Law and Gospel Study Guide

8/9/2019 Law and Gospel Study Guide

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A Reading and Study Guide for

The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel

by

Dr. C. . !. !alther

The Pharisee and the Ta" Collector

posted on http#$$www.scholia.net on

The esti%al of the &oly Trinity ' (ay )*+ ),,)


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-ntroduction

After The Holy Bible and The Book of Concord + C. . !. !althers The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel is li/ely to be the wor/ that has 0ost influenced

those 0en in the (inistry of !ord and Sacra0ent in what is The Lutheran Church1

(issouri Synod. There are at least four reasons. irst+ the thirty1nine e%ening lectures are

theologically precise and doctrinally orthodo"+ resting upon and flowing fro0 thedoctrine of 2ustification. Second+ the wor/ is thoroughly practical and therefore of

i00ense i0portance to both pastor as proclai0er and the parishioner as hearer. Third+ the

twenty1fi%e theses were drawn forth fro0 the crucible of the Church (ilitant in whichone not only confesses the truth+ not only conde0ns the lie+ but also stands steadfast in

the breech when those in the world and in the congregation call for co0pro0ise of the

truth and tolerance for false doctrine and practice. ourth+ though 0ore than 334 yearssince the lectures were deli%ered and o%er a century in print+ the wor/ is stunningly and

soberly conte0porary. As such+ continued readings and study will benefit those who

in%est the ti0e.This guide was prepared to encourage the close e"a0ination and prolonged

0editation on what Dr. !alther had to say. The wor/ is not light reading. -t has been a

se0inary te"tboo/ and rightly so. The ideal use of this guide would be by a pastor

teaching a wee/ly class on the topic and using The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel as the te"t. During the other days of the wee/ each 0e0ber would read the te"ts+

study the points and address the 5uestions during the other days of the wee/. Certainly

pri%ate study by clergy and laity is encouraged. Circuit pastors conferences could use itas for study by the brethren.

This guide was prepared based on the Dau translation and the pagination 6the

nu0bers in parentheses7 is fro0 an early edition of the sa0e. The Preface and

Introduction is helpful in ter0s of history and conte"t.

Twenty years ago - read and studied !althers Law and Gospel as part of 0y

course wor/ at the se0inary. After a couple of years in the parish - used it as the basis for

an ad%anced doctrine class. Then for fifteen years or so - consulted it now and then.!hile preparing this reading and study guide+ - reali8e not only what a pastoral wor/ the

boo/ is but especially how 0uch it has influenced what the pastoral practice here at 9ur

Redee0er.

The peace of the L9RD be with you alway+

Re%. (ichael L. (cCoy

Pastor at 9ur Redee0er Lutheran Church:00ett+ -daho

1 ) 1

A Study and Reading Guide for C. . !. !althers The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel

Co%er art# The Pharisee and the Tax Collector by ;ulius Schnoor %on Carolsfeld.

Per0ission to use this i0age is li0ited to personal and congregational use.

Courtesy of !isconsin :%angelical Lutheran Synod 1 the !orld (ission Collection.


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As you read this first lecture+ /eep trac/ of the words that Re%. Dr. !alther 6!alther

hereafter7 used to describe those listening to hi0.

According to !alther+ what is necessary to be 647

-n what were these teachers to be i00ersed>

&ow were these 0en to beco0e

!hat is the fore0ost and 0ost i0portant Christian doctrine>

Scripture Chec/#

Ro0ans ?#)31)@ 1

:phesians )#@1 1

Genesis 34#* 1

!hat doctrine is second in i0portance>

Those who see/ to understand and apply this second 0ost i0portant doctrine are not ableto do this alone. !ho is necessary>

!alther states#

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irst :%ening Lecture ' Septe0ber 3)+ 3@@


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Eow we are ready for the first thesis or state0ent#

!hat does !alther ai0 to de0onstrate to his hearers>

Before listing the differences between the Law and the Gospel+ it is necessary to point outwhat is NT different. -n what ways do they NT differ> 6*17

3.

).

?.

.

4.

*.

Eow list the true points of difference between the Law and the Gospel.

3.

).

?.

.

4.

*.

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Thesis 3.

The doctrinal contents of the entire &oly Scriptures+ both of the 9ld and the Eew Testa0ent+ are 0ade up of two doctrines differing funda0entally fro0 each

other+ %i8.+ the Law and the Gospel.


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As you read the rest of the first e%ening lecture and wor/ through this study guide+ note

the differences. Pay particular attention to the Scripture readings that de0onstrate the

differences and note anything that is new to you.

The Law and the Gospel are different with respect to the 0anner in which they arere%ealed to 0an. 61@7 ill1in the following table#

Law or Gospel> &ow is it re%ealed>

Ro0ans )#3134 FFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Ro0ans 3*#)41)* FFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

!hat was the purpose of the Ten Co00and0ents>

The Law 0a/es de0ands and issues co00ands while the Gospel only offers and gi%es.Read Galatians ?#3) and ;ohn 3#3. 67

Both the Law and the Gospel pro0ise eternal life and sal%ation. et these pro0ises differ.

!hat is the difference>

Do both the Law and the Gospel pro0ise Gods grace and forgi%eness>

Read Deuterono0y )#)* and 3 Ti0othy 3#34. &ow does the Law differ fro0 the Gospel

according to their threats>

List three effects of the Law and three effects of the Gospel.

:ffects of the Law# :ffects of the Gospel#

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

To who0 are the following to be preached+ announced or told>

The Law# The Gospel#

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

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Practical Application

3. -dentify the following portions of Scripture as Law 6L7 or Gospel 6G7#

FFFFF 3 ;ohn )#3) 1 - a0 writing to you+ little children+ because

your sins are forgi%en for &is sa/e.

FFFFF :"odus ),#34 1 ou shall not steal.

FFFFF -saiah 4?#4 1 But &e was wounded for our transgressions+

&e was bruised for our ini5uities upon &i0

was the punish0ent that 0ade us whole+ andwith &is stripes we are healed.

FFFFF Lu/e 3,#) 1 ou shall lo%e the L9RD your God with all

your heart+ and with all your soul+ and with

all your strength+ and with all your 0indand your neighbor as yourself.

FFFFF Genesis ?#33 1 &a%e you eaten of the Tree of which -

co00anded you not to eat>

FFFFF Psal0 3,?#3) 1 As far as the east is fro0 the west+ so far

does &e re0o%e our transgressions fro0 us.

FFFFF (atthew )*#)* 1 Eow as they were eating+ ;esus too/ bread+and blessed+ and bro/e it+ and ga%e it to the

disciples and said+


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?. These lectures were addressed to 0en who were studying to be pastors in the

Lords Church. Certainly anyone would profit fro0 understanding how the Law and the

Gospel do and do not differ. !ould any of the following not benefit fro0 such a studyand focused 0editation on The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel >

a 0other ' a husband ' an elder in Christs Church ' a Sunday School teacher ' a babysitter ' a used car sales0an ' a father ' a grand0other ' a soldier

. An un0arried wo0an fro0 the congregation telephones you and says that she

wants to tal/ to you for a few 0inutes. She ad0its to you that she is pregnant and that she

needs to tal/ to so0eone. &ow do the Law and the Gospel apply here> !hich will youuse in this particular situation>

4. A pastor has dealt with a certain situation and has used the Law when he should

ha%e only spo/en words of forgi%eness and the assurance of Gods grace. ou /now the particulars of this situation. !ill you use the Law or the Gospel with this pastor>

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This e%ening lecture is a continuation of the pre%ious one in which the fifth and si"th

difference between the Law and the Gospel are addressed.

-n the introduction to this lecture one distinction is noted between those who are

Christians and those who are not. !ho is 5uite content with the /nowledge of the 0ere

outlines of Christian doctrine> 63)7

A 5uotation is 0ade fro0 !polo"y of the !u"sbur" Confession. !hat is that 5uotation

asserting> 63?7

Stri%ing to obtain the truth and to be assured of Gods grace+ 0ercy and peace is a

characteristic of FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF.

