Theocast
An Introduction to the Law and Gospel Distinction
October 30, 2024
Summary
The distinction between law and gospel is one of the most important topics covered at Theocast, as it lies at the heart of resting in Christ. Many struggle with trusting in Christ's sufficiency because they mistakenly mix the law with the gospel, believing there's something they must do to earn God's acceptance. This episode compiles key points from previous episodes to help clarify this important distinction and encourage listeners to rest in Christ's finished work.
Topics
- Episode focus: An Introduction to the Law and Gospel Distinction
- The distinction between law and gospel is one of the most important topics covered at Theocast, as it lies at the heart of resting in Christ
- Many struggle with trusting in Christ's sufficiency because they mistakenly mix the law with the gospel, believing there's something they must do to earn God's acceptance
- This episode compiles key points from previous episodes to help clarify this important distinction and encourage listeners to rest in Christ's finished work
Transcript
Edited machine transcript. May contain errors. Select a timestamp to watch that moment.
We've said this before, I'll say it again: that the believer's sanctification comes from the same source and rests on the same foundation as our justification, and that is union with Christ by faith.
So, this is why we continue to preach Jesus.
You want to see sanctified people in the church preach Christ and then guide people with the law.
Right.
Confirm them in the faith.
Extol as much as possible the grace of Jesus and watch what the Lord will do in growing his people.
Rightly said, that first use of the law preaching, we're trying to kill everyone.
We're trying to crush everyone in terms of our hope in our own merit and our own legal righteousness.
We preach the law this way so that we can then herald Christ.
So, this is law and gospel preaching.
So, it's not just that you mow everybody down with the law, like, hey, this is what God requires, and you haven't done it.
Like, ain't nobody done this, not even for five minutes.
Like, that's that's great, but that's not Christian preaching.
Christian preaching is then, that's true, you haven't done this, but oh, beloved, let me tell you of the one who's done it in your place.
Let me tell you of the one who has taken all of your law breaking upon himself and he died for it and he made satisfaction for it.
And because God is good and just, he doesn't just
sweep sin under the rug, but that's not what he's done because he designed it this way that he would crush his son in the place of sinners.
Right?
So we preach that and then we preach Jesus as the law keeper.
And it's as though we have been as obedient as He was obedient for us.
