The Law and the Gospel
E. Bayley, B. D. Romans 7:12 Why the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. I. THEIR DIFFERENCE. 1. In time and mode of original relation. The law is coeval with creation; the gospel was made known after the fall. The law is discoverable by the light of nature, the gospel is a hidden mystery. 2. The law addresses man as a creature, the gospel as a sinner. 3. Command, the characteristic of the law; promise of the gospel is the promise of life in Christ. Contrast between the covenant of Sinai and the covenant of grace. 4. The law condemns, the gospel justifies. Law only acquits or condemns, mercy is revealed in the gospel. 5. The law requires, the gospel enables. No enabling power in a command; motive and power supplied by the gospel. II. THEIR HARMONY. 1. There is no real antagonism. (1) The law prepares the way for the gospel. (2) The gospel fulfils, and so establishes the law. There are two ways of dealing with law, repeal and relaxation. Neither mode supposable in Divine government. How can man be saved and yet the law upheld? Perfect obedience the one condition of life. Christ undertakes for man. Fulfilment in man's own person. Faith lays hold of precepts as well as promises. The law is a rule of life, written on the heart. The gospel secures its fulfilment for man and in man. (a) Assigns its just place and value to the Law in the Christian scheme. (b) Assigns its just place and value to the gospel.Conclusion; 1. How sure a foundation laid for the believer's hope. 2. How sure a provision made for the believer's holiness. (E. Bayley, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. WEB: Therefore the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.