!alther was+ a0ong 0any other %ocations+ a parish pastor+ se0inary professor and

president of the synod. &e said+ 63?137

3.

).

?.

As it applies to this effect+ what too/ place with the Apostle Paul in Ro0ans #1> 637

The use of the first half of ) Corinthians ?#* 6 for the written code kills# but the $pirit "i%es life 7 is often in ter0s of the negati%e+ as if it were

1 @ 1


Second :%ening Lecture ' Septe0ber 3+ 3@@


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9ne of the reactions of the Law being proclai0ed to an unbelie%er is that the unbelie%er

wants to get away fro0 the accusations and effects. !hat two e"a0ples of this are gi%en

in this lecture> 6347

!hat was the reaction of so0e of his hearers when Peter preached the Law on Pentecost>

!hat are the three effects of the Gospel> 63413*7

Hpon the return of the prodigal son what does the father spea/ to hi0> 63*7 FFFFFF

a.7 the Law b.7 the Gospel

c.7 both the Law and the Gospel

!hat good 0ust does the Gospel re5uire that we 0ust furnish>

!alther said# 63*137

!hat is the answer to the 5uestion that Paul as/s of the renegade 0e0bers of the

congregation in Galatians ?#) ' Let 'e ask you only this( Did you recei%e the $pirit byworks of the Law# or by hearin" with faith)

To who0 is the Law to be preached>

To who0 is the Gospel to be preached>

-s the following state0ent that !alther 0a/es the Law or the Gospel#

preacher who would continue to preach the Law to a fa0ished sinnerJ= > 63@7

!hat is Re%. Dr. (artin Luthers 6Luther hereafter7 definition of the Law> 63@7

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!hat is his one1word definition of the Gospel> FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

!hat is his longer definition of the Gospel>



FFFFF Re%. )#3 1 But - ha%e a few things against you# you ha%e so0e

there who hold the teaching of Balaa0.

FFFFF Acts )#?@ 1 Repent+ and be bapti8ed e%ery one of you in the

Ea0e of ;esus Christ for the forgi%eness of your sins and you shall recei%e the gift of the &oly

Spirit. or the pro0ise is to you and to yourchildren.

FFFFF (att. *#3 1 Beware of practicing your piety before 0en in order to be seen by the0.

FFFFF (att. 33#)@ 1 Co0e unto (e+ all ye that labor and are hea%y1

laden+ and - will gi%e you rest.

). -s it true that the faith that God re5uires in the pro0ise is also the faith that Godgi%es in &is pro0ise> Relate this to the baptis0 of babies.

?. -s ) Corinthians ?#* 6 for the written code kills# but the $pirit "i%es life 7 parallel to

the answer to the 5uestion in Luther*s $'all Catechis' '

water signify> -t signifies that the 9ld Ada0 in us should+ by daily contrition andrepentance+ be drowned and die with all sins and e%il lusts and+ again+ a new 0an daily

co0e forth and arise+ who shall li%e before God in righteousness and purity fore%er.=

. -s a pastor %iolating the rule that the Law is to be preached to secure sinners and

the Gospel to alar0ed sinners when he preaches both the Law and the Gospel in aser0on> !hy or why not>

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The necessity of pure doctrine is e0phasi8ed at the beginning of this lecture. Ponder this

necessity according to the illustrations gi%en. 6),1)37

3. Christ the Earrow Path to hea%en#

). false doctrine as poison to the soul#

?. pure doctrine as wheat1seed#

An Aside# -s FFFFFFFFFFF

Ponder the following 5uote#


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!hen preparing to preach+ what 0ust the preacher ha%e and do in order to win his

hearers for the Kingdo0 of God>

Consider what Luther wrote#+If any one were well %ersed in this art# I 'ean# whoe%er could properly 'ake

this distinction# he would deser%e to be called a Doctor of Theolo"y&,

If any one were ... !hy !hat is the Art Teachers 0ediu0>

!here is the studio for the learning of this art >

Read what Staupit8 told Luther on a certain occasion. This is shoc/ing until one ponders

it in ter0s of the Law and the Gospel.

-s the difference between the Law and the Gospel easily distinguished in the following>

Does your answer here and now differ fro0what you wrote as an answer at the end of your study of the pre%ious e%ening lecture>

Can people tell when the preaching co0es fro0 the heart ... whether the preacher really

belie%es this stuff and desires only to proclai0 the Law and the Gospel to their

congregation for the well1being of e%ery soul> 6)47

-s the Law+ in and by and of itself+ good> &ow do you /now this> 6)*7

!hen wrestling with your conscience that is terrified because of the Law+ what shouldyou not consult>

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Luther proclai0s#


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The opening paragraph of this lecture infor0s of the necessity for the theologian not to

yield at any point in any doctrine or to 0a/e concessions of the truth whatsoe%er. -n

ter0s of those who critici8e such a stand+ does this first paragraph find application todayin the Church> 6)@7

!hat is it that does not wear down the Church+ but ulti0ately builds up the Church and

grants true peace>

!hat is the 0eaning of the phrase Does the belo%ed half1

brother of our Lord encourage this in ;ude ?1 >

!alther gi%es three e"a0ples of faithful 0en who would not budge on a single letter ofdoctrine and who would not co0pro0ise a single iota. List the three 0en+ their opponents

then and the doctrine in 5uestion. 6)@1)7

the faithful 0an his opponents the false doctrine

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF



!hat 0ight ha%e been the conse5uences if the 0en abo%e had 0ade e%en the slightest

concession to these false teachers>

!ho are the latter day followers of those who pro0oted the false doctrines listed abo%e>

&ow does ;ere0iah )?#)@ apply to the preaching and teaching of Gods !ord>

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Thesis ).

9nly he is an orthodo" teacher who not only presents all the articles of faith inaccordance with Scripture+ but also rightly distinguishes fro0 each other the Law and

the Gospel.

ourth :%ening Lecture ' 9ctober ?+ 3@@


15/65

This thesis is di%ided into two parts. The first part states what an orthodo" teacher 0ust

present. !hat 0ust an orthodo" pastor present>

Read Galatians 4#*133. According to %erse + if we allow a s0idge of false doctrine+ what

will happen the body of doctrine that is confessed as the truth>

!hat do Deuterono0y #) and Re%elation ))#3@13 indicate to the preacher concerningthe Lords !ord> Does it 0ean or apply any less to a parent>

!hile the first part of Thesis ) addresses the necessity of presenting all the articles of the

Christian faith as re%ealed in the Scriptures+ the second part declares the need for thedistinguishing of the Law and the Gospel. Assu0e that a ser0on has been written that has

no false doctrine in it. -s it possible that it still 0ay contain the truth and yet be wrong>

:"plain your answer. 6?31?)7

The final test of a proper ser0on is ....

a. FFFFF if it tic/les the intellect

b. FFFFF if it has no false doctrine in itc. FFFFF if none of the regulars fall asleep during it

d. FFFFF if there is both the Law and the Gospel

e. FFFFF if the ser0on rightly distinguishes the Law and the Gospel

!hat has happened if the pastor has preached a ser0on in which you 0ight reply+

he said was the truth+ but 0y soul is not satisfied=> 6?)7

Read Lu/e 3)#?)1@. Eow+ focusing on %erse ) 6 -ho then is the faithful and wise steward# who' his 'aster will set o%er his household# to "i%e the' their portion of food

at the proper ti'e) 7+ what two things are e"pected by the 0aster of the stewards who0

he has called and left in charge of the household> 6??7

3.

).

