If one should speak about God’s law in a proper way, it is important to consult at first point the Book of Concord. Therefore, the researcher dealt with law and gospel by opening it from the Book of Concord.
Both the Law and the Gospel are God’s Word, with complete divine truth and authority. “Everything that rebukes sin is, and belongs to, the preaching of the Law.” (Formula of Concord, Epitome, V.4). “But the Gospel is properly the kind of teaching that shows what a person who has not kept the Law (and is therefore condemned by it) is to believe. It teaches that Christ has paid for and made satisfaction for all sins.” (Formula of Concord, Epitome, V.5).
The word “gospel” can be used in more than one way. In the specific and narrow sense, the Gospel is the promise of full forgiveness of sins, righteousness, and the gift of eternal life for Christ’s sake, even though we do not deserve such grace. In a broader, more general sense, the “Gospel” is the whole message of Christ, including the call to repentance and the judgment against sin. As both law and gospel are God’s divine word, people should hear both.
In another Lutheran teaching of law and gospel, Dobberstein explains that, both law and gospel are opposite to each other and both are universal in application. Both law and gospel deal with work, but the work of human and the work of God. The law speaks of human work, for instance; do this, do not do that. But the gospel speaks of God’s work for all people. Koehler states that the law is originally written in our hearts, yet partially known to us by nature (Rom. 2:14-15). The gospel is totally unknown to natural man (1 Cor. 2:6-12). The law tells us “You shall…You shall not.” The law gives us promise for everlasting life on the basis of absolute obedience. The law reveals the wrath of God. The law tells us we are sinners. But the gospel promises us salvation through faith in Christ. The gospel leads to Christ. The gospel has power to change the life. Lutherans believe that both law and gospel are to be used in the life of Christians. This is because believers have double nature. The law and gospel have laid concrete bases for many other Lutheran doctrines to be articulated.
The law always shows us that we are sinners and we deserve punishment for our sins and transgression. At the same time the Good News of God, the Gospel is centered around the message of salvation through the forgiveness of sins that comes to us because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross in our place. On the process of distinguishing law and gospel, Kinnaman states in the following way, “As Lutherans, we believe that properly distinguishing between Law and Gospel is vitally important for properly understanding Scripture. It expresses our worldview, gives us the means to study and interpret Scripture, and protects the use, study, and application of God’s Word from being hijacked by our own interests and demands.”
The distinction between the Law and the Gospel is to be kept in the Church with great diligence as a particularly brilliant light. According to Engelbrecht, the Lutherans believe, teach, and confess that the law is an appropriate divine doctrine (Rom. 7:12). It encourages and teaches what is right and pleasing to God, and it rebukes what is sin and contradicts with God’s word. So, according Lutheran belief everything that rebukes sin belongs to the preaching of the law. This reminds us that Lutheran teaching for Lutheran believers is very much helpful in order to encourage them abide to the right teachings that are based on scriptures. It also helps believers get ready to know God through scriptural teachings. In another word, law and gospel are inseparable. Distinguishing law and gospel does not mean that we detach them apart very much by removing them from each other. Rather they work together in a proper way and order: law first and then the gospel. In Lutheran teaching this is the principle by which the law and gospel are handled and treated in the church among believers. Eventually, Quill stated, “as preachers we prepare a
Both the Law and the Gospel are God’s Word, with complete divine truth and authority. “Everything that rebukes sin is, and belongs to, the preaching of the Law.” (Formula of Concord, Epitome, V.4). “But the Gospel is properly the kind of teaching that shows what a person who has not kept the Law (and is therefore condemned by it) is to believe. It teaches that Christ has paid for and made satisfaction for all sins.” (Formula of Concord, Epitome, V.5).
The word “gospel” can be used in more than one way. In the specific and narrow sense, the Gospel is the promise of full forgiveness of sins, righteousness, and the gift of eternal life for Christ’s sake, even though we do not deserve such grace. In a broader, more general sense, the “Gospel” is the whole message of Christ, including the call to repentance and the judgment against sin. As both law and gospel are God’s divine word, people should hear both.
