LAW AND GOSPEL

The Bible sets forth two primary doctrines, the Law and the Gospel. The words, “Whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law: that… all the world may become guilty before God,” tell us that every statement of Scripture that shows us our guilt before God, is Law (Rom. 3:19). On the other hand, every statement of Scripture that assures us of God’s forgiveness in Christ is Gospel.

That being the case, the words, “Jesus wept” are Gospel, because they assure us of God’s love and willingness to forgive (John 11:35). In contrast, the words, “the works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19) are Law because they reveal our sinful nature and need of God’s forgiveness in Christ – thus showing us our guilt before God just as Romans 3:19 says. The Law shows us our sin, the Gospel is the good news of forgiveness in Christ. Both are necessary to the salvation of souls. Those who do not think that they are sinners need the Law to convict them of their sin. Those who are sorry for their sin need the comfort of the Gospel to assure them of God’s forgiveness in Christ.