Lifestyle Evangelism is . . . To Speak Law & Gospel (Part3).

We have spoken the word of the Law. We have explained what sin is, rebellion against God, by occurring when we do the things we should not be doing and do not do the things we should be doing. We have explained how we sin in thought, word and deed (actions). We have acknowledged and confessed our sins. Now what?

Now comes the part of joy and celebration because, as sins are confessed, so sins are forgiven. When someone sins against us and says, “I’m sorry,” what great joy and what a great privilege we have in that we may announce to them, “Your sins are forgiven.” And instantly, as the words are spoken, because they are words which do what they say, we forgive sins. Is it true because we speak those words? No, but it is true because Jesus has already paid the price for the sins which were committed, and because He has paid the price; therefore, as the words of forgiveness are announced, there is forgiveness and life through Jesus Christ.

The Law might be summed up in Exodus 20, where the Ten Commandments are stated. Jesus summarized the Law of the Commandments with the words, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37,39b). Love is the summary of these commandments. If we could love God with all our heart, soul and mind, we could keep the rest of the commandments. If we loved our neighbor as ourselves, we would not sin against them.

The Gospel might be summed up in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God is love, and in His love, He gave the life of His Son who paid the price, the cost, the wages of sin, for us in our place.

As the Law must be proclaimed in all its severity, lest the Gospel mean nothing, so the Gospel must be proclaimed in all its sweetness lest one be led to despair.

17 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs