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II. WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH, AND IN WHAT DO THEY DIFFER
FROM EACH OTHER?
The doctrine of the church consists of two parts: the Law, and the Gospel; in
which we have comprehended the sum and substance of the sacred Scriptures. The
law is called the Decalogue, and the gospel is the doctrine concerning Christ
the mediator, and the free remission of sins, through faith. This division of
the doctrine of the Church is established by these plain and forcible arguments.
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The whole doctrine
comprised in the sacred writings, is either, concerning the nature of God, his
will, his works, or sin, which is the proper work of men and devils. But all
these subjects are fully set forth and taught, either in the law, or in the
gospel, or in both. Therefore, the law and gospel are the chief and general
divisions of the Holy Scriptures, and comprise the entire doctrine
comprehended therein.
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Christ himself makes this
division of the doctrine which he will have preached in his name, when he
says, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise
from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should
be preached in his name." (Luke 24:46, 47.) But this embraces the entire
substance of the law and gospel.
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The writings of the
prophets and apostles, comprise the old and new Testament, or covenant between
God and man. It is, therefore, necessary that the principal parts of the
covenant should be contained and explained in these writings, and that they
should declare what God promises and grants unto us, viz : his favor,
remission of sins, righteousness, and eternal life; and also what he, in
return, requires from us: which is faith and obedience. These, now, are the
things which are taught in the law and gospel.
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Christ is the substance and
ground of the entire Scriptures. But the doctrine contained in the law and
gospel is necessary to lead us to a knowledge of Christ and his benefits: for
the law is our schoolmaster, to bring us to Christ, constraining us to fly to
him, and showing us what that righteousness is, which he has wrought out, and
now. offers unto us. But the gospel, professedly, treats of the person,
office, and benefits of Christ. Therefore we have, in the law and gospel, the
whole of the Scriptures, comprehending the doctrine revealed from heaven for
our salvation.
The principal DIFFERENCES between these two parts of the doctrine of the
church, consist in these three things:
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In the subject, or general
character of the doctrine, peculiar to each. The law prescribes and enjoins
what is to be done, and forbids what ought to be avoided: whilst the gospel
announces the free remission of sin, through and for the sake of Christ.
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In the manner of the
revelation peculiar to each. The law is known from nature; the gospel is
divinely revealed.
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In the promises which they
make to man. The law promises life upon the condition of perfect obedience;
the gospel, on the condition of faith in Christ and the commencement of new
obedience. Hereafter, however, more will be said upon this subject in the
proper place.
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