Law or Gospel?

The sum of the entire Bible can be wrapped up in two categories:

1) Law

2) Gospel

The Law tells us how we are to live. It gives us God's perfect standard. It is a bar set so high that no one can attain unto it. The Law is good. The Law is perfect. The Law condemns all those who can't keep it.

The Law is neatly packaged in the Ten Commandments.

1 - You shall have no other gods before Me.

2 - You shall not make for yourself a graven image.

3 - You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4 - Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

5 - Honor your father and your mother.

6 - You shall not kill.

7 - You shall not committ adultery.

8 - You shall not steal.

9 - You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10 - You shall not covet.

How are you doing in keeping these ten "simple" commandments? I can tell you that I've broke all 10. And in case you're wondering about #6 and #7, Christ has this to say:

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

(Mat 5:21-22 KJV)

...and...

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

(Mat 5:28 KJV)

So then, we find the Law throughout the scripture. We hear the Law week after week in many of our churches. Anytime you hear, "You need to..." or "You should..." or "God commands you to..." you are hearing Law.

I submit to you that every sermon is either Law, or it is Gospel, or possibly a mixture of both.

So, what is the Gospel all about?

The Gospel is all about Christ. Every sermon you hear; every spiritual thing you read; every fruit you bear must declare the Gospel, or else it is good for nothing. Why is this so vital?

Because the Gospel is simply this: Christ has fulfilled, in your place, that which you are required to do by the Law. As I mentioned earlier, I have broken all of the Ten Commandments. Yet, I stand counted as righteous in God's eyes. Why? Because Christ has paid my penalty.

You who would be teachers, what is your heart's desire to teach?

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

(1Ti 1:5-7 KJV)

Or would you rather teach as did the Apostle Paul?

According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

(1Ti 1:11-12 KJV)

Jeff Pollard recently gave an excellent message on The Glorious Gospel. In it, he gives five reasons why the Gospel is glorious. To find out what they are, listen here.