Law & Gospel
Via The Righteousness of Faith According to Luther, p. 39
If we ask Luther what he understands by the Word of God he answers: “The word of God is both law and gospel.” (LW 33:105) Whoever does not make this distinction is denied the ability to attempt a correct interpretation of Scripture. (LW 33:132) Luther not only distinguishes between man’s word and God’s Word, but God’s Word must also be distinguished as to whether it is a command or a challenge, promise or pardon. Whoever does not distinguish these things is in danger of making Christ either a new lawgiver or a new Moses (precisely the criticism that Luther levels against Catholicism), or is in danger of allowing the law to fall away altogether, thereby destroying the wonder of grace and forgiveness. (LW 26:150) Luther fights this false understanding when he attacks the Antinomians who have developed their theology out of a false rendering of the law and gospel. (WA 39:1. 432ff.) Both law and gospel must remain says Luther, but each must be employed within its “boundaries.” The earthly person in his human existence must live under the law until his death and must always learn anew that he is a sinner. At the same time, the faith and conscience of the person must be free from the law because here Christ alone rules. In short, if the law does not find its limits in Christ, then all is lost.
Law & Grace, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
