Purpose of the Law
Purpose of the Law
1. Curb
2. Mirror
3. Guide
No salvation is found in the Law
Purpose of the Gospel
Salvation
Law
Gospel
Purpose
Curb, Mirror, Guide
Salvation
Function
Repentance, Condemnation
Forgiveness
Focus
Me
Christ
Result
Rebellion, Dispair
Joy
Words
should, must, do, have to
receive, yes, gift, forgive, justified
Law
Gospel
What is lacking in the individual
God does something for you
Person admitting / confessing
Something God provides
Law and Gospel is found throughout Scripture
Keeping the Commandments
• The expectation is that we keep them perfectly
God the Father
(1st Article Creation)
Works of God the Father
1. Creates (stuff)
2. Provides (stuff)
3. Defends (us)
See each paragraph of the explanation
Who is Jesus
(2nd Article Redemption)
Two natures united in Christ
Not to be separated nor divided
True Man: To live under the Law, to die
True God: To fulfill the Law, to over come death
Q121, Q122, Q123
Althansius's argument:
• If Jesus is only man then he cannot reveal God to us and God remains inaccessible
• If Jesus is just a man then he too would need a savior
• If Jesus is just a man, he then was guilty of idolatrous - blasphemy
Office of Christ
Prophet
Priest
King
Q125
CS Lewis’s trilemma for the divinity of Jesus
Liar
Lunatic
Lord
Terms
Atonement: reparation for an offense or injury. Jesus made the payment for my sins.
Holy Spirit
(3rd Article, Sanctification)
Means of Grace
1. Baptism
2. Communion
3. Word of God
also known as Word and Sacrament
Q161
The way (means) through which the Holy Spirit works to connect us to the work of Christ.
Uses for the term Word of God
1. Word incarnate (Jesus)
2. Written Word (Scripture)
3. Spoken Word (Preached Word)
4. Visible Word (Sacraments)
Works of the Holy Spirit
1. Provides Faith
2. Guards Faith
3. Makes Me Holy
Q156, Q157, Q 158
I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and keeps me in the on true faith.
Faith Alone
Good works in God's eyes are done in faith.
Rejection of the Holy Spirit leaves you faithless
Salvation by faith alone
Q163
Church
Invisible: All Christians everywhere, invisible to our eyes
Visible: May also include unbelievers as members
Q177, Q178
Uses of the term "church"
1. Building
2. Congregation
3. Denomination
Q175
Purpose of the Church (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
the Church is for us to hear other Christians speak God’s Word to us, to proclaim our salvation in Christ Jesus again and again or we will become uncertain and discouraged at those times when our feelings work to undermine God’s promises.
Terms
Justification: to be declared righteous
Sanctification: to be made holy