Sin, Law and Gospel

Chain the Catechism: A topical study through the Lutheran confessions

1 Jn 3:4 Everyone who breaks…1 Jn 3:8 He who does what…Rm 5:12 Sin entered…Eph 2:3 Like the rest…

James 4:17 Anyone, then, who knows…Col 1:13-14 He has rescued…

Memorization Verses:

Sin, Law, and Gospel Nutshell Sketch--Draw it! Give a pictorial summary of our

Commandments Unit

Thank you for teaching us in your scriptures that…

In regards to the commands…

LSB#611 lutheran-hymnal.com/lbw/lbw306.mid

EEFG|A.aG-|EEFG|FFE-1. Chief of sinners though I be,Jesus shed His blood for me;Died that I might live on high,

Lived that I might never die,As the branch is to the vine,I am His, and He is mine.

2. Oh, the height of Jesus' love!Higher than the heavens above,Deeper than the depths of sea,Lasting as eternity.Love that found me--wondrous

thought!--Found me when I sought Him not.

3. Jesus only can impartBalm to heal the smitten heart;Peace that flows from sin forgiven,Joy that lifts the soul to heaven;Faith and hope to walk with GodIn the way that Enoch trod.

4. Chief of sinner though I be,Christ is All in all to me;All my wants to Him are known,All my sorrows are His own.Safe with Him from earthly strife,He sustains the hidden life.

5. O my Savior, help affordBy Thy Spirit and Thy Word!When my wayward heart would stray,Keep me in the narrow way;Grace in time of need supplyWhile I live and when I die.

Discussion Quote: Pelagianism

God would not demand of us anything that we would be unable to do on our own strengthPelagius, 4th cent.

Discussion Quote: Barna PollThree-quarters of adults (74%) agree that, "when

people are born they are neither good nor evil - they make a choice between the two as they mature." In other words, the concept of original sin is rejected by most Americans in favor of a rational choice approach to human nature.

At least seven out of ten members of every demographic segment examined accepts the notion of choice over that of original sin.

Unexpectedly, the survey data reveal that a slight majority of evangelicals (52%) also buy this notion.

Sin, Law and Gospel: ExegesisFor just as through the disobedience of

the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteousRomans 5:12

Disobedience parakoh/:A disaffection and stubbornness to do the work of God.

Sinners a(martwlo/v: Pre-eminently wicked, devoted to sin

Obedience u(pakoh/ : Submissive to the Will of GodRighteous diðkaiov: Declared guiltless, rendering and

creative a heart that serves God in uprightness

Sin, Law and Gospel: ExegesisAs for you, you were dead in your

transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1 

Dead nekro/v:Trespasses para/ptwma: To trip and fall, a misstep Sins a(martiða: Missing the mark, not be in the

inheritanceFollowed peripateÑw: the definition of our livesDisobedience a)peiðqeia: Complete obstinancy and

rebellion

Sin, Law and Gospel: OriginsMan “inherits” a concupiscence (sinful desire) that

permeates the ENTIRETY of an individual (body and soul)This inheritance is not genetic, but metaphysical

Fallen world combined with fallen desires of soul and flesh Contrasted to the “highest good” (God) with a declarative

guilt that is non-contingent on feelings or acknowledgement.Man, therefore, is thoroughly corrupt.

Not only does he naturally desire, but also commits evil actions.

No one does good, has right motivation, or seeks after God on their own accord.

The language of scripture is NOT hyperbolic or symbolic, but an accurate description of the whole of human experience.

Sin, Law and Gospel: Traducianism

Two views of man arises from the scriptural portrait:1. Creationism: Man begets the physical body of his

son, God creates the soul separate and the two are joined together.

2. Traducianism: Man begets both the physical and the spiritual nature of the son. God’s providence and creation is direct through the natural begetting of children.

Luther was a Traducian, most other protestants are Creationists

Creationism holds major difficulties in God’s culpability regarding original sin, and the compatibility of the two doctrines

Sin, Law and Gospel: ChristHow is Christ born sinless?

