Gifford A. Grobien
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- June 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198746195
- eISBN:
- 9780191808784
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198746195.003.0009
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology, Religion and Society
This chapter revisits the role of worship and instruction in the law in view of the previous chapters. The Church itself is characterized by preaching and the administration of the sacraments, by ...
More
This chapter revisits the role of worship and instruction in the law in view of the previous chapters. The Church itself is characterized by preaching and the administration of the sacraments, by gathering for worship and prayer, and by suffering trials together. These practices strengthen and shape the virtues of faith, hope, and love, which lead a person into true Christian holiness. The Ten Commandments take concrete shape in instruction in the life of the Church. Both the convicting and instructive uses of the law remain without detracting from each other, as Christians continue to grow in awareness of areas in which they need to continue to repent, and of ways to develop good works.Less
This chapter revisits the role of worship and instruction in the law in view of the previous chapters. The Church itself is characterized by preaching and the administration of the sacraments, by gathering for worship and prayer, and by suffering trials together. These practices strengthen and shape the virtues of faith, hope, and love, which lead a person into true Christian holiness. The Ten Commandments take concrete shape in instruction in the life of the Church. Both the convicting and instructive uses of the law remain without detracting from each other, as Christians continue to grow in awareness of areas in which they need to continue to repent, and of ways to develop good works.
Gifford A. Grobien
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- June 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198746195
- eISBN:
- 9780191808784
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198746195.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology, Religion and Society
This chapter presents an overview of the question of ethical formation in relation to the Christian teaching of justification by faith alone. Lutherans in particular are seen as struggling with this ...
More
This chapter presents an overview of the question of ethical formation in relation to the Christian teaching of justification by faith alone. Lutherans in particular are seen as struggling with this relation and are often viewed as struggling to present a developed moral theology. The distinction between law and gospel opens up language of “two kinds of righteousness,” which risks separating justification from good works. Both “justification” and ethics are related to righteousness. Their contradistinction has served systematic theology well in emphasizing the graciousness of justification. In moral theology, however, this contradistinction may lead to disjunction, when, in fact, Christian ethics cannot be understood theologically without vigorous roots in justification. Rather than setting justification and ethics separately or at odds, one could investigate how both the activity of God to reconcile humanity to himself, and also the active human response to this reconciliation, give full expression to “righteousness,” theologically understood.Less
This chapter presents an overview of the question of ethical formation in relation to the Christian teaching of justification by faith alone. Lutherans in particular are seen as struggling with this relation and are often viewed as struggling to present a developed moral theology. The distinction between law and gospel opens up language of “two kinds of righteousness,” which risks separating justification from good works. Both “justification” and ethics are related to righteousness. Their contradistinction has served systematic theology well in emphasizing the graciousness of justification. In moral theology, however, this contradistinction may lead to disjunction, when, in fact, Christian ethics cannot be understood theologically without vigorous roots in justification. Rather than setting justification and ethics separately or at odds, one could investigate how both the activity of God to reconcile humanity to himself, and also the active human response to this reconciliation, give full expression to “righteousness,” theologically understood.
