Christ for Us

Episode 6 of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast discussing biblical arguments for infant Baptism by Rev. James Preus. You can read the outline to this Bible Study at Christforus.org. 
#InfantBaptism #Baptism #Bible #Biblestudy #Theology #Lutheran #Baptist #Pentecostal #Anabaptist 
Intro and closing music: Wachet Auf, Ruf Uns Die Stimme BWV 645, setting by J. S. Bach, Noncommercial Use
 
Many protestant groups in America reject infant Baptism, such as the Baptists, Pentecostals, and so-called non-denominational churches. I would like to explain from Scripture why Christians should get their babies baptized.
Grace
Before we can address whether babies should be baptized, we need to understand what the Bible teaches about grace. Grace is a free gift (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8-9), God’s undeserved love for us. While most Christians will recognize this as referring to the salvation won by Jesus’ innocent suffering and death, which made payment for our sins, grace also refers to God’s work of conversion. The Bible makes clear that because of our sinful condition (original sin) with which we are born, we cannot choose God or accept Jesus as our Savior, unless God Himself draws us. Faith itself is a gift from God, given by grace. Faith is not something human beings can achieve by their own strength or reasoning. Adults are not more capable than children to believe in Jesus. Saying babies cannot have faith is equal to saying that God cannot give faith to babies.
 “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 16:17
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” John 6:44
St. Paul makes clear that by nature people cannot accept the Gospel by their own reason, but the Holy Spirit reveals it to them through God’s Word.  “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person cannot accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-14
“No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:3
St. Paul states that we are born dead in sin and incapable of following God until He makes us alive. “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—.” Ephesians 2:1-5
Those who reject infant Baptism will often emphasize the importance of being born again. Being born again is essential to being saved; however, being born again is not our work, but God’s Work. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. … Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit.” John 3:3, 5-6 That which is born of flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:7-8), so a person cannot have faith in God unless God causes him to be born again. The sinful flesh cannot cause itself to be born again of the Spirit.
“But to those who did receive Him, who believed on His name, He gave them the right to be called children of God, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13
Baptism is God’s Work, Not Ours
A major confusion of those who deny infant Baptism have concerning Baptism is that they think that Baptism is man’s work. But Baptism is not man’s work; it is God’s work. We call Baptism a means of grace, because it is a means by which God gives us grace. This means that Baptism is Gospel, not Law.
God always gives us grace through His Word. God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11
When God joins His Word to an element, like water, that element does not change the fact that it is still God’s Word working. We see this in the story of how God healed Naaman of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14). The prophet Elisha sent Naaman to wash in the Jordan River to be cleansed, but Naaman was offended, because he thought the rivers of Damascus were better than the Jordan. Naaman’s servants countered, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 2 Kings 5:13 Naaman thought he was despising the water of the Jordan, but he was actually despising the Word of God. But when He did as God’s Word said, he was cleansed of His leprosy in the water according to God’s Word. Likewise, those who reject Baptism’s power to forgive think they are rejecting the water’s power to forgive, but they are really rejecting the Word of God joined to the water, which promises forgiveness.
What Is Baptism?
To show that Baptism is God’s Work not ours, we need to answer the question: What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command, and combined with God’s Word. Jesus said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19
The Bible says that Baptism works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe. Scripture promises things in Baptism, which only God can give.
Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16
St. Peter writes, “Baptism now saves you.” 1 Peter 3:21
St. Peter said on Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:37
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” Acts 22:16
“He saved us, not by works done by us through righteousness, but according to His own mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:5-6
“Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word…” Ephesians 5:25-26
Salvation is Gained, Given, and Gotten.
Some get offended when we say that Baptism saves, because faith alone saves and Jesus alone saves. But saying that Baptism saves does not conflict with either faith alone or Jesus alone saving. We must make a distinction between how salvation is gained, given, and gotten.
Salvation is gained in no other way than through Jesus’ perfect obedience, His innocent sufferings and death, and His glorious resurrection, whereby He made atonement for our sins and won justification for all people. (Romans 5:9-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19 and 3:18; Colossians 1:22)
Salvation is given through the Word. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47).
Baptism, which is not just plain water, but water joined to Christ’s Word, gives what Christ gained on the cross through the Word of Christ.
Salvation is gotten (received) through faith alone. Faith alone receives the promise of salvation through the Word. (Romans 3:24-25; 10:10; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16)
Baptism does not save apart from faith (Mark 16:16; 1 Corinthians 10:5). Faith receives the promise, which Baptism gives.
Baptism does not replace Christ; it gives you Christ. Baptism does not replace faith; the benefits of Baptism are received through faith.
Babies Can Have Faith!
A major objection to baptizing babies is the claim that babies cannot have faith. However, this is an opinion based on human reason, not a teaching of Scripture. The Bible teaches irrefutably that babies can and do have faith, because faith is a gift from God (grace).
