Dr. Martin Luther, of blessed and holy memory, writes in Against the Heavenly Prophets saying, "I will here briefly recount these articles of the Christian Faith to which everyone is above all things to pay attention and hold fast. The first is the law of God, which is to be preached so that one thereby reveals and teaches how to recognize sin (Romans 3:20) and (7:7)...For this means a truly spiritual preaching of the law, as Paul says in Romans 7:14, and a right use of the law, as he says in 1st Timothy 1:8. Secondly, when now sin is recognized and the law is so preached that the conscience is alarmed and humbled before God's wrath, we are then to preach the comforting word of the gospel and the forgiveness of sins, so that the conscience again may be comforted and established in the grace of God, etc. Christ Himself teaches these two articles in such an order (Luke 24:47). One must preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins in His Name. And the Spirit (He says in John 16:8) will convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment."(LW 51:449-451).

When we see these two articles, the law and the gospel, we see the way in which God speaks to us. He speaks His Law, His eternal will to us. The Law reveals the guilt of our sin and leaves us conscience stricken because it is the true will of God, how desires us to live. The Law reveals our sin because it shows us how we should and shouldn't live. The Law accuses us because it is good, it is the good will of God for us. It curbs our sinful behavior, reveals our sin, and also shows us how we should live as Christians in a fallen world. The Law falls on the ears of the faithful and leaves their conscience guilt ridden and dead to their sin. 

It is in this state that the Gospel is proclaimed. The Gospel is not preached to secure sinners who do not grieve their transgressions against God and His will in the law. No. The Gospel is preached to those who are dead to their sin and who are terrified of God's wrath against them for their trespasses. In short, the Gospel is preached to those who want forgiveness, who want to hear that Jesus loves them, who want to have assurance that Jesus has done and continues to do all the work for their salvation. The Gospel is preached to the end that you know with absolute certainty that Jesus loves you, died for you, rose for you, forgive you, and will never leave you nor forsake you. The Gospel is preached that the devil's fiery fury is washed out, the world's burden's are lightened, and sin's torment is forgotten and taken away. The Gospel is for you, for your comfort and confidence that you are not condemned, but forgiven and loved by Jesus forever.

Peace be with you. May the devil be silenced, the world be hushed, and the Old Adam drowned anew so that you hear only the voice of your Savior Jesus who says, "I love you. I forgive you. I claim you as My own forever," Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog,

Pastor Hull