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!ho or what are the following in the Lu/e 3)#)1@>

3. the 0aster# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

). the steward# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

?. the household#FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

. the pro%ision for the household# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

4. the faithful and wise steward# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

*. the abusi%e and faithless steward# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

!hat points of application are de0onstrated in :8e/iel 3?#3@1)) that each pastor+ that is+

each steward of the 0ysteries of God+ ought to /eep in 0ind and put in practice> 6??1?7

Nechariah 33# is one portion of &oly !rit where we hear the (essiah tell us that &e isthe Shepherd !ho uses the Law and the Gospel. I will feed the flock of slau"hter# e%en you# poor of the flock& !nd I took unto .e two sta%es/ the one I called Beauty# and the

other I called Bands/ and I fed the flock& The Good Shepherd uses both properly. !hat is

the 0ista/e that 0ost preachers 0a/e> 6?7

-n addition to the two ways in which the preacher 0ay err abo%e+ there is a third

substance that arises that produces poison for souls. !hat is it> 6?47

!alther wrote#

-n the portion of Gods !ord gi%en by the &oly Spirit %ia the hand of the Apostle Paul to

Pastor Ti0othy# Do your best to present yourself to God as one appro%ed# a work'an

who has no need to be asha'ed# 01 Ti'othy 1(234& !hat does ri"htly handlin" the -ord

of Truth refer to>

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FFFFF ;ohn 3#3 1 And the !ord beca0e flesh and dwelt a0ong us+

full of grace and truth.

FFFFF Lu/e )#? 1 And &e said to hi0+ why has your countenance fallen> -f you do well+

will you not be accepted> And if you do not dowell+ sin is couching at the door its desire is for

you+ but you 0ust 0aster it.=

FFFFF Gen. 34#3 1 After these things the !ord of the L9RD ca0e toAbra0 in a %ision+

!hat is the 9ffice of the Keys>

-t is the peculiar church power which Christ has gi%en to &is Church on

earth to forgi%e the sins of penitent sinners+ but to retain the sins of the i0penitentas long as they do not repent.

!hat do you belie%e according to these words>

- belie%e that+ when the called 0inisters of Christ deal with us by &is

di%ine co00and+ especially when they e"clude 0anifest and i0penitent sinners

fro0 the Christian congregation+ and+ again+ when they absol%e those who repentof their sins and are willing to a0end+ this is as %alid and certain+ in hea%en also+

as if Christ+ our dear Lord+ dealt with us &i0self.

?. Co0pare the 5uotes abo%e with Lu/e 3)#?)1@.

. -s it /ind+ caring+ lo%ing and Christ1li/e to withhold forgi%eness fro0 so0eone

who is sorry for their sins and who see/s to be forgi%en in the Ea0e of the L9RD>

4. -s it /ind+ caring+ lo%ing and Christ1li/e to let so0eone who has sinned and who

continues in the sin and$or the denial of the sin to withhold forgi%eness and confront withthe Law.

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Throughout this lecture+ !alther references the writings of a Lutheran theologian na0ed

;ohann Gerhard 634@)13*?7. Gerhard is one of+ if not the+ greatest theologians in the

3th century. &e was both a parish pastor and a professor of theology. &is $acred .editations+ published at the age of ) in 3*,*+ is one of the finest de%otional writings in

Christendo0. This wor/+ along with 0any of his other Scriptural+ pastoral boo/s+ ha%e

been translated in :nglish and are a%ailable fro0 Repristination Press. Anyone interestedin 0ore infor0ation+ contact the0 at 0ailto#&HEE-HSOaol.co0

This lecture begins with a discussion that God wor/s through 0eans both in the Kingdo0of Power 6secular go%ern0ent7 and the Kingdo0 of Grace 6the Church7. -n the opening

paragraph there are two a0a8ing de0onstrations of Gods lo%e. !hat are they> 6?*7

3.

).

!alther spea/s that God is e0ploying and entrusting 5ualified 0en to be pastors in &isChurch. !ith respect to what is entrusted to those listening to his lecture+ what a0a8ing

co0parison between the te0poral and the eternal does he 0a/e> 6?*1?7

&owe%er+ what is of pri0ary i0portance>

;ohann Gerhard wrote+ Qthe distinction between the Law and the Gospel 0ust be0aintained at e%ery point.Q At what two points+ abo%e all+ 0ust this be /ept> 6?1?7

3.

).

:"plain what the theologian 0eans when he writes the following#

3. QThe Gospel de0ands nothing of us it only says# Co0e+ eat and drin/.Q 6?@7

). QTrue+ to 0any the Gospel beco0es a sa%or of death unto death+ but that is not

the fault of the Gospel. 6?@7

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ifth :%ening Lecture ' 9ctober 3+ 3@@


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?. QA hedge 0ust be 0ade around (ount Sinai+ but not around Golgotha.Q 6?7

. Qorgi%eness of sin 0ust not be proclai0ed to i0penitent and secure sinners.Q

;ohann Gerhard wrote+ Qthere are se%eral reasons why this distinction between the Law

and the Gospel 0ust be accurately defined and strictly adhered to.Q List the three reasons

and put the e"planation of the0 into your own words. 6,137

!hat is the su00ary of the point under discussion in this section> 637



FFFFF Ro0. )# 1 There will be tribulation and distress for e%eryhu0an being who does e%il.

FFFFF -saiah ,#) 1 Spea/ tenderly to ;erusale0+ and cry to her that her warfare is ended+ that her ini5uity is pardoned+ that

she has recei%ed fro0 the L9RDs hand double for

all her sins.

FFFFF ) Ti0. #) 1 Preach the !ord+ be urgent in season and out of

season+ con%ince+ rebu/e+ and e"hort+ be unfailing

in patience and teaching.

FFFFF Re%. ))#)3 1 The grace of the Lord ;esus be with all the saints.

). Co0pare the ifth :%ening Lecture with the following#

To obtain such faith God instituted the office of the 0inistry 6preaching0inistry7+ that is+ pro%ided the Gospel and the Sacra0ents. Through these+ as

through 0eans+ &e gi%es the &oly Spirit+ !ho wor/s faith+ when and where &e pleases+ in those who hear the Gospel. And the Gospel teaches that we ha%e a

gracious God+ not by our own 0erits but by the 0erits of Christ+ when we belie%e

this.

The !u"sbur" Confession+ Art. -+ ;ustification

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Prior to the presentation of Thesis ---+ !alther tells of a Lutheran theologian who ga%e

the following description of se0inary students#

Q!hen they arri%e at the uni%ersity+ they /now e%erything. -n their second year of

study they beco0e aware of so0e things they do not /now. At the close of theirlast year of study they are con%inced that they /now nothing at all.Q 637

!hat 0ight be se%eral reasons why this is true> 6Thesis --- and 3 Corinthians @#31) 0ight

be of help in co0ing up with the reasons.7

3.

).

?.

.

!hat does this thesis not 0ean> 6)1?7

As a result+ what is 5uite easy> 6?7

!hat is 5uite difficult>

The practical application and the use of the distinction between the Law and the Gospel is

beyond the reach of any of us alone. !ho is the teacher and where is the classroo0 forac5uiring this art>

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Si"th :%ening Lecture ' 9ctober )+ 3@@

Thesis ?.

Rightly distinguishing the Law and the Gospel is the 0ost difficult and the

highest art of Christians in general and of theologians in particular. -t is taught only by

the &oly Spirit in the school of e"perience.


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The difficulties of 0astering this art confront the 0inister fro0 two aspects. !hat are

they>

Does the answer in the pre%ious 5uestion de0onstrate that the distinguishing and the

practical application of the Law and the Gospel would be of benefit to all Christians>

After King Da%id had been restored in the grace of God he sang Psal0 43#3,133. Sing

those fa0iliar %erses and ponder what King Da%ids attitude was. !hy would it be thus>

Read Lu/e 4#3133. !hat was Peters reaction when he understood that &e was in the

Presence of the -ncarnate God> 67 !hy>

An Aside# Eow read ;ohn )3#31@. !hat was Peters reaction when he understoodthat the -ncarnate L9RD was on the shore> !hy> !hat was different between

this and the pre%ious episode> 6-n other words+ what had ta/en place between

these two e%ents>7

Read 3 ;ohn ?#31),. -t is possible that the Law and the Gospel are at war in you andthat your heart tells you not to belie%e the Gospel. !hat should you do when this

happens> 647

Read ) Corinthians ?#1* and fill in the following.

