Chapter 12 - Law and Gospel
No study of the nature of sin would be complete without a quick review of what the phrase “Law and Gospel” means. Most Christians are familiar with that phrase “Law and Gospel,” but it is often misunderstood or taught differently within Christianity. In the simplest of terms, the law refers to the problem of sin and the gospel refers to the solution to that problem. The New Testament consistently uses the term ‘gospel’ as a reference to the message of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. The law was originally given to the Israelites as conditions to the covenant between them and God in order to occupy the Promised Land. It also provides the framework of protocol and behavior that clarifies what is acceptable to God and what is a sin (or disobedience). Even though given to the Israelites, the law is still valid for all of mankind today. The law was never revoked nor changed and it never will be. Complete compliance of the law is required for salvation, but since we are born as sinners and continue to sin, we realize that there is no way we can obtain righteousness or be righteous on our own. That is why God sent His Son Jesus to live a sin-less life, die on the cross and then raise Him from the dead. Jesus told us, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) He has fulfilled all of the requirements of the law for us. Through Him, and only through Him, we have the righteousness we need to be saved and live with Him for eternity (see John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9-10).
The existence of the law actually preceded Moses on Mount Sinai, it essentially came into effect during the time of Adam and Eve, and was in force when they disobeyed God. It is understood that some, if not all, of the law was already known and passed along orally from generation to generation. As evidenced by several clues in the Bible including: the introduction of death (see Genesis 3:19); knowing what an acceptable sacrifice to God was (see Genesis 4:2-7); and Noah already knowing which animals were considered clean (see Genesis 7:2-3; 8:20). But when it came time to create a covenant with the Israelites, God presented Moses with the law in a tangible visible form. This written law included rituals, protocols, regulations, and a hierarchy to follow.
The law consists of the first five books of the Bible that were written by Moses. Through the years the law has been analyzed, systematically dissected, categorized, etc., by a number of theologians, rabbis, and teachers. While being one law there are two primary points of view, one being instructions for the priests (protocols, rituals, etc.) and the other being instructions for the people (behavior, expectations, etc.)
One of the more important elements of the law is the need for animal sacrifices. Many ask, “Why?” We read in Leviticus, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.” (Leviticus 17:11). The blood that was to be used for atonement could not be corrupt from sin, therefore the ‘innocent blood’ of animals is what was required for sacrifices.
The centerpiece of the law was a ritual that was performed on the Day of Atonement when the High Priest went into the Most Holy Place (in the Temple or Tabernacle before the Temple was built), which was allowed only on this one day each year. Quickly summarized, the High Priest was to first present God with a sin offering and a burnt offering for his and his family’s sins. Then take two goats from the people, one was released to the wilderness of Azazel, the other used as a sin offering, plus one ram for a burnt offering. The blood of the sacrifices was then sprinkled on the Mercy Seat (which is the official name for the lid of the Ark of the Covenant) which was also located in the Most Holy Place, followed by the blood being sprinkled on the people of Israel. Atonement was then provided to the High Priest, his family and the Israelites. Since the High Priest was human, being mortal, the process needed to be repeated every year.
All of the elements of the law served as a model of redemption that points to Jesus. In just these two elements (the need for sacrifices and the atonement process) we can see how His blood being free of sin was acceptable for atonement. Plus, once He rose from the grave He paid in full the price for our sins and became our High Priest (our intercessor), and since He will never die again, He remains our High Priest forever.
The story of Jesus is the gospel message. Jesus explained it to Nicodemus this way, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:16-18)
There are only two ways into heaven, either through total compliance a lifetime of perfect obedience to the law or through the completed work of Jesus. Trying through the law? Now that would not only be difficult, that would be impossible, for a number of reasons, for one, the sacrifices were required to be performed at the designated location (initially wherever the Tabernacle was located or later the Temple in Jerusalem), but neither exists today (as every believer is now God’s temple, see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21). However, since all of humanity has sinned (and we sin because we were born as sinners) we could never comply with the law. Only one sin is needed to make us a sinner (see James 2:10). Just as Jesus warned, those that do not accept His offer of salvation are condemned already. The concept of “Law and Gospel” is really about a choice, either try to be self-righteous or seek righteousness through the completed work of Jesus who invites you to accept His free gift.
Now with that said, let’s look at how the concept of “Law and Gospel” has been taught in some churches. The law cannot be complied with, since the law requires 100 percent compliance and no partial compliance is acceptable. No one should look back at the law with the hope of seeking God or His favor by embracing some aspect or element of the law, including celebration of festivals, observing the Sabbath, following dietary restrictions, performing sacrifices, etc. To do so would be legalism, which actually does the opposite of the original idea, that of seeking or pleasing God. Although perhaps started with the best of intentions, legalism inevitably becomes about you and your efforts, about what you can do. Thus, turning your eyes inward towards oneself and not towards God. This is not the same as celebrating a festival for enjoyment or educational purposes, but if someone believes that some element of the law must be complied with, they are wrong. Again, Jesus fulfilled all of the law!
Since the law explains why we are considered to be sinners in God’s eyes, the law is often taught before attempting to present the gospel. As it shows that we have all violated God’s law and that nothing can be done by anybody to change that. Which leads to the fact that the only route to heaven and avoid hell is through Jesus. Some try to present the law so dramatically in the hope that it will ’terrify’ someone to confess and repent of their sin on the spot (this tactic is often called the “Fire and Brimstone” approach, while often tried, rarely works). But while it is true that the law points us to the need of Jesus (being justification through faith in Him), the gospel message during an evangelism opportunity usually only summarizes the law to make a case for the gospel, the entire law doesn’t need to be presented. If the person needs more background or information, the presenter should be honest and let them know they will need to get back to them. Regarding the desire to have someone repent on the spot, we need to understand that while it would be nice to “close the deal” and pray the new-believer’s prayer every time the gospel is presented, that’s not going to always happen. Our job is to present the gospel, acceptance may occur later, potentially with someone else or the message may be rejected. We just need to continue praying for that person.
For Christians the law should serve as a guide as to what pleases God and of course, what doesn’t please God. The Ten Commandments are one example from the law that should be considered, but always remember what Jesus said when He gave each believer the Great Commission. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18b-20) Note two things, first that all authority has been given to Jesus. So, what do you do for someone who has been given all authority? Listen to what He says! Note also that Jesus said, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” What does that mean? That the words of Jesus are what is important now. If we are Christians, the law is no longer relevant (I know I will take some heat for saying that) what is important for us now (since Jesus fulfilled the law) is to follow Jesus. For example, Jesus amplified most of the Ten Commandments, that it was no longer about violating them, if one even thought about violating them they were guilty. Also note that He did not reiterate the regulation regarding the Sabbath. Worship is done through continuous obedience, that’s 24 hours a day and seven days a week, not just on Saturday or Sunday (see Romans 12:1-2). Some denominations require elaborate facilities that include candles, altars, etc. Those requirements should be carefully reviewed and revisited. The primary focus for every Christian and every church should be Bible study (to learn about God) and obedience (to do as they are taught from the Bible). Paul refers to that as “equipping the saints” (see Ephesians 4:11-16). Equipping believers to do what? Paul answers that in verse twelve, “The work of ministry for building up the body of Christ.” One good indicator is how much you and your church are involved in evangelism. The main reason we live is to serve God, which Jesus made it clear, means to serve others and help them find Him.