When reading the Scripture it is important to remember that it is divided into two great doctrines: Law and Gospel. Each has a purpose and each does different things to us. The Gospel alone can change us, save us, strengthen us, and inspire us.
HOW IS EACH REVEALED TO US?
LAW: Revealed as it is imperfectly written on heart and perfectly revealed in the Holy Scriptures
GOSPEL: Revealed only in the Holy Scriptures
WHAT DOES EACH TELL US?
LAW: Tells us what we are to do and the punishment we are due for failure to do.
GOSPEL: Tells us what God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit does for us, with no demands.
WHAT DOES EACH PROMISE?
LAW: Eternal life through perfect obedience and eternal death for lack of it.
GOSPEL: Eternal life because of what Christ has done for each of us.
WHAT THREATS DOES EACH MAKE?
LAW: Failure to be perfect means eternal death
GOSPEL: None
WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF EACH?
LAW: Tells what us to do, gives no power to do it.
GOSPEL: It gives what it demands of us: Faith
WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF EACH ON US?
LAW: Causes rebellion, fear, & terror
GOSPEL: Creates faith, gives comfort & salvation
WHO IS TO HEAR EACH?
LAW: Those who are secure in their sins, feel not guilt for the sins they’ve committed.
GOSPEL: Those who are scared and alarmed by because of the sins they’ve committed.
A PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O blessed Lord God, heavenly Father, who am I that I should be given the privilege of repenting my sins to You and finding You ever ready to forgive me? Yet according to this privilege, I do humbly confess that most of my thoughts, most of my words, and many of my actions have gone the way of sin and self-service. Those thoughts, words, and deeds of mine that were in and of themselves not sin, are still yet tainted with sin; for I confess that I am sinful. For the sake of Jesus Christ, for the sake of his perfect thoughts, perfect words, perfect deeds, perfect life, and His perfect suffering and death – forgive me. Deal with me according to Jesus Christ that I may be forgiven and renewed in Your grace. Further grant, heavenly Father, that Your Holy Spirit may work in me the continual amendment of my thoughts, words, and deeds in this life which You began in my baptism. This I seek and ask in Jesus Christ and for His sake. Amen
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