What we have to do, as far as the condemning function of the law, is to say, look, you

need to be with David and say, against you and you alone, I have sinned.

We have to understand where the offense actually lies.

This is so helpful for us because what makes sin sinful?

Exactly.

If we're just broken over the broken relationships, these horizontal relationships, then my question

is, are you actually saved?

Have you understood your offense and then understand therefore the gospel?

And so oftentimes in practice, and as we counsel, as we shepherd, as we pastor, that's often

the move that we need to make, showing people that their primary offense is towards God.

Because of that, we are condemned.

But now, the move is not to just do better, it's to look to Christ.

Applying the riches of the Reformation to the modern church, this is White Horse's

A weekly, round table discussion about theology and culture.

As you read through the Scriptures, it becomes quite apparent that God speaks to his people

with two fundamentally different forms of speech.

He describes how his creatures are to conduct their lives in terms of command, promising

rewards for faithfulness and threatening punishments for disobedience.

We call this form of speech the law.

Now, the law is good.

Luther once calls it the most salutary doctrine of life.

But this word is a word that gives no quarter.

...