Scripture says that nursing babies trust God. “You are He who took me from the womb; You made me trust You at my mother’s breasts.” Psalm 22:9
Jesus quotes Scripture, “Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise” Matthew 21:16, quoting Psalm 8:2 in Greek.
God gives faith even to little children. Jesus prays, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will.” Matthew 11:25-26; Luke 10:21
John the Baptist leapt for joy at the news of Jesus while still in the womb.
“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. … ‘for Behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.’” Luke 1:41, 44
Some might object to this example, because John is a special case of being filled with the Holy Spirit. But every time a person is converted, it is a special work of the Holy Spirit. (John 1:13; 1 Cor. 12:3)
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2 Why would Jesus say that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven if children cannot have the faith necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven?
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 Little children can have faith.
“And they were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Jim, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’” Luke 18:15-17 (See also Matthew 19:13-15 and Mark 10:13-16).
Jesus wanted infants to be brought to Him so that He could bless them. Why would He bless infants if infants cannot have faith to receive the blessing? Jesus says to such belongs the kingdom of God, but the kingdom of God can only be received through faith. So, infants must be able to have faith.
Can Babies Repent?
A frequent objection is that babies need to repent before they can be baptized. However, repentance is a work that God does in us. “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 11:19-20 Just as God grants faith, He grants repentance. Repentance means to change one’s mind. God is the one who changes one’s mind to faith.
The Bible Promises Baptism to Babies Too
To whom does the Bible promise Baptism?
“All nations” Matthew 28:19
For children: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For this promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.” Acts 2:39 You cannot separate the promise of the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit from Baptism, which is promised to children and to everyone whom the Lord calls to Himself. Remember, Jesus even called infants to Himself (Luke 18:15-17).
Everyone who is born of the flesh. See John 3:3-6.
But the Bible Does Not Record Babies Being Baptized
This is a frequent objection of those who oppose infant Baptism. However, the objection quickly falls apart when you consider:
It is an argument from silence. The Bible does not record babies being refused Baptism.
Rather, the Bible records that “all nations” should be baptized (Matthew 28:19). Babies are included in all nations.
The Bible records that entire families were baptized. “And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.” Acts 16:33 And entire households (1 Corinthians 1:16), and never were babies said to be excluded.
Jesus rebuked His disciples for refusing to let infants be brought to Him for Him to bless them, and said to such belongs the kingdom of God and that whoever does not enter the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.  (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17)
Some object that Jesus blessing the little children is not the same as Baptism. However, the concept is the same. Baptism is a means by which Jesus blesses us. Jesus rebuked His disciples for refusing His blessing to children. The disciples’ motives for refusing  to let the babies be blessed by Jesus is the same reasoning for keeping babies from being baptized. They thought the babies could not have faith. Jesus, however, insists that the babies are capable of even greater faith than they are.
Most baptisms in the New Testament and in the early church were adults, because most Christians were adult converts. However, once babies were born into Christian families, the early church records babies being baptized.
There are many early church testimonies to infant Baptism, which I will share in another episode. However, many opponents to infant Baptism will cite an early Christian named Tertullian (Late 2nd  to early 3rd century), who cautioned against baptizing children too young. There are a few responses to that.
Tertullian did not deny the legitimacy of infant Baptism, but acknowledged it as a legitimate practice.
Tertullian’s caution against infant Baptism was not that the Baptism didn’t work, but it was based on a misunderstanding that Baptism only forgave past sins, but if sins were committed later, they would not be forgiven. This was a heresy later popularized during the Novation controversy. This caused many to wait even until their death beds to get baptized. This is not the reason people object to infant Baptism today. All Christians reject the heresy that sins committed after Baptism cannot be forgiven.
No one in the early church rejected infant Baptism, because they thought babies could not have faith.
Although Tertullian is important in early church history (he coined the term Trinity), he also became a heretic, who joined the Montanism sect, which claimed direct revelation from the Holy Spirit and denied the total corruption of the human soul.
Babies Need Baptism
Why is it important to baptize babies? Because Babies need Baptism. Baptism is what gives us certainty that our children are God’s children, that their sins are forgiven, and that they will go to heaven if they die.
Babies are born sinners.
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Psalm 51:5
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit.” John 3:5-6
“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 15:50
“We were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Ephesians 2:3
Babies can die!
“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Baptism promises salvation to children Acts 2:38
Conclusion
Baptism is God’s Work, not ours.
Baptism has the power of God’s Word to forgive sins and save through Jesus.
It is God who creates faith in our hearts by grace.
Babies can have faith. God gives faith to babies.
The promise of Baptism is given to babies.
Babies are sinners in need of a Savior, and Baptism gives them that Savior.
Babies have always been baptized and God has accepted Christians, who are Baptized.

