Distinctive #2: Gospel Freedom

We know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.

1 Timothy 1:8

The second distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel freedom. In other words, we are drawn by grace, not driven by law.

It’s clear that there were difficulties in the church at Ephesus. Some were confused about the role of the Old Testament law in the life of a Christian believer. That’s not surprising. This is a difficult issue.

Paul says two things: (1) The law is good, and (2) you have to use it properly. Here are two examples of the improper use of the law.

1. Using the law for self-justification
That’s what the rich young ruler did. He recited the Ten Commandments, and he said, “All these I have kept from my youth” (Mk. 10:20). He took a superficial look at God’s law and said, “I live a really moral life, so I must be good with God.” That is a terrible use of the law!

2. Using the law for self-sanctification
Some folks have the idea that Christ forgives your past sins and opens heaven for your future joy, and that in the middle it’s up to you to live a good life. So find out what the law says and do it.

Here’s the problem: The law can tell you what to do. It cannot give you the power to do it. The law is powerless because it was weakened by the sinful nature (Rom. 8:3). That’s the problem with all legalism and moralism. It is so limited, so calculating, so self-righteous.

The gospel does not bring forgiveness, heaven, and the law. It brings forgiveness, heaven, and the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who sanctifies, not the law.

Of these two improper uses of the law, which is easiest for you to fall into?