The ability to be able to distinguish+ use and apply the FFFFFFF and the

FFFFFFFFF co0es only fro0 the FFFFFFF FFFFFFFF. The Qwritten codeQ is

FFFFFFFFF while the QlifeQ that the Spirit gi%es is FFFFFFFFFF.

!hat does Luther regard as a high art and not easily attained> 6*7

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22/65

-n his Table Tal/+ how 0any people on earth does Luther says there is who /now how

properly to di%ide the Law fro0 the Gospel> 67

!hat is the Qfor0aQ of a Christian ... that is+ what 0a/es a person a Christian> 67

-n Thesis ---+ 0ention is 0ade that rightly distinguishing the Law and the Gospel is

taught only by the &oly Spirit in the Qschool of e"perience.Q Read the last paragraph in

this lecture. !hat does this say about a young 0an who co0es into the congregation as a

pastor on his first Call>


3. An e"a0ple of the practical application of the art of distinguishing the Law and

the Gospel is gi%en. Eathan the prophet de0onstrated this for the benefit of a soul na0edDa%id. Read the entire chapter of ) Sa0uel 33 to get the bac/ground. As you do+ write

down so0e of the sins that were co00itted by King Da%id.

a. e.

b. f.

c. g.

d. h.

). Eathan is the spiritual leader in ;erusale0 6the palace pastor>7. &e /nows of

Da%ids horrible sins against God his fall fro0 the state of grace. !hat does Da%id need

to hear+ the Law of the Gospel>

?. Continue reading the !ord+ ) Sa0uel 3)#3134+ and answer the following#

a. &ow does Pastor Eathan gain King Da%ids attention>

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b. Do you percei%e the e"ercise of the Spirit1taught art of applying the Law in

such a pastoral way as to eli0inate all loopholes+ e"cuses+ deflections and delays>

c. -n %erse 4+ who pronounces the penalty> !hat is the decision>

d. !hat does Eathan announce that cuts right to the heart of Da%id>

e. -s this the Law or the Gospel>

f. Da%id is contrite 6truly sorry for his sins and loo/ing to the L9RD for

forgi%eness7 and 0a/es confession to Eathan the prophet. !rite out Da%ids confession.

g. -dentify the Gospel.

h. Are there any conditions for the forgi%eness>

i. -s there a point in the historic liturgy of the Church when the pastor 0a/es the

sa0e announce0ent> -s it pure Gospel or are there conditions>

2. ollowing the announce0ent of forgi%eness+ we note that the conse5uences of

Da%ids sins re0ained. Do the conse5uences of our sins contradict the fact thatforgi%eness is ours>

. Read three of King Da%ids psal0s ... *+ ?) and 43 6note the superscription of

Psal0 437. These psal0s were written after his confession AED absolution. !hat was

King Da%ids de0eanor> -s so0eone able to ha%e great 2oy and not be happy>

4. Co0pare the Si"th :%ening Lecture with the following#

-t is taught a0ong us that pri%ate absolution should be retained and notallowed to fall into disuse. &owe%er+ in confession it is not necessary to

enu0erate all trespasses and sins+ for this is i0possible. Ps. 3#3)+

discern his errors>=

The !u"sbur" Confession+ Art. -. Confession

1 )? 1



24/65

To re%iew the pre%ious lecture and in anticipation of this se%enth one+ !alther begins

with an ad0onishing encourage0ent that points out two paths that are to be a%oided.!hat are these two>

3.

).

-s it possible that a 0an 0ay graduate fro0 the se0inary and be placed into a

congregation as pastor and still not be able to distinguish properly the Law and the

Gospel> !hy or why not> 64,7

-s it true that once a theologian properly distinguishes the Law and the Gospel+ that one

will always do so>

!hich theologians de0onstrate the point> 64,1437

3.

).

!hat was the purpose of this Se%enth Lecture> 6437

-n what 0ust the preacher be well %ersed> 64)7

!hat 0ust a 0inister be able to distinguish> 64?7

&ow ought e%ery hearer react at the ser0on>

1 ) 1


Se%enth :%ening Lecture ' Eo%e0ber + 3@@


25/65

!hat 0ust the preacher understand>

According to !alther+ what is the reason people lo%e to read Luthers ser0ons>

!hat truth did Aegidius &unnius disco%er on the page torn fro0 a de%otion boo/ that

co0forted hi0> 64*7

!hat was it that had originally caused such despair in &unnius soul>

!hat 0a/es pastoral 0inistrations %ery difficult> 647

-n order that a pastor 0ay correctly 2udge and treat people+ what is of ut0ost i0portance>

!hat i0portant point is 0ade with respect to :ras0us> 64@7


3. Co00ent on the following assertions#

QAny one sinning purposely and /nowingly falls fro0 grace.Q

QSin does not har0 a Christian.Q

). !hat is the difference between#

QGood wor/s are not necessary only faith.Q

and

QGood wor/s are not necessary to obtain sal%ation.Q

?. -n dealing with people the pastor 0ust 0a/e 2udg0ents with one person hearing

nothing but Law and another hearing nothing but Gospel. Does this %iolate the !ord ofthe Lord !ho says+ Q;udge not+ that you be not 2udgedQ in (atthew #3>

1 )4 1



26/65

The opening paragraphs of this lecture address the Scriptures+ specifically with respect to

whether or not the Bible is clear who the author of &oly !rit is and how a particular

passage is Law or Gospel. Are there+ e%en and especially today+ those who 0aintain thatthere is one 0eaning that is plainly gi%en+ while at the sa0e ti0e+ there are one or 0ore

secret 0eanings that are in hidden code> -f


27/65

&ow is the following state0ent concluded# QThe 0o0ent we learn to /now the

distinction between the Law and the Gospel+ it is as if the ....Q> 6*)7

!hat entered the Church when the Law and the Gospel began to be confounded>

-n what century did this begin to ta/e place throughout the Church>

!alther states# Qthe birth of the Refor0er dates fro0 the 0o0ent when Lutherunderstood this distinction.Q Ponder the words of the Refor0er as he describes the ti0e

when the &oly Spirit re%ealed that the Gospel was not the Law+ in what is co00only

called Luthers Tower :"perience#

(eanwhile in that sa0e year+ 343+ ... - had concei%ed a burning desire to understand

what Paul 0eant in his Letter to the Ro0ans+ but thus far there had stood in 0y way+ not the cold

blood around 0y heart+ but that one word which is in chapter one# QThe 2ustice of God is re%ealedin it.Q - hated that word+ Q2ustice of God+Q which+ by the use and custo0 of all 0y teachers+ - had

been taught to understand philosophically as referring to for0al or acti%e 2ustice+ as they call it+

i.e.+ that 2ustice by which God is 2ust and by which he punishes sinners and the un2ust.

... !hy does God heap sorrow upon sorrow through the Gospel and through the Gospel

threaten us with his 2ustice and his wrath>Q This was how - was raging with wild and disturbed

conscience. - constantly badgered St. Paul about that spot in Ro0ans 3 and an"iously wanted to

/now what he 0eant.

- 0editated night and day on those words until at last+ by the 0ercy of God+ - paid

attention to their conte"t# QThe 2ustice of God is re%ealed in it+ as it is written# The 2ust person

li%es by faith.Q - began to understand that in this %erse the 2ustice of God is that by which the 2ust person li%es by a gift of God+ that is by faith. - began to understand that this %erse 0eans that the

2ustice of God is re%ealed through the Gospel+ but it is a passi%e 2ustice+ i.e. that by which the

0erciful God 2ustifies us by faith+ as it is written# QThe 2ust person li%es by faith.Q All at once - felt

that - had been born again and entered into paradise itself through open gates. -00ediately - sawthe whole of Scripture in a different light. - ran through the Scriptures fro0 0e0ory and found

that other ter0s had analogous 0eanings+ e.g.+ the wor/ of God+ that is+ what God wor/s in us the

power of God+ by which he 0a/es us powerful the wisdo0 of God+ by which he 0a/es us wise

the strength of God+ the sal%ation of God+ the glory of God.