The miracle of Christ’s bodily creation is symbolized through the virgin birth (entering of the messiah by the spirit, not by human means).

Christ’s conception is the beginning of His redemptive work God, the Son, is entering human “flesh” (body and soul) but

conquering sin and concupiscence so as to take on the burden of sin for the world.

Christ is the mediator for God’s declarative judgement We are judged by who we are, apart from what we think Christ redeems us and declares us righteous, apart from what

we think, and transforms us through the proclamation of the word (spoken, lived, and sacramental)

Sin, Law and Gospel: Implication

Scripture defines the natural man as:Dead (Rom. 5:12)Rebellious (Rom. 3)Blind/Deaf (ps. 51)Diseased (Mat. 15:19)Wicked (Rom. 1)

What is the solution? In Christ we are:Resurrected (Col. 1:13)Obedient (2 Cor. 10:5)Hearers of the word (James 1:19)New Flesh (Eph. 4:22)Righteous (Rom. 5:12)

We believe sin is every thought, desire, word, and deed which is contrary to God’s Law. The devil brought sin into the world by tempting Adam and Eve, who of their own free will yielded to the temptation.

Other names: disobedience Rom 5:19; debts Mt 6:12; wickedness, rebellion Ex 34:7; fault Mt 18:15; trespass Rom 5:17; wickedness Rom 6:13; wrong Col 3:25;

1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.

1 John 3:8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.

Rom. 5:12 Sin entered the world through one man.

The fall of humanity (Gen. 3:1-7). Pray: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I feel

my sins. They bite and gnaw and terrify me. Where shall I go? I look to You, Lord Jesus, and believe in You. Although my faith is weak, I cling to You and am made sure, for You have promised, “He who believes in Me shall have everlasting life.” Even if my conscience is burdened and my sins frighten me and make me tremble, You have still said, “My son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you. I will raise you up on the Last Day, and you will have eternal life.” I cannot help myself by my own strength. I come to You for help. Amen. (Luther).

SS What is sin? Who brought sin into the World?

We believe there are two kinds of sin: original sin and actual sin. Original sin is that total corruption of our whole human nature which we have inherited from Adam through our parents.

We believe original sin has brought guilt and condemnation to all people and has left everyone without true fear and love of God, that is, spiritually blind, dead, and enemies of God, and causes everyone to commit all kinds of actual sins.

Ps. 51:5 I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

John 3:6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Rom. 5:12 Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.

Eph. 4:22 Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts (NKJV).

Rom. 5:19 Through the disobedience of the one

man the many were made sinners. Eph. 2:3 Like the rest, we were by nature

objects of wrath. Gen. 8:21 Every inclination of his [man's] heart

is evil from childhood. 1 Cor. 2:14 The man without the Spirit does not

accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Eph. 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.

Rom. 8:7 The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.

Matt. 7:17 Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

Gal. 5:19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

M What is original sin? What has original sin done to human nature?

Pray: Dear Lord God, I am truly a sinner before You. This is as certain as my conception, my birth, my nature, together with my thoughts, words, works, and my entire sinful being are sinful. I am a corrupt tree and by nature a child of sin and wrath. As long as this nature remains with us we are sinners and must say, “Forgive us our debts.” So I confess what You command in order that You may be just when You judge. Lord, I am an evildoer and a sinner

against Your divine commandment. Help me, for I am helpless. Lord, teach me to pray: Our Father who art in heaven…Amen. (Luther).

My God, I know that from a child I am evil and full of sin. Wash me of all my sins by the blood which Your dear Son has shed for me, and grant me Your good Spirit, that He may teach me, while I dwell here on earth, to live according to Your holy will in my own sphere and calling. Amen. (Zorn).

We believe actual sin is every act against a commandment of God in thoughts, desire, words, or deeds.

