Q 32: Is the Law then part of the Gospel?

A 32: The Law is part of the Gospel in that people must acknowledge their sin unto repentance before they can believe the Gospel, and by the Law is the knowledge of sin. (Acts 2.29-38; Rom. 7.7)

Jesus, in response to the young man asking what he must do in order to be saved, proclaimed the Law of God (Mk. 10.17ff). This was not so that the young man might satisfy himself that his own righteousness could save him, but precisely to reveal chinks in the armor of his presumed righteousness, and to lead him to look to the only One Who is truly good and able to save.

In the Gospel we proclaim Jesus as the One Who saves sinners. But we must also help those to whom we proclaim the Good News to understand that they are sinners, and that Jesus has provided all the righteousness they require in order to find favor with God. To do this, we must proclaim the Law of God as part of the Good News of the Gospel.

In addition, in helping new believers to “find their footing” on the path that Jesus walked, we must help them to see the importance of the Law and all the Word of God for guiding them in the way of the righteousness of Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 2.1-6).

If you are not receiving Crosfigell, our thrice-weekly devotional, sign up at our website today. T. M.’s latest book, Satan Bound: A Theology of Evil, is now available in our bookstore.