- e"alted this sweetest word of 0ine+ Qthe 2ustice of God+Q with as 0uch lo%e as before -

had hated it with hate. This phrase of Paul was for 0e the %ery gate of paradise.

Translation by Bro. Andrew Thornton+ 9SB

6c7 3@? by Saint Ansel0 Abbey.

-s the following a procla0ation of the Law or the Gospel# Qou 0ust now 5uit Sinai and

go to Golgotha.Q 6*?7

1 ) 1



28/65

!hat does this state0ent 0ean> Q-f these two doctrines are not /ept separate+ the 0erit of

Christ is obscured.Q 6*7

!hat will happen if the teacher teaches that the Law has been abolished> 6*47

!rite out the pri0ary passage of Scripture that establishes Thesis . 6*7



FFFFF Ro0. #4 1 And to one who does not wor/ but trust &i0 who

2ustifies the ungodly+ his faith is rec/oned as

righteousness.

FFFFF 3 Cor. *#13, Do you not /now that the unrighteous will not

inherit the Kingdo0 of God> Do not be decei%ed

neither the i00oral+ nor idolaters+ nor adulterers+nor ho0ose"uals+ nor thie%es+ nor the greedy+ nor

drun/ards+ nor re%ilers+ nor robbers will inherit the

Kingdo0 of God.

FFFFF 3 Cor. *#33 1 And such were so0e of you. But you were washed+

you were sanctified+ you were 2ustified in the Ea0eof the Lord ;esus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

). !e are now con%inced that the &oly Spirit is the Author of the entire Bible+ and assuch+ the Bible contains neither error not contradiction. Consider+ therefore+ a couple of

those te"ts that see0 to contradict one another and offer an e"planation.

Pro%erbs )*# and Pro%erbs )*#4

Lu/e )#43 and (atthew )@#),

1 )@ 1



29/65

Preceding the ne"t thesis+ !alther discussed the Antichrist. The ter0 QantichristQ is used

in two ways. -dentify the0 in the following Scripture references#

3. generally ' (atthew )#) and 3 ;ohn )#3@b

). specifically ' 3 ;ohn )#3@a

!hat are si" 0ar/s of the Antichrist listed in ) Thessalonians )#?13)>

3. .

). 4.

?. *.

-0agine so0eone who clai0ed hi0self to be Gods spo/es0an. &e insisted that his word

was true and that he had to be obeyed+ especially the following state0ents. !ould you

dee0 hi0 to be the Antichrist>


30/65

An aside# Socinian+ na0ed after Laelius Socinus+ refers to so0eone who holds to

a 3*th century sect that is unitarian in that it denies the Di%inity of ;esus.

!hat are the two testi0onies 6witnesses+ ite0s of e%idence7 that de0onstrate that the

papists are doing what the thesis charges> 6*1,7

3.

).

The following Scriptural couplets are referenced to help you answer the 5uestions+ = 6,7.

3. Consider (atthew ))#?1?@ in connection with Deuterono0y *#14.

). Consider Le%iticus 3#3@ in connection with (atthew ))#?.

-n %iew of your pre%ious answer+ read (atthew 4#)31)* and e"plain the 0eaning of the

words of ;esus when &e said+

1 ?, 1



31/65

Read Genesis ?#34. This is the 6,137

&a%ing understood the first pro0ise of the Sa%ior in Genesis ?#34+ now read Re%elation

#3?13. -s the Gospel of the 9ld Testa0ent different than the Gospel of the Eew

Testa0ent>

(oses ;esus

(t. Sinai (t. Cal%ary

:"odus ),#313 ' 9ld Testa0ent ;ere0iah ?3#?31? ' 9ld Testa0ent

(atthew 3#3*1)3 ' Eew Testa0ent &ebrews #33134 ' Eew Testa0ent

(ight one be able to construct a si0ilar drawing using Galatians #)31?3>

Does the entire life of ;esus de0onstrate 5uite plainly what Gods Good Eews is> 6)7

According to ;ohn ?#3+ why did God send &is Son into this world> 6?7

-s putting up a cross in a sanctuary+ 0a/ing the sign of the cross and preaching Christ as a

new Lawgi%er a hypocrisy of the highest order> 67

Considering that the Law of God is written in the heart of 0an fro0 the all+ how 0any

basic religions are there in the history of the world>

-n what way is the Law easier than the Gospel+ and what does this 0ean> 6*7

-n what way is the Gospel easier than the Law+ and how does this apply>

!alther ac/nowledges that there are so0e hu0an beings who li%e their entire li%es

sub2ect neither to the Law nor to the Gospel. To what does he li/en the0> 6*7

1 ?3 1



32/65



FFFFF (att. 4#313@ ' ;esus is spea/ing#M Thin/ not that - ha%e co0e to

abolish the law and the prophets - ha%e co0e not toabolish the0 but to fulfil the0. or truly+ - say to

you+ till hea%en and earth pass away+ not an iota+ not

a dot+ will pass fro0 the law until all isacco0plished.

FFFFF ;ohn 3#?, ' !hen ;esus had recei%ed the %inegar+ &e said+

!e ought not assu0e i00ediately that the church of Ro0e accepts e%erything

that the pope or cardinals or bishops or so0e theologians or 0on/s ad%ance. To the

prelates their own authority is ob%iously 0ore i0portant than the Gospel of Christ+ and

e%erybody /nows that 0ost of the0 are openly :picureans. -t is also ob%ious that the

theologians ha%e 0ingled 0ore than enough philosophy with Christian doctrine. Their

authority ought not see0 so great as to end all argu0ent+ when there are so 0any

0anifest errors a0ong the0+ such as the idea that we can lo%e God abo%e all things by

purely natural powers. Despite its ob%ious falsehood+ this teaching has spawned 0any

errors. The Scriptures+ the holy athers+ and the 2udg0ent of all the faithful are

consistently against the0. Therefore the /nowledge of Christ has re0ained with so0e

faithful souls. This in spite of the fact that prelates and so0e theologians and 0on/s inthe church ha%e taught us to see/ forgi%eness of sins+ grace+ and righteousness through

our wor/s and new de%otions+ obscuring the wor/ of Christ and 0a/ing of &i0 not the

propitiator and 2ustifier+ but only a legislator. !polo"y of the !u"sbur" Confession

ART-CL: -. ;HST--CAT-9E+ Tappert+ ?31?)

All Christians ought to beware of beco0ing participants in the i0pious doctrines+

blasphe0ies+ and un2ust cruelties of the pope. They ought rather to abandon and e"ecrate

the pope and his adherents as the /ingdo0 of the Antichrist. Christ co00anded+


33/65

!alther begins this lecture with a description of two resolutions. !hat are they> 67

3.

).

!hat is the chief tas/ for those who enter the sacred 0inistry> 6@7

!rite out this thesis in your own words.

Read Galatians ?#3313). !hat does the Law ha%e to say about grace> 67

-s it correct to say that a person who stretches out his hand to recei%e Gods gift has done

a good wor/> :"plain your answer.

Are there any concessions when one is proclai0ing the Law> 6@,7

-s the preaching of the Law ai0ed at the outward physical actions or the inward spiritual

condition> 6@37

!hat did !alther say about little children hearing the Law> 6@?7

1 ?? 1


Tenth :%ening Lecture ' Eo%e0ber )@+ 3@@

Thesis *.

