Law / Gospel Distinction (8) - Monty Lloyd Collier

This is the final part in an 8 part series on the Law/Gospel Distinction.

In this sermon preached to Geneva Dutch Calvinist Church, Mr. Collier explains how those who properly teach Law / Gospel Distinction establish the Law and avoid antinomianism. After a definition of antinomianism is given, Mr. Collier explains that if you reject Justification By Faith Alone, then you necessarily embrace antinomianism.

The Law is established as a Covenant of Works before one is justified, then it is established as a rule of life after one has been perfectly justified. While the Law directs Christians on how they should love God and their neighbor--it is only the Gospel (and the promises annexed to it) that motivate the Christian to obey the Ten Commandments.

Christians do not strive to keep the Law in order to merit salvation, but they strive to keep the Law to show their deep gratitude to God for so great a deliverance in Christ Jesus our Lord. Although our good works are not necessary for our salvation, although our good works do not merit our justification in part or in full, Mr. Collier explains several reasons why good works are necessary for the Christian life. For example, Good works show our gratitude to God for our justification, which is only by the imputed righteousness of Christ received by faith alone. Good works allow others to see them and glorify God. Good works are how we demonstrate to others that we believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, good works are good for our neighbor.

So in all of this, the Christian's good works are necessary--even though they are NOT necessary for our justification before God. It is ONLY the active and passive obedience of Jesus Christ imputed to us that is necessary for our justification before God!