Mike writes in to ask this, Pastor John, I have been over the last few years moving away

from a Calvinistic reform piety among the so-called new Calvinists.

And towards a more Lutheran law gospel distinction and a less obligation to the third use of

the law view of the Christian life, although the differences are subtle, there are nevertheless

differences.

My assurance is more consistent and more joyful, so much so that I feel like I'm deceived

into cheap grace.

I'm a part of a Calvinistic reformed church, and there are subtle tensions beginning

on the subject.

Am I moving in a wrong direction?

And is there no difference at all, just a misunderstanding of language?

Oh my, this is just so huge, the law gospel conversation has been going on for a thousand

years and 2000 and involves huge and complex issues.

So here's the way I've thought about answering this.

I just want to say a few things that are a contribution to people's thought, not a solution

to every issue they're facing, and it may be a few thoughts they haven't had.

And so if the Holy Spirit would be pleased to just take these few thoughts and stir them

in to all their biblical reflections and all their reading, I would be happy with that,

that outcome.

In the New Testament, the word law is used in several ways, numerous ways.

It refers to the Old Testament.

It refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.

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