A quote by Sinclair Ferguson on how we have been improperly taught to read the Bible. The following paragraphs were taken from "A Preacher's Decalogue" under point three, "Don’t Lose Sight of Christ."

At the core of this discussion, the intended use of 1 John, is confusion over the means vs. evidence of salvation. Many pastors, by prefacing the fact that they are focusing on the evidence of salvation and not the means, free themselves to speak in must-do terms. A standard is quickly brought forth for every believer to stand against. It would seem that this means vs. evidence is the loophole of Christianity. It is through this gap that pastors can mandate reformed lives, better practices, and godly living. Therefore, the believer is given a set of tasks to complete in order to confirm true repentance.

Is our Gospel Law and our Law Gospel?