The Law and The Gospel

The Fundamentals Of The Christians Faith

Lesson 19

The Law And The Gospel

1. What part of God's holy Word is the law?

The divine law is everything in Scripture which demands of man perfect obedience to God, (Galatians 3, 12) pronounces his curse upon all transgressors, (Galatians 3, 10) renders all the world guilty before God, (Romans 3, 19) and gives the knowledge of sin (Romans 3, 20).

2. Which portion of God's Word is the Gospel?

The Gospel is everything that offers grace, peace and salvation to the sinner.

"How shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" - Romans 10, 15.

"Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the frace of God." - Acts 20, 24.

"Ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation." - Ephesians 1, 13.

"Keep your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace." - Ephesians 6, 15.

3. What features are common to both the law and the Gospel?

If we compare the two doctrines, we find that they have several important elements in common. First of all, both are the divinely inspired Word of God. While the function of the law is entirely different from that of the Gospel, it is nevertheless just as much God's holy and inspired Word.

Second, both doctrines, the law and the Gospel, apply to all men and must be taught side by side.

4. What is the difference between the law and the Gospel?

a. The law teaches what we are to do an not to do. The Gospel teaches what God has done and still does for our salvation.

b. The law shows our sin and the wrath of God. The Gospel shows our Savior and the grace of God.

c. The law is to be preached to all men, but specifically to impenitent sinners. The Gospel is to be preached to sinners who are troubled in their minds because of their sins.

The law condemns, while the Gospel justifies.

5. What is the purpose of these two Bible doctrines?

"As many as are of the works of the alw are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." - Galatians 3, 10.

The law must be preached in its full severity, to bring the sinner to a clear knowledge of his sin and condemnation.

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved? . . . Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." - Acts 16, 30-31.

When the law has accomplished its purpose and the contrite sinner cries out, "What must I do to be saved?" then the preaching of the law must stop and that of the Gospel must begin, to comfort the sinner with the grace of God in Christ Jesus.

6. What is the close connection between the law and the Gospel?

The two are closely connected in the conversion of the sinner. The conversion of a sinner requires the preaching of both the law and the Gospel. The law must first point our to the sinner his spiritual death, in order that he may receive the spiritual life which the Gospel gives. The law msut proclaim sin, so that the Gospel can proclaim grace.

The close connection is also apparent in the sanctification of the believer. It is true that according to the inward man the believer does not require the law, but according to the old man, the believer neither knows the law thoroughly nor fulfills it willingly.

7. What three-fold purpose does the law serve?

"When the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another." - Romans 2, 14-15.

First, the law checks to some extent the coarse outbursts of sin and thereby helps to keep order in the world.

"By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." - Romans 3, 20.

Second, the law shows us our sins.

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word is a lamp unto my6 feet, and a light unto my path." - Psalm 199, 9 and 105.

Third, the law teaches us Christians what we must do to lead a God-pleasing life.

8. How can we properly distinguish between the law and the Gospel?

"Teach me to do thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness!" - Psalm 143,10.

While it is comparatively easy to distinguish between the law and the Gospel in theory, it sometimes becomes difficult in actual practice. The Christian pastor here finds a high and holy task, in seeing to it that he "rightly divides the Word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2, 15.

God must help us. Without grace we can not maintain the proper distinction between the law and the Gospel.

Test Paper - Lesson 19

1. Of what two parts is God's Word made up?
a. ..................................................................................................................................................

b. ..................................................................................................................................................

2. In your own words please tell the difference between the Law and the Gospel.

......................................................................................................................................................

3. In what respects are the Law and the Gospel alike?

a. ..................................................................................................................................................

b. ..................................................................................................................................................

4. In what respects are the Law and the Gospel different?

a. ..................................................................................................................................................

b. ..................................................................................................................................................

5. Complete the following Bible passage: "Believe on the ............................................................,
.............................................................................................................................., ......................
..................................................................................................." - Acts 16, 31.

6. In the conversion of the sinner, what is the close connection between the Law and the Gospel?
The Law ......................................................................................................................................,
while the Gospel ...........................................................................................................................

7. Name two purposes which the Law serves? ..............................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................

8. How can we properly distinguish between the Law and the Gospel? ..........................................

......................................................................................................................................................

9. Complete the following Bible passage: "Being justified freely ....................................................

...................................................................................................................................................."
- Romans 3, 24.

10. Is the following statement true or false: The proper division between Law and Gospel represents a high and holy task for the Christian ministry.........................................

Made every effort to fill in the answers from memory. If you are not sure of certain answers, you may look them up in the lesson. Your paper will be graded according to the following standard: 10 correct: perfect; 9 correct: excellent; 8 correct: very good; 7 correct: good.