-n the second place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided when the

Law is not preached in its full sternness and the Gospel not in its full sweetness+when+ on the contrary+ Gospel ele0ents are 0ingled with the Law andLaw ele0ents with the Gospel.


34/65

The !ord warns of false teachers in the Church and !alther spea/s of the da0age that

false doctrine can do. !hat does God re5uire of &is undershepherds> 6@@7

!hat are the four per%ersions that are e"a0ined in this e%ening lecture>

3.

).

?.

.

Loo/ up the following sections in the Bible and de0onstrate that the Law is preachedfirst and the Gospel is announced second.

3. (ar/ 3#34 '

). Acts ),#)3 '

Read Psal0 3?,#. !hich part bespea/s 2ustification and which part is sanctification>

-n Acts )#?@ does Peter %iolate the proper se5uence of Law and Gospel>

-n :phesians )#@13, does Paul %iolate the proper se5uence of Law and Gospel>


Study and co0prehend the section titled


35/65

According to the lecturer+ what is the worst fault in 0odern preaching> 67

-s it sufficient when what one has preached has been the !ord of God>

Therefore+ while it is i0portant that ser0ons do not lac/ a special ai0+ what is e5ually

i0portant> 63,,7

As a re%iew+ write out the si" points of difference between the Law and the Gospel. 63,37

3.

).

?.

.

4.

*.

To who0 0ust the Gospel be preached>

To who0 0ust the Law be preached>

1 ?4 1


Twelfth :%ening Lecture ' Dece0ber 3)+ 3@@

Thesis @.

-n the fourth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided when the Law is preached

to those who are already in terror on account of their sins or the Gospel to those who

li%e securely in their sins.


36/65

Read the following sections fro0 &oly Scripture and state why there was no Law used

with the particular people#

Lu/e #?*14, 6the wo0an7 '

Lu/e 3#313, 6Nacchaeus7 '

Lu/e 34#331?) 6the younger son7 '

Lu/e )?#?1? 6the )nd thief7 '


3. Read through the re0ainder of this e%ening lecture and study$note carefully thee"a0ples of proper pastoral care ...

... fro0 Luther to Spalatin.

... fro0 Staupit8 to Luther

... fro0 Luther to Spenlein

). Both parts of this thesis are taught in the !ord of God and in the Lutheran

Confessions. or e"a0ple+ ta/e out your catechis0 and read the 5uestions and recall theanswers#

!hat is the 9ffice of the Keys>

!here is this written>

!hat do you belie%e according to these words>

1 ?* 1



37/65

!hat is the first+ fore0ost re5uisite for successfully preaching a Christian ser0on> 63337

&ow would you reply to so0eone who said+ =

!hat is the second re5uisite for effecti%e preaching> 633)7

!hat is the second part of the thesis presented in this e%ening lecture> 633?7

!hat is the 0eaning of (atthew #*> 6337

&ow does (atthew 33#)@ support the second part of the thesis> 63347

-s there a prescription that we are able to gi%e to people concerning a certain degree of

penitence> !hy or why not> 633@7

6337

-s shouting at 0ass of people+ :"plain. 63)7

1 ? 1


Thirteenth :%ening Lecture ' ;anuary + 3@@4


38/65

The introduction to the ne"t thesis addresses the difference between the Refor0ed

Church and the Lutheran Church. -n %iew of the present day state of the Lutheran

Church+ it is infor0ati%e and sobering to read this section. !rite down any applicationsthat you 0ight 0a/e to what you behold ta/ing place in either of the Churches today.

63)413)7

!hat do Claus &ar0s warning 0ean> 63)47

!hich doctrine is the funda0ental difference between the confession of the Refor0edChurch and the confession of the Lutheran Church> 63)*7

!hat 5uestion can not be answered correctly by the Refor0ed Church> 63)7

:%en if there are those in the Refor0ed Churches who affir0 that a person is sa%ed by

grace alone+ what is disco%ered when their practice is e"a0ined> 63)7

Read Acts )#?*1?. or the hope of forgi%eness and sal%ation where does Peter direct the people> !hy> 63)@13)7

Read Acts 3*#31?. &ow do Paul and Silas answer the 5uestion of the terrified

Philippian 2ailer+ and where do they direct this 0an to go for Gods grace> 63)13?)7

1 ?@ 1


ourteenth :%ening Lecture ' ;anuary 3*+ 3@@4

Thesis .

-n the fifth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided when sinners who ha%e been

struc/ down and terrified by the Law are directed+ not to the !ord and theSacra0ents+ but to their own prayers and wrestlings with God in order that they 0ay

win their way into a state of grace in other words+ when they are told to /eep on

praying and struggling until they feel that God has recei%ed the0 into grace.


39/65

Read Acts ))#3)13*. !here does Ananias direct Saul 6Paul7 with respect to hope and

forgi%eness> 63?)13?7

Based upon the faulty practice of directing people to their own wrestlings+ prayers andwor/s to find peace and rest with God+ what are the three awful errors that this e"poses in

the doctrine of these sects> 63?413?*7

3.

).

?.


3. -n the end+ is the Refor0ed practice of directing the indi%idual to personal

wrestlings and prayer any different fro0 the practice of Ro0an penitence>

). -n the third to the last paragraph in this lecture+ !alther obser%es that it would be

awful if one had this thought before falling asleep#


40/65

!hat answer does !alther anticipate when he as/s#

&ow could the Christian doctrine be called the e%angel+ that is+ glad tidings+ if those whoaccept it 0ust be in constant doubt whether their sins are co%ered+ whether God loo/s

upon the0 as righteous people+ and whether they will go to hea%en> 63?@7

!ith what does the Lord re5uire &is followers to wrestle> 63?7

3.

).

?.

.

!ith what do we not ha%e to wrestle>

!hy is the doctrine of doubt the 0ost horrible error into which a Christian can fall>

!hat is the danger of Pietis0> 63,134,7

!hat are the three rules that resenius insisted the sinner 0ust obser%e> 63?137

Are the three rules

1 , 1


ifteenth :%ening Lecture ' ;anuary )?+ 3@@4


41/65

!hat doctrine and practice of the Lutheran Church is particularly offensi%e to the

Refor0ed Church> 63437

!hat is the Refor0ed %iew of 6343134)7 ...

... Baptis0

... the Lords Supper

... Absolution

The Lutheran pastor will point and direct the penitent to the truth of Gods pro0ise that

the Lord offers and gi%es in the 0eans of grace 6!ord and Sacra0ent7. !hy does the

Refor0ed not ha%e this %iew> 634?7

Does the Bible proclai0 and does the Lutheran Church belie%e+ teach and confess baptis0al regeneration>

!hat was Nwinglis 0ain theological focus> 6341347

Luther declared that all schis0atics and heretics run contrary to the irst Co00and0ent

and they stu0ble at ;esus Christ. Ponder on any conte0porary e"a0ples of what followsfro0 Luther 63*37#

Read the last paragraph of this lecture and note the pastoral words of Law and Gospel.

1 3 1


Si"teenth :%ening Lecture ' ;anuary ?,+ 3@@4


42/65

At the (arburg Collo5uy+ what was the one difference in doctrine that pre%ented

brotherly and churchly fellowship between Luther and Nwingli> 63*47

!hat did Nwingli belie%e concerning Christ and &is Supper>

-n response to this+ what did Luther say to Nwingli>

!hat is the characteristic 0ar/ of the Church> 63*7

!rite out the si" doctrinal bases on which the Lutheran+ that is+ the Biblical practice of

absolution rests. 63*13,7

3.

).

?.

.

4.

*.

The Ro0anists turn the Absolution+ which is pure Gospel+ into Law by 0a/ing certainde0ands upon the penitent. !hat are these three de0ands> 6337

3.

).

?.

