LD2 Law and Gospel

When the Catechism speaks of 'comfort' it refers to the great salvation from the great evil of sin. Like Paul, we may have been complacent about our relationship with God. His Law reveals the truth about ourselves. It makes sin explicit and exposes it for what it is. It forms a binding relationship and places us in an authority structure. It imposes a penalty (though it is sin that kills, misusing the holy Law). But the Law has limitations. It cannot convict us of sin apart from the Holy Spirit's work. It cannot make us better people, only show what we should be. It cannot improve our standing with God (so 'all who rely on the Law are under a curse'). We need another arrangement - the new covenant. Paul uses a familiar illustration to describe what happens - if one party in a marriage dies that severs the relationship and the survivor is free to marry someone else. When Christ took the place of many he bore their sin and died in their place. In effect, that was their death. The Law has no more hold on Christ or anyone in him. The gospel calls us to join Christ and so find our vindication in his resurrection - something the Law could never provide any sinner. A new relationship is formed. It is real, with practical outcomes. Christ gives his Spirit - a new heart to delight in God's Law. That does not mean the believer is without tension - sin, like the force of gravity, continues to influence us. But the 'real you' delights in the Law of God. Remember, believer, the Law can never condemn you, it is only a sign pointing to the life you should live. Ask for the Spirit of Christ and you will be able to overcome the law of sin progressively.