Law / Gospel Distinction: Sermon 8 (3rd Use of the Law)

In this video, Presbyterian author Monty L. Collier preaches the 8th sermon of this series concerning Law/Gospel Distinction. This sermon concentrates on the 3rd Use of the Law. After we are justified by faith alone, the Gospel motivates us to do good works, while the Law directs us on how to do them. Due to Total Depravity and inability, only a man who believes the Gospel can do good works: those people who do not believe the Gospel can only sin. Being now justified by faith alone, we are no longer under the Law as a Covenant of Works, for we are under Grace (i.e., the Covenant of Grace). Being entirely acquitted and forgiven by the Father based only upon the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ our Surety, the Law now functions to guide us on how to do good works, while the Gospel alone is the proper motivating principle. This critical aspect of Law/Gospel Distinction refutes antinomianism, while it teaches us that our good works are necessary, but not necessary for our salvation—for the only work necessary for salvation is the finished work of Christ alone. Our good works are necessary for glorifying God and for helping our fellow man. As Martin Luther once said, "God does not need our good works, but our neighbor does."

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