Co0plete the following#


43/65


44/65

!hat was one of the 0ost i0portant of the 0any doctrinal differences that were

discussed between the so1called Pietist and the 9rthodo"ists> 63?7

-s there an inter0ediary state+ or is a person either con%erted or not con%erted>

!hich group has pic/ed up on the syste0 of /eeping on praying and struggling until they

feel that God has recei%ed the0 into grace> 6347

-s there any place for feelin" in the Christian> 6),37

Does faith proceed fro0 feeling+ or does feeling follow fro0 faith>

Read 3 ;ohn ?#31), and co00ent on 0ans inward feeling and Gods assurance through

&is !ord of Truth> 6),37 By the way+ is 3 ;ohn ?#31), the Law or the Gospel>M

!hat pastoral counsel does !alther ad%ise when a faithful congregational 0e0ber co0es

to the pastor clai0ing of great spiritual 0isery+ clai0ing e%en that he cannot belie%e at

all> 6),)7

Eo 0atter what other false doctrines the fanatical sects 0ay teach+ what grie%ous error do

they ha%e in co00on> 6),7

1 1


Eineteenth :%ening Lecture ' ebruary ),+ 3@@4


45/65

The introduction to this lecture is of such churchly character and pastoral content that

e%eryone in the congregation should read it+ and particularly so if a congregation is

recei%ing a candidate fro0 the se0inary. 9ne is re0inded of the Apostle Pauls two pastoral epistles to Ti0othy ... letters written to the young pastor but surely intended to be

read to the congregation.

-s it correct to state that the first part of this thesis can be su00ed up as follows> 6)3,7

De0onstrate that


46/65

!hat is the pri0ary source fro0 which the ob2ections to sal%ation by the grace of God

through faith in Christ spring> 6)))7

!hat has happened when faith is described in such a way that it 0a/es a person righteousand sa%es hi0 because it produces in lo%e in hi0 and a refor0ation of his way of li%ing>

6))?7

At the sa0e ti0e+ what do the &oly Scriptures e0phatically testify concerning good

wor/s>

!hat is one definition of faith> 6))7

!hich of the following is false doctrine without any hope and which is the truth> 6))47

FFFFFFFFFF irst a person beco0es godly+ then he is sa%ed.

FFFFFFFFFF irst a person is sa%ed+ then he beco0es godly.

!hat are the real good wor/s> 6))*7

-s an unbelie%er+ that is+ the non1Christian+ able to do good wor/s>

!hat brings !alther to the conclusion that Qthe Ro0an doctrine of 2ustification is nothing

else than a co0plete denial+ annihilation+ and conde0nation of the Gospel.Q 6)?37

9n the basis of Thesis 3,+ co00ent on :phesians )#@13,.

Read Philippians ?#@1. Paul writes of two righteousnesses. !hat are they and are they

both real>

Co00ent on the following#

Righteousness based on the Law is D9+ while righteousness based on the Gospel is D9E:.

1 * 1


Twenty1irst :%ening Lecture ' (arch *+ 3@@4


47/65


48/65

!hat is the 0ost i0portant official act of a ser%ant of the Church> 6)7

!hat are the differences between a Lutheran pastor and a Ro0anist priest in this area>

!hat are the fi%e purposes in preaching>

3.

).

?.

.

4.

-n achie%e this tas/+ what 0ust happen> 6)@1)7

-s contrition 6sorrow for sin7 a cause for the forgi%eness of sin> 6)7

!hat are the two reasons why it is a 0ingling of Law and Gospel when so0eone saysthat the doctrine of contrition is a cause of the forgi%eness of sins> 6)1)4,7

3.

).

!hat should be done if we 0ay assu0e+ in all reasonableness+ that a person has beenloosed fro0 his self1righteousness and wants to be sa%ed by grace alone> 6)4?7

9ught we to distinguish daily repentance and repentance which precedes faith> !hy+ or

why not> 6)47

1 @ 1


Twenty1Third :%ening Lecture ' (arch ),+ 3@@4

Thesis 3).

-n the eighth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided when the preacher represents contrition alongside of faith as a cause of the forgi%eness of sin.


49/65


50/65

!hat is the 0ost difficult and arduous tas/ of a pastor> 6)*47

The 0inister who does this will e"perience the truth of an old saying. !hat is it>

!hy is the Church here on earth ter0ed 6)**7

!hat do the papists 0ean by 6)*@7

!hat does this 0ean> Put it into your own words.

!hat does Gods !ord really 0ean when it say that so0eone is 2ustified and sa%ed byfaith alone> 6)*7

!hat are the only two causes of sal%ation that we belie%e+ teach and confess> 6)37

3.

).

!hat does Gerhard 0ean when he wrote# 6)?7

-s faith a wor/ of and a gift fro0 God>

1 4, 1


Twenty1ifth :%ening Lecture ' April )+ 3@@4

Thesis 3.

-n the tenth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided when faith is re5uiredas a condition of 2ustification and sal%ation+ as if a person were righteous

in the sight of God and sa%ed+ not only by faith+ but also on account of his faith+for the sa/e of his faith+ and in %iew of his faith.


51/65

-n order to be a true Christian+ what is an indispensable re5uisite> 6)47

-n order to be a true 0inister+ what is needed in addition to faith>

!rite out the 0eanings of words that rationalistic preachers re1define.

repentance and con%ersion# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

sanctification# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

the anger of God# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

the predestination of God# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

the Gospel# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

There are words in Scripture that ha%e a


52/65

!hat is 0eant by the law of faith > 6)@*1)@7

&ow are we to understand the word


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The introduction to Thesis 3* pro%ides churchly and brotherly counsel that addresses

ser0on preparation+ focus and deli%ery. -n addition+ !alther recogni8es and spea/s to the

hu0an wea/ness of the preacher+ and offers guidance on occasions when the preacher0is1spea/s. The reading of this e"cellent introduction will benefit both pastor and

parishioner. 6)*1)7

!hat is the essence of the grossest for0 of co00ingling of Law and Gospel> 6)7

!hat does 6?,,7

!hich of the Scripture %erse co00entaries on pages ?,, ' ?,) was the 0ost

enlightening to you>

-n what situations 0ight belie%ing pastors 0a/e a 0ista/e and slip into a horrible

co00ingling of Law and Gospel> 6?,?7

Does Christianity 0aintain that we do good wor/s and+ as a result+ are born again or+ are

we born again and then do what is pleasing to God> 6?,7

According to Luther+ e%erything a regenerate does is FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. 6?,47

Do good and pious wor/s produce a good and pious person> 6?,*7

Do good and pious intentions produce a good and pious person>

1 4? 1


Twenty1:ighth :%ening Lecture ' (ay 34+ 3@@4

Thesis 3*.

-n the twelfth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided when the preacher tries to0a/e people belie%e that they are truly con%erted as soon as they ha%e beco0e rid of

certain %ices and engage in certain wor/s of piety and %irtuous practices.


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-n the words prefacing Thesis 3 the difference between the lu/ewar0$cold and the

faithful ser%ant of the !ord is de0onstrated fro0 the Scriptures. This section is sobering.

9ne grie%ous sin that a 0inister co00its is when he does not ta/e his stewardship of the

0ysteries of God seriously. !hat also is a grie%ous sin> 6?,@7

!hat is the ulti0ate ai0 of a true ser%ant of the !ord> 6?,@7

9nce again+ which of the Scripture %erse co00entaries on pages ?,@ ' ?33 was the 0ostenlightening to you>

The Christian does indeed daily sin 0uch in thought+ word and deed. !hich petition of

the Lords Prayer ac/nowledges that and re5uests the assurance of Gods pardon> 6?337

The blessedness of a Christian does not consist in pleasant feelings. -n what does the

blessedness of the Christian consist> 6?3)7

True or alse# 6?3)1?3?7

FFFFF After beco0ing a Christian+ a person retains his natural te0pera0ent.

FFFFF -t cannot be said that to be Christian+ a person will ne%er co00it a gross sin.

FFFFF A true Christian will be as patient as ;ob.

