How does Lutheran theology serve the issues of life, especially in regard to the pro-life position in opposition to elective abortions? For Lutherans there is only one source for Truth and that is God’s holy Word, the Bible. Unlike newspaper editorials that have only one person as both writer and author, the Bible has many writers (prophets, apostles, etc.) but only one Author: God Himself.
Lutheran theology uses two principles to proclaim the Word of God. The first is that of interpretation; the second is that of application. The principle of interpretation is “Scripture interprets Scripture.” The principle of application is the distinctions between Law and Gospel. A sermon that only interprets a passage of Scripture might increase one’s knowledge in the head but falls short of touching the heart if the proper use of Law and Gospel is never spoken.
The first distinctions of Law and Gospel involve their proper use by God Himself. He uses the Law in the temporal realm to curb wickedness and in the spiritual realm to mirror our sin and provide us with guidelines as to what pleases Him. The Christian operates in both kingdoms in that, as a citizen, he attempts to persuade others to keep good order, and as a believer attempts to make disciples of Jesus Christ from all nations.
God uses the Law in the government to force unbelievers and the old Adam of Christians to obey the outward observance of good order. The motivation is one’s self-interest either through hope of reward or through fear of punishment using temporal authorities. God uses the Law in the Church to persuade the hearer that no work he can do will move him even one inch toward God. When the hearer realizes that, God then uses the only means of grace; that is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament, to provide the gift of free salvation by grace through faith on account of Jesus Christ.
There are only two religions in the world. Christianity and—everything else! Every other religion that has rules and commandments uses them to help an individual improve his standing before a god by works, meditation, sacrifices, offerings, and so forth. Only Christianity reveals the true Triune God of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Who ignores and despises good works if done for the purpose of either getting saved or staying saved. For anytime one adds to the cross of Christ, one subtracts from the cross of Christ.
The proper distinctions between Law and Gospel may be charted as follows:
LAW:
1st use: To curb wickedness in the temporal realm.
2nd use: To mirror the sinfulness of human beings.
3rd use: To give a rule in regard to the will of God.
GOSPEL
The message received in Word and Sacrament that the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ results in the forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe.
However, there is another charting involving Law and Gospel that is part of Lutheran theology because it is spoken of in holy Scripture. More than once God speaks of it as the distinction between living under the Law in contrast to living under grace. This distinction points to the fact that people have one of two interpretations of God. The first interpretation assumes that our works make a difference to God in regard either to our being saved or to our remaining saved. The second interpretation has concluded on the basis of revelation that works make no difference at all. A second chart of this distinction, as found in Romans 6:14 and elsewhere, follows:
Living Under the LAW
God is a god of Justice in the sense that you get what you deserve.
Living Under the GOSPEL
God is the God of Mercy in that you do not get what you deserve (eternal punishment) and God is the God ofGrace in that you get what you do not deserve (forgiveness of sins.
Those who live under the Law have a totally different picture of God and everything else in the world in contrast to those who live under the Gospel. For example, in regard to commandments:
Living Under the LAW
Commandments are given by god in order that we might work hard to merit our way into salvation.
Living Under the GOSPEL
Commandments are given by God in order that we might inherit salvation and realize that “Nothing in my hands I bring” so the Gospel may reveal, “Simply to the cross I cling!”
Those who live under the Law are referred to as “Theologians of Glory” attempting to produce self-glory to impress God and merit salvation. Those who live under the Gospel are referred to as “Theologians of the Cross” who find their only hope in Jesus Christ. Thus, for the purposes of the pro-life movement, the following chart is helpful.
Living Under the LAW – Theologians of Glory
The center of attention is ME.
I am motivated by self-interest.
I decide what is best for me.
Living Under the GOSPEL – Theologians of the Cross
The center of attention is Jesus Christ.
I am motivated by the love of Christ.
God decides what is best for me.
In C.F.W. Walther’s lectures on The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel he demonstrates 21 ways in which sermons become improper by teaching us to be theologians of glory! However, the pro-life movement needs to have materials that address both those who are unbelievers as well as those who are believers. For believers, proclaiming the pure Word of God and making the right use of Sacraments comforts, motivates, and informs us that God is pro-life.
However, in reaching out to the temporal world of the government, we need to understand that what motivates and changes minds does so because of self-interest. People will both support and then obey the laws against stealing because they don’t want their possessions stolen. It is one thing for Christians to know that the abortion movement is contrary to God’s will. It is quite another thing for us to persuade those who don’t know God that they ought to oppose elective abortions. But it can be done through visuals, science, medicine, philosophy, and logic if the self-interest of the hearer is kept in mind. What needs to be understood, though, is that using these means of persuasion may change minds but will not effect the hearts. Yet that is the purpose of the curbing use of the Law to affect both unbelievers and the old Adam of every believer.
Rev. Tom Baker hosts “Law and Gospel” on KFUO Radio, www.kfuo.org and www.lawgospel.com; is Director of Development of Concordia Mission Society and is available for seminars and preaching.