Matt. 15:19 Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

James 1:15 After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. (Sins of commission)

James 4:17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (Sins of omission)

Pray: Deliver all who are in trouble, for You are our God, who sets the captives free; who gives hope to the hopeless, and help to the helpless; who lifts up the fallen; and who is the haven of the shipwrecked. Give Your pity, pardon, and refreshment to every Christian soul, whether in affliction or error. Preserve us, in our pilgrimage through this life, from hurt and danger, and grant that we may end our lives as Christians, well-pleasing to You and free from sin, and that we may have our portion and lot with all Your saints. Amen. (Liturgy of St. Mark, c. 4th c).

T What is actual sin?

We believe God offers the forgiveness of sins only in the Gospel, the good news that we are freed from the guilt, the punishment, and the power of sin, and are saved eternally because of Christ’s keeping the Law and His suffering and death for us.

John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Rom. 1:16 1 am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

Rom. 10:4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone

who is hung on a tree.“ Col. 1:13-14 He has rescued us from the

dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption,the forgiveness of sins.

Pray: Dear Lord, a robe was given to You in that most dreadful story, that I in robes might be arrayed with righteous and glory. In God the Father’s holy sight these robes alone enfold me, His Word has told me: the Accuser’s spite cannot prevail. Guiltless, God’s eyes behold me. Jesus, Your goodness I confess: O let Your grace preserve me. Clothed in Your robe of righteousness, in faith and love You serve me. Amen. (Hallgrim Petursson, 1614-74).

W Where alone does God offer the forgiveness of sins?

A. The Law teaches what we are to do and not to do; the Gospel teaches what God has done, and still does, for our salvation

B. The Law shows us our sin and the wrath of God; the Gospel shows us our Savior and the grace of God.

C. The Law must be proclaimed to all people, but especially to impenitent sinners; the Gospel must be proclaimed to sinners who are troubled in their minds because of their sins.

Deuteronomy 32:39 and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the

letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Acts 13:39 and by him everyone who

believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

Pray: Heavenly Father, illumine me with Your Holy Spirit for Christ’s sake that in the bright mirror of the Law I may rightly see my manifold, great and grievous sins and truly realize how terrible is Your wrath because of sin, and how awfully You will punish all the impenitent for their transgressions. From the Gospel, however, let me also learn to know Your kind fatherly heart, which through Christ is opened unto me, so that with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, but nevertheless not despairing, on the contrary, firmly trusting Your grace, I may come to confession, where You will surely deal with me according to Your fatherly goodness, and will forgive me all my sins. Amen. (C.M. Zorn)

Th What is the difference between Law and Gospel?

ConclusionQuestions:•What is sin? •Who brought sin into the world?•What is original sin? •What has original sin done to human nature? •What is actual sin?•Where alone does God offer the forgiveness of sins? •What is the difference between Law and Gospel?Answers:•Sin is every thought, desire, word, and deed which is contrary to God’s Law. The devil brought sin into the world by tempting Adam and Eve, who of their own free will yielded to the temptation.•There are two kinds of sin: original sin and actual sin. Original sin is that total corruption of our whole human nature which we have inherited from Adam through our parents.•Original sin has brought guilt and condemnation to all people and has left everyone without true fear and love of God, that is, spiritually blind, dead, and enemies of God, and causes everyone to commit all kinds of

actual sins.•Actual sin is every act against a commandment of God in thoughts, desire, words, or deeds.•God offers the forgiveness of sins only in the Gospel, the good news that we are freed from the guilt, the punishment, and the power of sin, and are saved eternally because of Christ’s keeping the Law and His suffering and death for us.•A. The Law teaches what we are to do and not to do; the Gospel teaches what God has done, and still does, for our salvation•B. The Law shows us our sin and the wrath of God; the Gospel shows us our Savior and the grace of God.•C. The Law must be proclaimed to all people, but especially to impenitent sinners; the Gospel must be proclaimed to sinners who are troubled in their minds because of their sins.

Apostle’s Creed Intro

Next Week…(12/3)