The Harmony of Law and Gospel (Chapter 19, Paragraph 6)

“Although true believers be not under the law as a covenant of works…”

The Confession begins this paragraph with a vital clarification. True believers—those justified by grace through faith in Christ—are not under the law as a covenant of works. That is, they are not bound to obey the law in order to earn salvation, favor, or life. This idea echoes Romans 6:14: “You are not under law but under grace.”

The covenant of works, first given to Adam, required perfect obedience as the condition of life. But due to the fall, no sinner can attain righteousness through that means. Christ has fulfilled the covenant of works in our place, securing righteousness for us by His perfect obedience and atoning death.

“…to be thereby justified or condemned…”

The law cannot justify anyone because all have sinned (Rom. 3:20). Neither can the law condemn those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1). The believer is justified freely by grace and no longer faces the law’s curse (Gal. 3:13). Our relationship to the law is no longer judicial, but paternal—it is no longer a prosecutor, but a tutor and guide.

“…yet it is of great use to them as well as to others…”

Here is the balance: though not justified or condemned by the law, the believer still finds the law “of great use.” The law continues to function as a rule of life, showing what pleases God and guiding the sanctified believer in Christlike conduct.

This counters two major errors: legalism (seeking justification by law) and antinomianism (rejecting the law entirely). The gospel does not destroy the law; it gives it its proper place. It restores the law to the regenerate heart—not as a burden, but as a delight (Psalm 119:97).

“…as a rule of life informing them of the will of God and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly.”

The law is not a ladder to climb to heaven—it is a lamp for our feet (Ps. 119:105). It informs believers of God's will: how to live, love, worship, serve, and relate to others. It defines holiness and urges conformity to Christ. In this way, it binds the believer—not in a condemning sense, but in a covenantal sense of love and obedience (John 14:15).

“…it discovers also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts, and lives…”

Even after conversion, the believer is not perfect. The law continues to expose the remnants of sin that remain. It uncovers pride, selfishness, impurity, and idolatry that still lurk in the heart. This is a grace—like a mirror revealing dirt on the face, the law shows what needs cleansing (James 1:23–25).

“…so as, examining themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin…”

This is the pastoral use of the law. It helps believers examine themselves, fostering humility and repentance. It renews sorrow over sin, hatred of evil, and a longing for holiness. The Spirit uses the law to deepen sanctification, not as a whip, but as a scalpel—cutting away sin and cultivating holiness.

“…together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of His obedience.”

The law always drives us back to Christ. As we behold God’s righteous requirements and feel our failings, we are freshly reminded of our need for a perfect Savior. We see the surpassing excellence of Christ’s obedience, which is imputed to us. Thus, the law keeps us near the cross, not to crucify us, but to comfort us with the gospel.

Application for the Believer:

Many Christians stumble over the relationship between law and gospel. This paragraph helps bring clarity and joy. The law cannot save—but it can sanctify. It cannot justify—but it can guide. It cannot cleanse—but it can convict.

Do not discard the law or fear it. Let it teach you to love what God loves and hate what He hates. Use it as a spiritual plumbline for your thoughts, motives, and actions. Let it humble you, lead you to the cross, and then send you back into the world with a renewed desire to walk in righteousness.

Remember: the law is not your enemy—it is your friend. It shows you your sin, reveals your Savior, and shapes your sanctification. As Paul said, “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Rom. 7:12). And with the Spirit's help, you can now walk in joyful obedience—not to be saved, but because you are saved.