OF THE THIRD USE OF THE LAW

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STATUS CONTROVERSIAE.

Formula of Concord -- Epitome

The Principal Question In This Controversy.

1] Since the Law was given to men for three reasons: first, that thereby outward discipline might be

maintained against wild, disobedient men [and that wild and intractable men might be restrained, as

though by certain bars]; secondly, that men thereby may be led to the knowledge of their sins; thirdly,

that after they are regenerate and [much of] the flesh notwithstanding cleaves to them, they might on this

account have a fixed rule according to which they are to regulate and direct their whole life, a dissension

has occurred between some few theologians concerning the third use of the Law, namely, whether it is to

be urged or not upon regenerate Christians. The one side has said, Yea; the other, Nay.

AFFIRMATIVA.

The True Christian Doctrine concerning This Controversy.

2] 1. We believe, teach, and confess that, although men truly believing [in Christ] and truly converted to

God have been freed and exempted from the curse and coercion of the Law, they nevertheless are not on

this account without Law, but have been redeemed by the Son of God in order that they should exercise

themselves in it day and night [that they should meditate upon God’s Law day and night, and constantly

exercise themselves in its observance, Ps. 1, 2], Ps. 119. For even our first parents before the Fall did not

live without Law, who had the Law of God written also into their hearts, because they were created in the

image of God, Gen. 1, 26f.; 2, 16ff; 3, 3.

3] 2. We believe, teach, and confess that the preaching of the Law is to be urged with diligence, not only

upon the unbelieving and impenitent, but also upon true believers, who are truly converted, regenerate,

and justified by faith.

4] 3. For although they are regenerate and renewed in the spirit of their mind, yet in the present life this

regeneration and renewal is not complete, but only begun, and believers are, by the spirit of their mind, in

a constant struggle against the flesh, that is, against the corrupt nature and disposition which cleaves to us

unto death. On account of this old Adam, which still inheres in the understanding, the will, and all the

powers of man, it is needful that the Law of the Lord always shine before them, in order that they may

not from human devotion institute wanton and self-elected cults [that they may frame nothing in a matter

of religion from the desire of private devotion, and may not choose divine services not instituted by

God’s Word]; likewise, that the old Adam also may not employ his own will, but may be subdued against

his will, not only by the admonition and threatening of the Law, but also by punishments and blows, so

that he may follow and surrender himself captive to the Spirit, 1 Cor. 9, 27; Rom. 6, 12, Gal. 6, 14; Ps.

119, 1ff ; Heb. 13, 21 (Heb. 12, 1).

5] 4. Now, as regards the distinction between the works of the Law and the fruits of the Spirit, we

believe, teach, and confess that the works which are done according to the Law are and are called works

of the Law as long as they are only extorted from man by urging the punishment and threatening of

God’s wrath.

6] 5. Fruits of the Spirit, however, are the works which the Spirit of God who dwells in believers works

Formula of Concord -- Epitome

through the regenerate, and which are done by believers so far as they are regenerate [spontaneously and

freely], as though they knew of no command, threat, or reward; for in this manner the children of God

live in the Law and walk according to the Law of God, which [mode of living] St. Paul in his epistles

calls the Law of Christ and the Law of the mind, Rom. 7, 25; 8, 7; Rom. 8, 2; Gal. 6, 2.

7] 6. Thus the Law is and remains both to the penitent and impenitent, both to regenerate and

unregenerate men, one [and the same] Law, namely, the immutable will of God; and the difference, so

far as concerns obedience, is alone in man, inasmuch as one who is not yet regenerate does for the Law

out of constraint and unwillingly what it requires of him (as also the regenerate do according to the

flesh); but the believer, so far as he is regenerate, does without constraint and with a willing spirit that

which no threatenings [however severe] of the Law could ever extort from him.

NEGATIVA.

False Contrary Doctrine.

8] Accordingly, we reject as a dogma and error injurious to, and conflicting with, Christian discipline and

true godliness the teaching that the Law in the above-mentioned way and degree is not to be urged upon

Christians and true believers, but only upon unbelievers, non-Christians, and the impenitent.

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