The points of agreement between the Law and the Gospel.
The points of agreement between the Law and the Gospel.
§ 53. The very knowledge of these doctrines also forces us to be careful in the distinction that keeps these two apart by the very kinship of these teachings which they have with each other and which teach mutual works in certain areas, especially in spiritual practice. For far be it from us to claim that there is hostile contrariness and deadly battle between these doctrines, which the Admonitio Neostadiensis tries to impose upon the confession of our churches. Rather, we say with the apostle: “Do we, then, overthrow the Law with this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the Law” (Rom. 3:31). “Is the Law, then, against the promises of God? By no means” (Gal. 3:21).
Irenaeus (bk. 3, ch. 12, p. 194): “All those are of a bad opinion who, animated by the legislation which is according to Moses, think that it is different from and contrary to the teaching of the Gospel and have not been converted so as to seek out the causes of the difference between each covenant.”
Justin [Martyr] (QQ. et. resp. ad orthod., q. 104, p. 356): “Grace is neither according to the Law nor opposed to the Law but is above and for the Law. Indeed, above it, because it is grace; but for it, because through repentance it leads sinners to forgiveness and to the benefit of the Law.”
Therefore these two kinds of doctrine are not adverse but diverse, not contradictory and opposed but subordinate, because in their mutual use they not only breathe together amicably but even agree in some points. In fact, a communion exists between them in: (1) Appellation. For the Gospel is called “a law” (Isa. 2:3; Mic. 4:2; Rom. 3:27; 8:2). Nevertheless here it must be observed that the word “law” is not being used specifically but generally, and that this sharing of a name is not reciprocal or antistrophic, because the appellation “gospel” is nowhere given to the Law.
(2) Genus. For both Law and Gospel are heavenly doctrine.
(3) Efficient cause. For the Author of the Law and the Gospel is one and the same. So if the Law and Gospel would contradict each other, God Himself would contradict Himself, because God’s will is being revealed in both kinds of doctrine.
(4) Ultimate end. For the teaching of both Law and Gospel is the doctrine of salvation, even though the apostle assigns the Law an incapability in this area (Rom. 8:3). However, this happens by accident, namely, by reason of our flesh, which is befouled by the stain of sin and weakened as regards the condition of perfect fulfillment which is added to the Law, and has become lacking in power, as the apostle says there. Yet the accident, so to speak, does not take anything away from the nature of the Law, which of itself is “holy and good” and, in fact, is “the word of life” (Rom. 7:12; Acts 7:38).