In another Lutheran teaching of law and gospel, Dobberstein explains that, both law and gospel are opposite to each other and both are universal in application. Both law and gospel deal with work, but the work of human and the work of God. The law speaks of human work, for instance; do this, do not do that. But the gospel speaks of God’s work for all people. Koehler states that the law is originally written in our hearts, yet partially known to us by nature (Rom. 2:14-15). The gospel is totally unknown to natural man (1 Cor. 2:6-12). The law tells us “You shall…You shall not.” The law gives us promise for everlasting life on the basis of absolute obedience. The law reveals the wrath of God. The law tells us we are sinners. But the gospel promises us salvation through faith in Christ. The gospel leads to Christ. The gospel has power to change the life. Lutherans believe that both law and gospel are to be used in the life of Christians. This is because believers have double nature. The law and gospel have laid concrete bases for many other Lutheran doctrines to be articulated.
The law always shows us that we are sinners and we deserve punishment for our sins and transgression. At the same time the Good News of God, the Gospel is centered around the message of salvation through the forgiveness of sins that comes to us because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross in our place. On the process of distinguishing law and gospel, Kinnaman states in the following way, “As Lutherans, we believe that properly distinguishing between Law and Gospel is vitally important for properly understanding Scripture. It expresses our worldview, gives us the means to study and interpret Scripture, and protects the use, study, and application of God’s Word from being hijacked by our own interests and demands.”
The distinction between the Law and the Gospel is to be kept in the Church with great diligence as a particularly brilliant light. According to Engelbrecht, the Lutherans believe, teach, and confess that the law is an appropriate divine doctrine (Rom. 7:12). It encourages and teaches what is right and pleasing to God, and it rebukes what is sin and contradicts with God’s word. So, according Lutheran belief everything that rebukes sin belongs to the preaching of the law. This reminds us that Lutheran teaching for Lutheran believers is very much helpful in order to encourage them abide to the right teachings that are based on scriptures. It also helps believers get ready to know God through scriptural teachings. In another word, law and gospel are inseparable. Distinguishing law and gospel does not mean that we detach them apart very much by removing them from each other. Rather they work together in a proper way and order: law first and then the gospel. In Lutheran teaching this is the principle by which the law and gospel are handled and treated in the church among believers. Eventually, Quill stated, “as preachers we prepare a
nd preach law and gospel sermons because we are called to do so as ordained ministers of Jesus Christ in a divinely instituted of pastoral office.”
#Theologian
The phrase "Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio" is a Latin maxim that outlines the life of a theologian according to Martin Luther, the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation. Here's what each term means:
- Oratio (Prayer): This is the starting point of a theologian's life, emphasizing the importance of prayer in seeking God's guidance and understanding.
- Meditatio (Meditation): This involves deep reflection and meditation on the Scriptures, going beyond surface reading to internalize and understand the deeper meanings of the biblical text.
- Tentatio (Testing or Trial): This refers to the trials and challenges that theologians face, which serve to test their faith and deepen their reliance on God and His Word¹.
Luther believed that these three elements were interconnected and cyclical, each one reinforcing and deepening the others, thus shaping the life and work of a theologian. This process is not just academic but deeply personal, involving the heart and soul as much as the mind.
The phrase "Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio" is a Latin maxim that outlines the life of a theologian according to Martin Luther, the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation. Here's what each term means:
- Oratio (Prayer): This is the starting point of a theologian's life, emphasizing the importance of prayer in seeking God's guidance and understanding.
- Meditatio (Meditation): This involves deep reflection and meditation on the Scriptures, going beyond surface reading to internalize and understand the deeper meanings of the biblical text.
- Tentatio (Testing or Trial): This refers to the trials and challenges that theologians face, which serve to test their faith and deepen their reliance on God and His Word¹.
Luther believed that these three elements were interconnected and cyclical, each one reinforcing and deepening the others, thus shaping the life and work of a theologian. This process is not just academic but deeply personal, involving the heart and soul as much as the mind.
Forwarded from Theological Discussion Network
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1 Corinth. 1:25 (NLT)
#Reminder!!
This "foolish" plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength.
#Reflection
God's ways, though often countercultural or counterintuitive, are infinitely wiser and stronger than our own.
#Reminder!!
This "foolish" plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength.
#Reflection
God's ways, though often countercultural or counterintuitive, are infinitely wiser and stronger than our own.