FFFFF A person can be a Christian and+ at the sa0e ti0e+ fear death. FFFFF Pride will not plague a Christian since it would %iolate the irst Co00and0ent.

!hene%er a preacher draws the picture of a Christian+ what practical e"ercise is

suggested> 6?3?7

1 4 1


Twenty1Einth :%ening Lecture ' (ay )+ 3@@4

Thesis 3.

-n the thirteenth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided when a description is

gi%en of faith+ both as regards its strength and the consciousness and producti%eness

of it+ that does not fit all belie%ers at all ti0es.


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The pre%ious lecture de0onstrated how Law and Gospel can be confounded by an

e"aggerated %iew of Christianity ... basically+ the Christian does not sin. The ne"t thesisaddresses a confounding due to an opposite e0phasis.

-n your own words+ re1write Thesis 3@.

!hat 0ust the hearers of a sincere preacher always hear> 6?37

!hen a preacher spea/s of abo'inable sinners+ which people 0ust he not refer to> 6?),7

!hat declaration of God 0ay e%ery Christian apply to hi0self or herself> 6?),7

!hich of the Scripture %erse co00entaries on pages ?), ' ?)) was the 0ost

enlightening to you>

!hat is described as lip faith > 6?))7

1 44 1


Thirtieth :%ening Lecture ' ;une 4+ 3@@4

Thesis 3@.

-n the fourteenth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided when the uni%ersal

corruption of 0an/ind is described in such a 0anner as to create the i0pression that

e%en true belie%ers are still under the spell of ruling sins and are sinning purposely.


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!hat are the three re5uisites of a theologian> 6??7

3.

).

?.

!hat is the definition of ex opere operato >

Re1write this definition in your own words.

Does the !ord of God benefit a person who does not belie%e> 6?7

Recall the catechis0 answer to the 5uestion# =

&ow does this catechetical response apply to Thesis )3>

!ho+ alone+ can gi%e a person true faith> 6?@7

1 4@ 1


Thirty1Third :%ening Lecture ' Septe0ber + 3@@4

Thesis )3.

-n the se%enteenth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided when0en are taught that the Sacra0ents produce salutary effects ex opere operato+that is+ by the 0ere outward perfor0ance of a sacra0ental act.


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The first paragraph is an accurate description of what was ta/ing place in the Church 3),

years ago. Does this paragraph accurately describe what is ta/ing place today> 6?@7

!hat is the conte0pt of the pure doctrine also in conte0pt of$for> 6?7

3.

).

-n ;ude ?+ what is the author instructing his readers to contend for> 6?7

!hy 0ust we not only defend the truth but also oppose e%ery doctrinal error> 6?437

God offers forgi%eness of sins+ righteousness and eternal life. 9f what benefit is it if it isnot recei%ed> -s the accepting of a present a wor/> 6?4)7

(ust one belie%e in the pro0ise of God in the Lords Supper in order to recei%e the blessing that God intends> 6?4?7

!hat is to urge a Christian to go to Co00union> 6?47

Do we 0aintain that people are sa%ed by the 0ere e"ternal use of the Sacra0ents> 6?447

As it relates to Thesis )3+ what does the following 0ean>


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The introduction encourages the preacher to proclai0 the Gospel ' that ;esus is the !ay

of sal%ation and that there is no other sa%ior. -t also conde0ns those false shepherds who

ignore the Gospel and point people to the Law. !ho are the worst offenders of this andwhat is heard fro0 the pulpits> 6?*37

!hat is easy to a%oid and what is difficult to a%oid in the preaching of Christ> 6?*)7

Loo/ up the definitions of a pietist in se%eral dictionaries.

!hat are the three categories that Pietists place all people> 6?*?7

3.

).

?.

According to the Scriptures+ there are only two categories. !hat are they>

3.

).

Co0pare the con%ersion of the first Pentecost hearers+ the :thiopian official and the

Philippian 2ailor. 6?*41?**7

-s repentance the wor/ of 0an or a gift fro0 God> 6?*7

-s the longing for 0ercy is an indication of faith> 6?*7

1 *, 1


Thirty1ifth :%ening Lecture ' Septe0ber 3@+ 3@@4

Thesis )).

-n the eighteenth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided whena false distinction is 0ade between a persons being awa/ened

and his being con%erted 0oreo%er+ when a persons AB-L-T to belie%eis 0ista/en for his not B:-EG P:R(-TT:D to belie%e.


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-n %iew of the Good Eews of our sal%ation+ what would one thin/ that all people would

2oyfully desire and recei%e> 6?,7

Read the account of :li2ah and the prophets of Baal in 3 Kings 3@ and concentrate on itfro0 the perspecti%e of the people. !hat were they willing to accept> !hat did it ta/e to

con%ince the people that the L9RD is the only God>

!alther li/ens the prophets of Baal in the ti0e of :li2ah with the Pharisees in the days of

Christ. &ow are they ali/e> 6?37

-n addition to 0a/ing a false distinction between awa/ening and con%ersion+ what

addition error do the so1called Pietists and fanatical sects put forth> 6?)7

-s con%ersion a process o%er a period of ti0e with steps+ or is it a point in ti0e> 6??7

!hat are four conse5uences when a 0an is told that he 0ay not yet belie%e> 6??1?47

3.

).

?.

.

-s 0ista/ing the inability to belie%e with not being per0itted to belie%e is contrary to the

practice of the apostles> !hat is the difference> 6?*7

According to Luther+ what is 0issing in all other churches> 6?@7

!hen a pastor absol%es so0e one+ who is doing the absol%ing> 6?7

1 *3 1


Thirty1Si"th :%ening Lecture ' Septe0ber )4+ 3@@4


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!hat is the chief ai0 of a Christian pastor> 6?37

!hat does bapti8ing a person 0ean>

!hat does absol%ing a person 0ean>

!hat does ad0inistering Co00union to a person 0ean>

!hat is the reason that so 0any in our day li%e in uncertainty about their being trueChristians> 6?)7

!ho wor/s faith in the heart of the person through the !ord of the Gospel> 6?47

!hat is characteristic of the sin against the &oly Spirit> 6?*7

Are a repentant spirit and contrite heart characteristics of so0eone who has co00itted

the sin against the &oly Spirit> 6?7

A person who has co00itted the sin against the &oly Ghost is conde0ned not so 0uch

on account of this sin+ but rather+ on account of FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. 6,,7

!hat are the general and the specific causes of such an indi%iduals da0nation>

general cause# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

specific cause# FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

1 *? 1


Thirty1:ighth :%ening Lecture ' 9ctober )?+ 3@@4

Thesis ).

-n the twentieth place+ the !ord of God is not rightly di%ided whenthe unforgi%able sin against the &oly Ghost is described

in a 0anner as if it could not be forgi%en because of its 0agnitude.


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Dearly Belo%ed+

-f+ during or after the reading of The Proper Distinction of Law and Gospel and$or the ponderings pro0pted by this study guide+ you are conde0ned by the Law that always

accuses the old sinful Ada0+ and you are sorry for your transgressions of Gods &oly

Law+ and you desire Gods 0ercy and grace+ then please hear the Good Eews ...

fear not+ the ather sent &is Son into this world to gi%e &is Life for you

fear not+ the -ncarnation of the Son of God is for you

fear not+ the Acti%e 9bedience of ;esus the Christ is for you

fear not+ the Passi%e 9bedience of the -ncarnate Son of God is for you

fear not+ the Atone0ent for all your sins is co0plete and finished for you

fear not+ the Resurrection of :00anuel is for you

fear not+ the Ascension of ;esus is for you

fear not+ the :nthrone0ent of ;esus is for you

fear not+ the sending of the &oly Ghost at Pentecost is for you

fear not+ this Gospel is for you

fear not+ you are bapti8ed

which 0eans

ou are forgi%en in the Ea0e of the ather and of the 67 Son of the &oly Spirit.

A0en.

Documents

Law and Gospel Study Guide