The Threefold Use of the Law (Chapter 19, Paragraph 5)

“The moral law is of great use to all men…”

The Confession opens this paragraph with a sweeping statement: the law of God is not a relic or a burden, but a gift of “great use.” And it is useful to all people, regardless of spiritual state. This counters both antinomianism and hyper-grace theology, which would render the law obsolete.

Instead, Scripture reveals that God's law still serves crucial purposes for humanity at large—those outside of Christ and those within the covenant of grace.

I. The Law’s Use to the Unregenerate

“…to inform them of the holy nature and will of God…”

The law first reveals who God is. It is a reflection of His holy character—righteous, just, good, and pure (Romans 7:12). When people read or hear the commandments, they glimpse the perfection of God. It shows not only what He requires, but who He is.

“…and of their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly.”

The law also shows humanity its moral obligations. It defines right and wrong, not as social constructs, but as divine mandates. It leaves men without excuse, directing them to walk according to God's will. Even unbelievers are accountable to God's moral law, which is written on their consciences (Rom. 2:15).

“…it is also of use to convince them of their sin…”

Here is perhaps the most famous use of the law: it is a mirror. Like a spiritual X-ray, it reveals our disease. Romans 3:20 says, “Through the law comes knowledge of sin.” When rightly preached, the law shuts the mouth of every self-righteous man and woman.

“…and of the miserable condition they are in by the conviction of the same…”

The law not only reveals sin, but the consequences of sin. It exposes the “miserable condition” of guilt and condemnation. It shows that man is not basically good, but law-breaking and liable to judgment.

“…so to humble them and bring them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and of the perfection of His obedience.”

This is the evangelical use of the law. The law is a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ (Gal. 3:24). When the weight of the law presses down, it drives the sinner to the cross. It is not an end in itself—it is a means to the end of grace. It humbles the proud, silences the boastful, and exalts the perfect obedience of Jesus. In this way, the law is gracious, even in its severity.

II. The Law’s Use to the Regenerate

“It is likewise of use to the regenerate…”

The law is not just for unbelievers. Even after conversion, the moral law serves a holy purpose.

“…to restrain their corruptions…”

Though justified, believers still wrestle with sin. The flesh remains. God’s law acts as a bridle to restrain the old nature, reminding us of God’s holiness and our continual need for grace.

“…in that it forbids sin…”

The commandments still prohibit evil. The believer is not “above the law,” as some claim, but under grace which fulfills the law through love (Rom. 13:10). God's law teaches the Christian to say no to sin and yes to righteousness.

“…and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve…”

Even forgiven sins are grievous. Though we are not condemned, the law reminds us of what Christ bore for us. The threatenings help us fear sin—not slavishly, but reverently.

“…and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed from the curse and unallayed rigor thereof.”

The believer is free from the eternal curse of the law, but not from temporal discipline. Hebrews 12 teaches that God disciplines His children in love. The law reminds us that sin has consequences, even in the life of the redeemed.

“The promises of it likewise show them God's approbation of obedience…”

The law not only threatens; it also encourages. It includes promises for those who obey (Deut. 28:1–14; Eph. 6:2–3). These are not legalistic rewards, but fatherly blessings from a loving God.

“…and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof, though not as due to them by the law as a covenant of works…”

Here the Confession distinguishes gospel obedience from works-righteousness. The believer’s obedience is not meritorious but grateful. We obey not to earn salvation, but to express it.

“…so as a man's doing good and refraining from evil, because the law encourages to the one and deters from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law and not under grace.”

Obedience to the law is not legalism. Legalism is seeking to be justified by law. But the Spirit-led believer obeys the law joyfully, as a child walking with his Father—not to earn love, but because he is already loved.

Application for the Believer:

See God’s law as a gift—not a threat. It is both a mirror and a map: it reveals your sin and shows your path. Let it humble you, convict you, and drive you to Christ daily. Let it also shape your life in holiness.

You are not under the law as a covenant, but you are under Christ who fulfilled the law and now writes it on your heart. Do not despise His commandments—they are sweeter than honey and more precious than gold (Ps. 19:10). In Christ, love the law, live by the Spirit, and walk in joyful obedience.