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When I reflect on the interplay of 'sin and grace' or 'law and Gospel' I continually find myself coming back to Reformed teaching about the different uses of the law. The law is understood to have three uses or purposes:

  1. Curb - Through fear of punishment, the Law keeps the sinful nature of both Christians and non-Christians under check. This does not stop sin, since the sin is already committed when the heart desires to do what is wrong, yet it does stop the open outbreak of sin that will do even further damage.
  2. Mirror - The Law serves as a perfect reflection of what God created the human heart and life to be. It shows anyone who compares his/her life to God's requirement for perfection that he/she is sinful.
  3. Guide - This use of the law that applies only to Christians. The law becomes the believer's helper. Empowered by the gospel truth of forgiveness and righteousness in Christ, the believer's new self eagerly desires to live to please the Triune God. (see "Law and Gospel" Wikipedia)

In today's sermon when Paul is talking about our death and freedom from sin, he is talking both about the death of our old nature and about the end of the law's condemnation. We will continue to sin while we learn to embrace our new identity. But for those who have received Christ, the law functioning as 'mirror' now reveals Christ's righteousness instead of our failings and flaws.

And so we are no longer "under the law, but under grace" (Romans 6:12). But all the same the law continues to play an active role in our lives. Paul's call to "offer every part of yourself to [God] as an instrument of righteousness" (Romans 6:13) makes it clear that obedience and righteousness is an ongoing program. While we depend entirely on Christ's righteousness for our salvation, our sanctification is a work in progress to which we make a contribution. For this the law serves as a aid, a valuable 'guide'. It shows us the shape of a God-pleasing life.

So we are free from the law and its condemnation. Its mirror has already driven us to Christ. But the law's role is ongoing. It continues to be a good teacher of those who follow Christ.

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