Rogate sermon preached by Rev. James Preus for Trinity Lutheran Church in 2024. You can read the entire sermon on Christforus.org. 
#Rogate #HolyChristianChurch #TheLord'sPrayer #bodyandsoul #Lutheran 

Cantate sermon preached by Rev. James Preus on John 16:5-15 in 2024. You can read the entire sermon at Christforus.org. 
#Cantate #Easter #Father #Son #HolySpirit #Comforter #Lutheran 

Episode 05 of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast is an interview with Rev. Rolf Preus on the Walk Out at Concordia Seminary in February of 1974. 
 
#Seminex #Walkout #ConcordiaSeminary #LCMS #50years #Lutheran #HigherCriticism 

In this episode of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast, we learn how Salvation is gained, given, and gotten (received).  Listen wherever you are on any podcast app. You can also follow along on Christforus.org. 
#Gainedgivengotten #Salvation #Gospel #Faithalone #Biblestudy #Theology #Christforus #Lutheran 
Intro and closing music: Wachet Auf, Ruf Uns Die Stimme BWV 645, setting by J. S. Bach, Noncommercial Use
“Baptism doesn’t save, because faith alone saves.” I’ve heard this many times. It is an axiom, almost a mantra of many evangelical Christians, whose theology has descended from Reformed theologian Ulrich Zwingli as well as the Anabaptists of the sixteenth century. And it sounds so convincing to many, because Scripture clearly says that a sinner is saved by grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:28). So, if faith alone saves, how can you add anything to it? Yet, Scripture also says that Baptism saves (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 3:5-8). So, how can Scripture say that Baptism saves if it also says that faith alone saves?
All this can be easily clarified if we understand the distinction between gained, given, and gotten. Our salvation is gained by Christ Jesus alone, who suffered and died for our sins and rose for our justification. Our salvation is given to us by the Holy Spirit through the Word, specifically, the Gospel. This Gospel is proclaimed through preaching, spoken in Baptism, Absolution, and in the administration of the Lord’s Supper. And finally, this salvation is gotten, that is, received through faith alone. So, when we talk about faith saving and Baptism saving, we are not talking about two competing things, but one, which gives and the other which receives. Baptism gives what Christ gained on the cross. Faith receives it. We wouldn’t say, “The preaching of the Gospel doesn’t save, because faith alone saves.” That would be ridiculous. Of course, the preaching of the Gospel saves. And that doesn’t take anything away from faith alone saving, because faith saves by receiving what the preaching of the Gospel gives. This is why Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16) Faith receives what Baptism gives. But if you do not believe, then Baptism doesn’t save you. Similarly, the preaching of the Gospel does not save the person who does not believe it. Not even the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ saves the person who does not believe it!
So, when we preach, when we read the Bible, and when we listen to preaching, we need to pay attention to how salvation is gained, given, and received. When we mix these up or exclude them, then we lose the Gospel and the salvation it offers.
What is Gained?
Forgiveness of sins: He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption: And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Peace with God: Luke 2:14; John 20:19
Eternal life: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28
Inheritance in the Kingdom of God: In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14;
Adoption as children of God: Galatians 4:5
How is it Gained?
Salvation is gained in no other way than through the innocent sufferings and death of Christ Jesus, God’s own Son, who made satisfaction for our sins on the cross. Being true man, He was placed under the law and was obedient in our stead. He was able to suffer and die as our substitute. Being true God, He was able to bear the sin of the whole world and His death was sufficient to pay for the sins of the whole world.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5
18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:18-21
In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses Ephesians 1:7
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, Romans 3:23-25a
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:3-6
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:11-12
Because Christ Jesus, true God and man, suffered and died for our sins, salvation must be by grace. It dishonors Christ to say that His obedience and His suffering and death are not enough to win for us eternal life. If there were an infinite number of worlds and an infinite number of sinners, Christ’s suffering and death would be enough to win salvation for all, because Christ Jesus is true God. This gives us confidence that our salvation is certain. This is why we fight so hard that salvation is by faith alone, because faith does not earn our salvation, but rather receives salvation as a free gift.
