Law and Gospel Contrast

I have been thinking about the law and gospel contrast between John the Baptist’s charge to the Pharisees and Sadducees and blind Bartimaeus’ cry for mercy. In Matt 3:7 John the Baptist convicts all of us… “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? No doubt about it, there’s nowhere to run. The Pharisees and Sadducees wouldn’t admit it but they were stranded by the side of the road of life just like the blind beggar Bartimaius. All Bartimaius could do is call out to Jesus with a LOUD voice. All we can do is call out to Jesus with a loud voice. Mark 10:47 “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Being told to keep quiet he called out again but louder. “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When you are told to keep quiet do you call out all the louder? Jesus called Bartimaius to come to him. The God of mercy will never turn away from a cry for mercy. Jesus said… “Go your way. Your faith (which is also a gift from God) has made you well.”

Law and Gospel – Hymn Verse

John Newton (1725-1807) known for the great hymn “Amazing Grace” expressed understanding of Law and Gospel in another hymn he wrote…

“Safely Through Another Week” – Verse 5…

May Thy Gospel’s joyful sound
Conquer sinners, comfort saints;
Make the fruits of grace abound,
Bring relief for all complaints.
Thus may all our Sabbaths prove
Till we join the Church above.

Law and Gospel

Give the law to satisfied sinners.
Give the gospel to terrified sinners.

C.F.W. Walther, The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel
1. The Law must be preached to secure sinners.
2. The Gospel must be preached to terrified sinners.