God’s Two Words: Law and Gospel
We believe, teach, and confess that there are two central teachings woven throughout the tapestry of Holy Scripture, namely, God’s Word of Law and Gospel. The primary purpose of the Law is to show us our sin. When the Law shows us our sin, however, it doesn’t give us the power, energy, or desire to keep it. It serves mainly as a mirror, reflecting back to us who we are and how we have failed to keep God’s revealed will for us in all its parts (Romans 3:19-20). The Law can only declare us guilty. The main purpose of the Gospel is to show us what God has done to save us from our sinful rebellion and our disregard for God’s law. God saves us by calling us to faith in Jesus Christ, whose suffering, death and resurrection atoned (or covered) our sin and who has imputed (or credited) His perfect righteousness to us. The Law can only declare you guilty. Jesus declares the guilty forgiven. (John 5:39; 20:30-31; Romans 4:5; 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:15ff; and 1 John 1:8-9).
For further study of these two important teachings in the Scriptures, follow the link.