Tullian on the Law & Gospel |
- Tullian on the Law & Gospel
- Gift of Tongues & Interpretation
- 10 Tips on Preaching at Easter
- How to Run and Elder's Meeting
Posted: 28 Mar 2012 11:58 PM PDT A post from Tullian on Law and Gospel in two parts. Part 1 and Part 2. Law And Gospel: Part 1![]() This may seem like a distinction that would fascinate only the theologian or linguist. But, believe it or not, every ounce of confusion regarding justification, sanctification, the human condition, God's grace, how God relates to us, the nature of the Christian life, and so on, is due to our failure to properly distinguish between the law and the gospel. Ignorance of this distinction between Law and Gospel is one of the principal sources of the abuses which corrupted and still corrupt Christianity. (Theodore Beza) ![]() So, I'm going to be doing a series of posts that will spell out this distinction and hopefully explain why it's so important. If we are ever going to experience the unconditional freedom that Jesus paid so dearly to secure for sinners like me, we must have a clear understanding of this crucial distinction. To get things started I thought I would post this poetic and helpful hymn from Ralph Erskine where the job descriptions of both the law and the gospel are clearly spelled out and distinguished. Enjoy… The law supposing I have all, Law and Gospel: Part 2![]() For example, Kim and I have three children: Gabe (17), Nate (15), and Genna (10). In order to function as a community of five in our home, rules need to be established–laws need to be put in place. Our kids know that they can't steal from each other. They have to share the computer. Since harmonious relationships depend on trust, they can't lie. Because we have two cars and three drivers, Gabe can't simply announce that he's taking one of the cars. He has to ask ahead of time. And so on and so forth. Rules are necessary. But telling them what they can and cannot do over and over can't change their heart and make them want to comply. When one of our kids (typically Genna) throws a temper tantrum, thereby breaking one of the rules, we can send her to her room and take away some of her privileges. And while this may produce sorrow at the revelation of her sin, it does not have the power to remove her sin. In other words, the law can crush her but it cannot cure her–it can kill her but it cannot make her alive. If Kim and I don't follow-up the law with the gospel, Genna would be left without hope–defeated but not delivered. The law illuminates sin but is powerless to eliminate sin. That's not part of its job description. It points to righteousness but can't produce it. It shows us what godliness is, but it cannot make us godly. As Martin Luther said, "Sin is not canceled by lawful living, for no person is able to live up to the Law. Nothing can take away sin except the grace of God." ![]() First, the Law differs from the Gospel by the manner in which it is revealed. The Law is inscribed in the human heart, and though it is dulled by sin, the conscience bears witness to its truth (Romans 2:14-15). "The Ten Commandments were published only for the purpose of bringing out in bold outline the dulled script of the original Law written in men's hearts" (Walther, 8). That is why the moral teachings of non-Christian religions are essentially the same as those found in the Bible. Yet it is different with the Gospel. The Gospel can never be known from the conscience. It is not a word from within the heart; it comes from outside. It comes from Christ alone. "All religions contain portions of the Law. Some of the heathen, by their knowledge of the Law, have advanced so far that they have even perceived the necessity of an inner cleansing of the soul, a purification of the thoughts and desires. But of the Gospel, not a particle is found anywhere except in the Christian religion" (Walther, 8). The fact that humanity is alienated from God, in need of cleansing and reconciliation, is a theme common to many belief systems. It is only Christianity that teaches that God himself justifies the ungodly. |
Gift of Tongues & Interpretation Posted: 28 Mar 2012 11:48 PM PDT Article from PJ Smyth on the subject. |
10 Tips on Preaching at Easter Posted: 28 Mar 2012 11:48 PM PDT An article from the Resurgence blog. |
How to Run and Elder's Meeting Posted: 28 Mar 2012 11:45 PM PDT An article from IX Marks blog with a link to an article on the subject How to Run an Elders' MeetingWhat should an elders' meeting look like? What should it include? Who should facilitate it? How long should it last?If you've found yourself asking any of these questions, we recommend you check out a recent article by our friend Andy Davis about how to effectively conduct an elders' meeting. Having served for the past 13 years as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina, Andy Davis draws on sound biblical wisdom and years of ministry experience to present a vision of eldership that is both compelling and instructive. Regarding elders' meetings, Davis says: "By the astounding grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the elders have been entrusted with the awesome role of "undershepherds" of his flock. This ministry is done collectively; therefore, the elders must meet together regularly to carry it out. The elders must consecrate themselves to the glory of God and the good of his people, and carry out the shepherding, prayer, discernment, and management tasks entrusted to them. As they do so, they should conduct themselves as Spirit-filled men who seek unity and true understanding of each other's minds. May God use this article to make your elders' meetings as fruitful as possible for his glory." This article is available online at The Gospel Coalition, and you can read it here. If you are a church leader, especially an elder, we highly recommend you give it a read. |
You are subscribed to email updates from in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 |
No comments:
Post a Comment