Wittenberg Uses of Law and Gospel

Abstract

Abstract:Melanchthon attempted to preserve the proper preaching of repentance and to teach proper Christian living through the law of God by designating three uses of the law in the Christian life. He did so to counter the form of antinomianism advanced by Johann Agricola. The Wittenberg theologians distinguished Christian preachers’ uses of the law from its functioning in their hearers and the impact it makes on the actions of the hearers. Luther did not use Melanchthon’s terminology but recognized that the law as God’s design for humanity functions as societal discipline, call to repentance, and instruction in godly living. For saints who are in combat with their own sinfulness each day, the law’s good counsel easily turns to accusation as well.