Redeemer Lutheran – An Allegory for Our Times
But it was clear that the clever man could not do it. Again, the Rabbi showed him the way, taught him the code. He said, “It is not: ‘Which is the greatest of the commandments’ that we must ask, but rather ‘What is the greatest thing we ‘get’ to do?”
The man still looked puzzled. So the rabbi went on: “You asked a question of the Law, about what we had to do, what was the greatest of the commandments. The answer to that kind of question can only accuse. But I’ve competely turned it around. It is not what we have to do. It is what we ‘get’ to do! It is a gift! It is the Gospel. All things are gifts . All things are Gospel and we need no law.”
Redeemer Lutheran – Law and Gospel Questions
The Gospel is the final word. It is always a surprise. It can never be expected or fully grasped by fallen minds. It never fails. It is never jealous or boastful, and it always bides its time.
The Law is proving to be quite the stumbling block for me. I have not been able to speak in terms of Gospel to most of the challenges in my life. I have even brought down the hammer of the Law on this blog. Often I provide an answer which “makes sense” to our rational minds and yet these responses only condemn.
I am glad I have a few years of education to go. I hope that this true understanding will be revealed to me. I never knew how much I relied on the Law. Even when I thought I was using Gospel, I responded with Law.
It would seem being able to speak in terms of the “strange work” of the Gospel would be an indicator of true faith. My only ability to speak the Gospel in truth will come when I am given it by the Spirit through his Word.
If ya’ll catch me neglecting the Gospel, I would appreciate a quick note. That is what the comment section here is for. Dialogue yielding critique!
Related posts:
- Grace vs. the Law
- Luke 4:16-30 and the Law/Gospel paradigm
- Who’s in Charge Here? The Bible, the Lutheran Confessions, or Papal Canon Law?
- Proper Distinction of Law and Gospel
- Sancification, pietism and the Law redux