How is it Given?
By the Holy Spirit, who enlivens, regenerates, and creates faith in the hearts of believers through the Word. The Holy Spirit is like the delivery man, who delivers what Christ has won for us on the Cross. Jesus said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-15
This is why Augsburg Confession V states, “1 That we may obtain this faith, the Ministry of Teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted. For through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, 2 the Holy Ghost is given, who works faith; where and when it pleases God, in them that hear 3 the Gospel, to wit, that God, not for our own merits, but for Christ’s sake, justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake. 4 They condemn the Anabaptists and others who think that the Holy Ghost comes to men without the external Word, through their own preparations and works.”
The Holy Spirit works through the Word and the Sacraments as instruments, that is, as tools. A carpenter uses a hammer and drill. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word and Sacraments, which are empowered by the Word. The Word and Sacraments are the “means of grace.” Means of transportation: trains, plains, automobiles, are means by which you move from one place to another. Means of communication: phone, text, letter, email, are means by which you communicate. Means of grace are means by which God delivers to you His grace to be received through faith.
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5
Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Galatians 3:2-6
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” Acts 7:51
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13
3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3
For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. John 3:34
1 We will now return to the Gospel, which not merely in one way gives us counsel and aid against sin; for God is superabundantly rich [and liberal] in His grace [and goodness]. First, through the spoken Word by which the forgiveness of sins is preached [He commands to be preached] in the whole world; which is the peculiar office of the Gospel. Secondly, through Baptism. Thirdly, through the holy Sacrament of the Altar. Fourthly, through the power of the keys, and also through the mutual conversation and consolation of brethren, Matt. 18:20: Where two or three are gathered together, etc. (Smalcald Articles Part 3, Article IV: The Gospel)
Preaching: Mark 16:15; Luke 24:44-47
This is what Jesus’ parable about the wedding banquet is about. Luke 14:15-24. Luther says that a roast does you no good if you do not sit down and eat it!
Baptism: Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Titus 3:5-8; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Peter 3:21; John 3:3-6
The Sacrament of the Altar: Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14; Luke 22; 1 Corinthians 11
The Office of the Keys: Matthew 16:16; 18:18; John 20:19-23
Mutual Conversation and Consolation of the Brethren: Matthew 18:20
How is it Gotten/Received?
Faith alone. Faith is not a work you do that makes you favorable to God, but it is a gift from God, through which you receive the gift of salvation, gained by Christ and given by the Holy Spirit through the Word.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith (διὰ τῆς πίστεως) Romans 3:23-25
For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:28
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16
Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 4:4-5
That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, Romans 4:16
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9.
Conclusion
The distinction between how your salvation is gained, given, and received helps protect the Gospel and give certainty to the sinner. You do not earn your salvation by believing or by going to church or by getting baptized. Salvation is earned by Christ alone, by His obedience, suffering, and death. Yet, you cannot benefit from this salvation Christ earned for you unless it is given to you! It is given to you by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, which is not always the bare Word, but also includes the Sacraments, where Christ’s Word and promise are added. Faith alone saves by receiving the salvation Christ won. Faith receives this salvation by hearing the Word.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:13-17
This is also why those who refuse to go to Church, because they think they have faith are in danger. Faith does not come from your own strength or endurance. It comes through hearing the Gospel, which is the main reason to go to Church.
You can’t go to the cross of Christ to find Jesus there, neither can you go to His tomb or anywhere else on earth. Christ is found in His Word and Sacraments, which are received through faith alone. When you understand this distinction, you have confidence that your faith is receiving Christ and His salvation.

Sermon for Jubilate Sunday, 1 Peter 2:11-20 by Rev. Rolf Preus filling in for Rev. James Preus. You can read the text of the sermon at Christforus.org. 

