between Law
& Gospel
Fellow Patients in the Same Hospital:
Law & Gospel in the Works of C.S.
Lewis
Saint Ambrose on Law &
Gospel
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Community
What is the purpose of the Ten Commandments?
Rev. Ernie Lassman, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in
Seattle, WA, posted this video on both his
church website and
on
YouTube.
Is Christianity only for good people?
Rev. Ernie Lassman, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in
Seattle, WA, posted this video on both his
church website and
on
YouTube.
What does it mean to be spiritually dead?
Rev. Ernie Lassman, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in
Seattle, WA, posted this video on both his
church website and
on
YouTube.
What does it mean we are saved by faith not by
works?
Rev. Ernie
Lassman, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle,
WA, posted this video on both his
church website and
on
YouTube.