If you ask me "What is on your mind today?" My answer goes like this:
#Oratio. #Meditatio. #Tentatio. - The Pathway to Truly Knowing God’s Word
When Martin Luther was asked how one becomes a theologian, a true student of God’s Word, his answer wasn’t about academic degrees or mastering ancient languages. Instead, he laid out three simple but powerful steps:
1. Oratio (Prayer)
Everything begins with humble prayer. Before we can understand God’s Word, we must come to Him in total dependence, asking the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and hearts. This isn’t just a ritual, it’s an act of surrender. We acknowledge that spiritual truth isn’t grasped by intellect alone, but by God’s revelation.
"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." Psalm 119:18
Ask God for light. Ask Him to make the Word alive in you.
2. Meditatio (Meditation)
This is more than just reading. Meditatio is soaking in the Word, reading it slowly, reflecting deeply, letting it shape your thoughts and desires. Luther believed that meditation involved not only internal reflection but also speaking, reciting, and repeating Scripture, allowing it to dwell in you richly.
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."
Psalm 1:2
Don’t rush. Let the Word get into your bones. Speak it. Pray it. Think on it through the day.
3. Tentatio (Trial/Temptation)
This is the part we often want to avoid. Luther said true understanding of Scripture comes through suffering and spiritual struggle. It’s in the fire of temptation, hardship, and resistance from the world, the flesh, and the devil that the truths of Scripture move from head knowledge to heart experience.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word."
Psalm 119:67
In trials, we cling to the Word. God uses suffering to deepen our faith and reliance on Him.
This is the path of the real disciple.
Not just head knowledge, but a heart transformed by prayer, shaped by meditation, and refined in trials.
Oratio. Meditatio. Tentatio.
Pray. Meditate. Endure.
And through this, God forms in us a deeper love and understanding of His living Word.
Soli Deo Gloria!!
#Oratio. #Meditatio. #Tentatio. - The Pathway to Truly Knowing God’s Word
When Martin Luther was asked how one becomes a theologian, a true student of God’s Word, his answer wasn’t about academic degrees or mastering ancient languages. Instead, he laid out three simple but powerful steps:
1. Oratio (Prayer)
Everything begins with humble prayer. Before we can understand God’s Word, we must come to Him in total dependence, asking the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and hearts. This isn’t just a ritual, it’s an act of surrender. We acknowledge that spiritual truth isn’t grasped by intellect alone, but by God’s revelation.
"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." Psalm 119:18
Ask God for light. Ask Him to make the Word alive in you.
2. Meditatio (Meditation)
This is more than just reading. Meditatio is soaking in the Word, reading it slowly, reflecting deeply, letting it shape your thoughts and desires. Luther believed that meditation involved not only internal reflection but also speaking, reciting, and repeating Scripture, allowing it to dwell in you richly.
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."
Psalm 1:2
Don’t rush. Let the Word get into your bones. Speak it. Pray it. Think on it through the day.
3. Tentatio (Trial/Temptation)
This is the part we often want to avoid. Luther said true understanding of Scripture comes through suffering and spiritual struggle. It’s in the fire of temptation, hardship, and resistance from the world, the flesh, and the devil that the truths of Scripture move from head knowledge to heart experience.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word."
Psalm 119:67
In trials, we cling to the Word. God uses suffering to deepen our faith and reliance on Him.
This is the path of the real disciple.
Not just head knowledge, but a heart transformed by prayer, shaped by meditation, and refined in trials.
Oratio. Meditatio. Tentatio.
Pray. Meditate. Endure.
And through this, God forms in us a deeper love and understanding of His living Word.
Soli Deo Gloria!!
Hello everyone,
As we continue building this theological discussion network, we’d love to hear from you!
What theological topics or biblical themes would you like us to discuss together through this group and channel?
It could be areas like doctrine, ethics, church life, mission, biblical interpretation, or contemporary issues facing the church today.
Please share your suggestions below so we can shape our upcoming discussions around what truly matters to our community.
Let’s keep the conversation thoughtful, respectful, and rooted in Scripture.
Many thanks!
As we continue building this theological discussion network, we’d love to hear from you!
What theological topics or biblical themes would you like us to discuss together through this group and channel?
It could be areas like doctrine, ethics, church life, mission, biblical interpretation, or contemporary issues facing the church today.
Please share your suggestions below so we can shape our upcoming discussions around what truly matters to our community.
Let’s keep the conversation thoughtful, respectful, and rooted in Scripture.
Many thanks!