Episode two of two on Law and Gospel. In this episode of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast, we learn what the Bible says about the Gospel, it's broad and narrow use in Scripture, and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. 
A new episode of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast will be uploaded every Thursday. 
#LawandGospel #Gospel #Faithalone #Gracealone #Christalone #Evangelical #theology
#christforus
Intro and closing music: Wachet Auf, Ruf Uns Die Stimme BWV 645, setting by J. S. Bach, Noncommercial Use
 
The Gospel: The Most Important Teaching in Scripture
For I am not ashamed of the gospel [of Christ], for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16
Summary of the Distinction between Law and Gospel
The Law in the proper (narrow sense) is a rebuke for sin and a threat of God’s wrath upon the law breaker. This is not done to bring a sinner into self-righteousness or total despair, but to lead the sinner to Christ to receive grace.
The Gospel in the proper (narrow sense) is the message of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and salvation found in Christ Jesus alone and given to all who believe.
Scripture uses the word Gospel in two ways.
Yet, just as with the Law, the word Gospel can be used in a narrow and a broad sense. Last week we learned how the Law is often used in the broad sense, referring to the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament. We recognize when the Bible uses the Law in this way when it is paired with the Prophets and the Psalms and when it promises salvation. We recognize Scriptures is using the word law in the narrow sense when it speaks of works of the law, exposes sin, and threatens condemnation.
The Word Gospel means good news. The Greek word for Gospel used in the Bible is εὐαγγέλιον, which is where we get the word evangelical. Εὐαγγέλιον comes the prefix εὐ, which means good and the Greek word ἀγγελία, which means message or tidings. So, Gospel literally means good news or glad tidings. In fact, the angel used the verbal form of this word in Luke two, which many of us will recognize from the King James, “I bring you good tidings of great joy.”
So, in the most basic sense, the Gospel is the good message of Jesus Christ.  There is only one Gospel, but there are four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark 1:1
In the broad sense, which includes the entire ministry of Christ and is summarized in the preaching to repent and believe in the Gospel. This broad sense includes both the Law and the Gospel.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;[e] repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47
The narrow sense (proper sense), which is purely a message of grace and mercy from God, which promises forgiveness and salvation to all who believe for Christ’s sake.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Luke 23:43
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11-12
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. Acts 16:31
The Gospel Teaches that Christ Made Atonement for Our Sins on the Cross
Surely he has borne our griefs    and carried our sorrows;yet we esteemed him stricken,    smitten by God, and afflicted.5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;    he was crushed for our iniquities;upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,    and with his wounds we are healed.6 All we like sheep have gone astray;    we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the Lord has laid on him    the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,    yet he opened not his mouth;like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,    and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,    so he opened not his mouth.8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;    and as for his generation, who consideredthat he was cut off out of the land of the living,    stricken for the transgression of my people?9 And they made his grave with the wicked    and with a rich man in his death,although he had done no violence,    and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;    he has put him to grief;[g]when his soul makes[h] an offering for guilt,    he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see[i] and be satisfied;by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,    make many to be accounted righteous,    and he shall bear their iniquities.12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,[j]    and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,[k]because he poured out his soul to death    and was numbered with the transgressors;yet he bore the sin of many,    and makes intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53
Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, Romans 3:23-24
Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification Romans 4:25
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man[a] Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6
 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit[e] through faith. Galatians 3:13-14
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. 1 Peter 3:18 Happy Exchange!
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come,[e] then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:11-12
The Gospel is not only the historical message of Christ’s suffering and death, but the promise of grace and forgiveness attached to it.
The preaching of Christ crucified can be a preaching of the Law, because it shows the severity of our sin and God’s great wrath against it.
“You killed the Author of Life” Acts 3:15
The purpose of Christ’s passion and God’s attitude toward sinners for Christ’s sake must be emphasized.
The Gospel is Christ’s Proper Work.
For the Lord will rise up as on Mount Perazim; as in the Valley of Gibeon he will be roused; to do his deed—strange is his deed! and to work his work—alien is his work! 22 Now therefore do not scoff, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord God of hosts against the whole land. Isaiah 28:21-22
And now, please let the power of the Lord be great as you have promised, saying, 18 ‘The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.’ 19 Please pardon the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt until now.” Numbers 14:17-19
The Holy Spirit is given and received through the Gospel.
Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Gal. 3:2
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God 1 Corinthians 1:18
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the Power of God to Salvation. Romans 1:16
While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. Acts 10:48
The Gospel is taught in both the Old and New Testament.
Examples of the Gospel in the Old Testament.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15
I am poured out like water,    and all my bones are out of joint;my heart is like wax;    it is melted within my breast;15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,    and my tongue sticks to my jaws;    you lay me in the dust of death.
16 For dogs encompass me;    a company of evildoers encircles me;they have pierced my hands and feet[b]—17 I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me;18 they divide my garments among them,    and for my clothing they cast lots. Psalm 22
Isaiah 53 above.
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18
Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18—19
And the LORD brought Abram outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then He said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the LORD, and He counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6
In you and in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed Genesis 22:19 (see Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 26:4
The Gospel must preach grace alone. In this way, the Law must be made distinct from the Gospel!
Our works must be completely excluded from the teaching of the Gospel. This excludes all works, from works that merit or the work of believing.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. Romans 3:23-25
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. Romans 11:6
yet we know that a person is not justified[b] by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. … I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Galatians 2:16, 21
But[c] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— … For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9
 
