The Functions of Law & Gospel

“Fulfillment of the Law is judged by God's perfection, not our best effort.” [1]

The Law acts as a curb and a mirror. The Law as a curb “warns us of impending danger, shocking us back onto the right path.” The Law as a mirror helps us “to see ourselves as God sees us.” [2]

“The Gospel... reveals the actions of God alone to save those who are ‘dead in their trespasses and sins.’ He alone pays the penalty for sin. He alone offers righteousness, salvation, and peace on His merciful terms.

The Gospel not only describes and proclaims what God has done it actually offers the merits of God's work in Christ to all who believe.” [3]

[1] Steven P. Mueller, Called to Believe, Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene Oregon, 2006, p. 38
[2] Ibid, pp. 43-44; Ephesians 2:1
[3] Ibid, p. 46; Luke 24:47, Romans 1:17