The Proper Distinction Between Law And Gospel

“The Law tells us what we are to do. The Gospel reveals to us what God is doing.

The Law is speaking concerning our works. The Gospel, concerning the great works of God.

The Law gives people a sense of right and wrong. The Gospel is an invitation to partake of heavenly blessings.

The Law is to be preached to sinners who feel secure to keep sinning. The Gospel is be preached to sinners who feel alarmed about their sins.

The Law contains threats for sinners. The Gospel contains no threats at all, but only words of consolation.

The Law produces thirst; it leads the hearer to hell and slays him. The Gospel refreshes the hearer and leads him to heaven.

In the Law we hear the tenfold summons, “Thou shalt.” The Gospel does not require anything good that man must furnish not a good heart, not a good disposition, no improvement of his condition, no godliness, no love either of God or men. It issues no orders, but it changes man. The Gospel plants love into his heart and makes him capable of all good works. It demands nothing, but it gives all. Should not this fact make us leap for joy?” [1]

“The LAW was given by Moses, but GRACE and TRUTH came by JESUS CHRIST.” [2]

“Thus, it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that REPENTANCE and REMISSION of SINS should be preached IN HIS NAME to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the PROMISE of MY FATHER upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are ENDUED with POWER from ON HIGH.” [3]

After the Law, after the Gospel, next comes the Promise of the Father which is the blessed Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the enduement of power from on high. He helps us to live a new life.

[1] Excerpts from “The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel,” by C. F. W. Walther, Concordia Publishing House, 1929
[2] John 1:17
[3] Luke 24:46-49