The Gospel must preach Christ alone.
Christ Jesus alone is our Savior. No one can be saved apart from His sacrificial atoning death and resurrection. No one ever has or ever will be saved apart from Christ. (John 14:6).
This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:18
The Gospel glorifies and honors Christ.
The Gospel must preach faith alone.
It is through faith so that it may be by grace. Romans 4:16
See Romans 3:23-25 above.
For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:28
that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:15-16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 4:2-5
Faith excludes our works. Faith itself is a gift from God.
Galatians 2:16 and Ephesians 2:8-9 above.
The Gospel is not a license to sin.
And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. Romans 3:8
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. Ephesians 4:17
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-17
For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27
Conclusion.
The Gospel means good news. In the broad sense the Gospel refers to the entire message of Christ, including the call to repent. This includes both Law and Gospel.
The Gospel in the narrow sense is the message of forgiveness and salvation given freely on the merits of Jesus Christ to all who believe.
The Gospel depends on the message of Jesus’ atoning death for sins.
The Gospel is taught in both the Old and the New Testament.
The Holy Spirit is given by the Gospel.
The Gospel message must preach grace alone, Christ alone, and faith alone.
The Gospel is not a license to sin.
The Gospel is the only hope for sinners to be saved!

Sermon preached by Rev. James Preus for Miscericordias Domini Sunday (Good Shepherd Sunday) on John 10:11-16. You can read the text of the sermon on Christforus.org. 
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Part one of two episodes on the Law and Gospel. In this episode, we explore what the Bible teaches about the Law. You can follow along to the outline and read all the Bible references on Christforus.org. 
New episodes published every Thursday. 
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The Bible can be divided into two main teachings: the Law and the Gospel. The Law is the love that God commands of us, summarized in the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments can be summarized further into two commandments. In Matthew 22, Jesus answers a lawyer’s question of what the great commandment in the Law is by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 And St. Paul writes in Romans 13, “Love is the fulfilling of the Law.” (vs. 10) So, the Law is good. The problem is, we are not good. St. Paul writes in Romans 3:20, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” So, although the Law tells us what is good, we don’t do the good, so the Law condemns us.
The Gospel, on the other hand, is the good news that Christ Jesus died on the cross for sinners, so that we are saved by grace through faith. Romans 1:16-17 states, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” And Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” St. Paul succinctly summarizes the work of the Law and Gospel in Romans 3:23-25, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”
So, the Law commands works, and they are never done. The Gospel commands no works, but only faith, and the work has already been done by Christ. The Law accuses, convicts, and condemns. The Gospel forgives and saves. The Law is all about your work. The Gospel is all about Christ’s work.
If you do not understand the distinction between Law and Gospel, then the Bible will be a very confusing book. St. Paul wrote to St. Timothy about this important distinction in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Last week, I talked of five principles of biblical interpretation, which are taught in the Bible. The second principle of interpretation is the material principle, that is, that the chief doctrine of the Bible is the Gospel that a sinner is justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone apart from his works. And I said that all passages must be interpreted in light of this material principle, and that if a passage seems to be teaching that you are saved by works, then you must interpret that passage in light of the Gospel, which is the chief doctrine. Now, I’m not just choosing one teaching over another, because I like the Gospel more than the Law. Both the Law and the Gospel are God’s Word, but they have very different functions. The Law and the Gospel do not contradict each other, rather, when put in their proper place, they complement each other. St. Paul makes this clear in Galatians 3, “Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”
So, the chief function of the Law is not so that you can earn your salvation by it, but rather to imprison you as an offender against God’s Law, so that the Gospel can grant you salvation as a gift through faith.
This distinction is very helpful when reading the Scriptures, so that you know what God intends by those passages, which insist on your works, so that you do not think that they are contradicting those other passages, which insist on His grace. However, there is more to the Law than simply showing us our sins. And the word “Law” in Holy Scripture is used in several different ways, which I would like to clarify.
