For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. – John 1:17
The Bible can be divided in many ways. We divide Old and New Testaments. We also divide it by the various books and types of books (history, poetry, wisdom, prophets, epistles, etc.). One of the most important ways we divide Scripture is by its two main teachings, Law and Gospel. This will not only help us in these devotional blog posts, but also in your personal study of the Bible.
Many people think of the Old Testament as being a bunch of rules God imposes and the New Testament as being all about grace. This isn’t the case, though. While the Old Testament does have many commands of God, there are also many passages and examples of God’s grace. Similarly, the New Testaments includes commands, not just passages about grace.
These two concepts, the commands of God and the grace of God, are what we call Law and Gospel and these are the two major teachings found throughout the whole Bible. Law refers to anything God demands of us, commands that we are to follow. Gospel refers to anything God does for us, the gracious gifts of God. These are the two basic ways God works in people’s lives.
Law:
God’s Law commands the good works that we are to do. It speaks of rewards for obedience and punishment for doing what we should not do (sin). Law doesn’t have to be phrased as a command like, “Thou shalt not kill.” Law can come in various forms, such as teachings and poetry, etc. Any time you read a passage and come away with something you are required to do or not do, that is Law.
God uses the Law in our lives in three basic ways:
“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” – Romans 3:20
Gospel:
The word, “Gospel,” literally means, “Good News.” The Gospel tells us the good news of what God has done for us. While we primarily think of Jesus sacrifice for our sins as Gospel, Gospel, in this case, refers to all the things God does for us, such as giving us the Holy Spirit, providing for our needs,and so forth.
Gospel requires nothing of us. We simply receive God’s good gifts in faith. They are undeserved (grace) gifts which God gives because of His love and mercy. The Gospel brings life and salvation, comfort, and all things that are needed. Gospel is the sole means of our salvation.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
Why Does This Matter?
A lot of confusion happens when Law and Gospel are confused. We can misinterpret Scripture, misunderstand the character of God, and even miss the salvation God wants for us. The Jewish religious leaders of Jesus day thought they could earn their salvation by following the Law. Jesus is constantly rebuking them because they were teaching a salvation by works instead of one by grace through faith.
Similarly, today many people take the commands we find in the New Testament of how Christians are to live and call them Gospel, making them a requirement for salvation. On the other hand, some take things that God does for us (Gospel) and turn them into our work (Law). For example, in baptism God buries our old sinful self and raises us to life (Romans 6:4). However, some teach baptism as our proclamation and obedience, making it our work, rather than God’s gift.
By being able to distinguish between Law and Gospel as we read the Bible, we are able to better understand how to understand what we are reading. So, as you read the Bible, simply ask, “Is this passage talking about something I am required to do or something God is doing/promising?”
Dear Jesus,
Your Law is good. All Your commands are righteous. I, however, do not follow Your Law as I should. Your Gospel is precious. It brings life and salvation and, thankfully, is not dependent on my obedience, but rather Your grace. As I read Your Word, help me to distinguish Law from Gospel. May the Law lead me to repentance and faithful living. May Your Gospel lead me to trust solely in Your work on the cross for my salvation.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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