The Law in the Broad Sense (As Scripture)
First, not every time Scripture uses the word Law is it referring simply to the commandments of God.
Often, the word Law is used to translate the Hebrew word Torah תּוֹרָה, which has a broader meaning of instruction. The Torah refers to Moses’ five books, but often is used to include the entire Old Testament.
Open my eyes, that I may behold    wondrous things out of your law. Psalm 119:18
Oh how I love your law!    It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97
I long for your salvation, O Lord,    and your law is my delight. Psalm 119:174
This means that often when the Bible uses the word law, it is referring to both the teaching of the Law and the Gospel!
How can you make a distinction between the Law in the broad sense as Holy Scripture and the Law in the narrow sense, as God’s commandments?
The Law in the broad sense as Holy Scripture is often paired with the prophets and the Psalms.
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17 (7:12)
For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Matthew 11:13-14  (Luke 16:16)
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for[c] the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke 24:44-47
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45
After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” Acts 13:15
But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, Acts 24:14
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Acts 28:23
Sometimes Scripture uses the word Moses to refer to the Law.
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27
But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them. Luke 16:29
The Law in the broad sense shows the way of salvation.
I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. Psalm 119:174
The Law in the narrow sense as God’s commandments is often paired with works.
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:28
yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16
Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? Galatians 3:5
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Galatians 3:10
The Law in the narrow sense shows us our sin and condemns us.
What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” Romans 7:7
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
Paul uses the word Law in both the broad and the narrow sense in a single verse.
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it… Romans 3:21
The Old Testament divides the commandments of the Law into three parts.
The civil law, which applies only to the nation of Israel.
The ceremonial law, which were patterns and shadows of Christ, and were fulfilled in Christ, and do not apply to Christians of the New Testament.
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:16-17
The moral law, that is, what is intrinsically right and wrong, such as what is taught in the Ten Commandments. The moral law is summarized in one word: love. It is the moral law, which we are concerned about in the Christian Church. We are not concerned with the civil law, because it no longer applies to us. We are not concerned with the ceremonial law, except in how it found its fulfillment in Christ. We are concerned with the moral law, because that is what accuses and condemns us to hell.
The Three Uses of the Law.
The Curb
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:8-10
The Mirror
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. Romans 7:7-8
If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:10
For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Romans 1:32
But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:22
The Guide or Rule
“Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.” Psalm 119:35
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
The Chief use of the Law is the mirror, because it shows you your sin and your need for a Savior.
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13 see also Luke 5:32 (adds “to repentance.”)
Ezekiel 33: God made Ezekiel a watchman to warn the wicked to turn from his ways. See Jonah. The people of Nineveh repented when they were threatened. See 2 Samuel 12, David repents when Nathan exposes his sin to him.
Conclusion
There are two main teachings in the Bible: the Law and the Gospel.
The Law is what God commands of us.
The Gospel is the good news that Jesus saves us from our sins.
The word Law can be used in a broad sense, referring to the Old Testament Scriptures and in a narrow sense, referring to God’s commandments.
In the Old Testament, the commandments of the Law are divided into civil, ceremonial, and moral law. The moral law is the only one that concerns us today.
The moral law is summed up in the commandment to love.
There are three uses of the Law: The curb, the mirror, and the guide.
The chief use of the Law is the mirror, because it shows us our sin and our need to repent. The mirror prepares us for the Gospel, by creating terror in our hearts and showing our need for a Savior.

Sermon for Quasimodo Geniti Sunday (Easter 2), preached by Rev. James Preus on John 20:19-31. You can read the text of the sermon at Christforus.org.