“Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” – Galatians 3:24 (NKJV)

Scripture reading: Galatians 3:1-25

Churches that are Reformed to the truths of Scripture focus on both the law and the gospel in their services. The law reveals our sin and the gospel reveals our Saviour. The two go hand in hand. You cannot worship “in spirit and in truth”(John 4:24) unless both elements are proclaimed.

Charles Spurgeon wrote: “I do not believe that any man can preach the gospel who does not preach the law. The law is the needle, and you cannot draw the silken thread of the gospel through a man’s heart unless you first send the needle of the law to make way for it. If men do not understand the law, they will not feel they are sinners. And if they are not consciously sinners, they will never value the sin offering. There is no healing a man until the law has wounded him, no making him alive until the law has slain him.”

By the Holy Spirit’s power, the preaching of the law and gospel work repentance and faith in the hearts of God’s people. And the means that the Holy Spirit uses, both to save us from our sin and to sanctify us, is the preaching of the whole counsel of the Word He inspired.

Today, may we be convicted of our innumerable sins. But as we confess our sin, may we rejoice in our Saviour! By His sacrificial death and perfect life, we are acquitted of our sin and credited with His righteousness! Rejoice always in those truths from the law and the gospel!

Suggestions for prayer

Thank the Lord for faithful churches where both our guilt and God’s grace are clearly proclaimed. Thank the Lord for the law and the gospel, for conviction and comfort. And pray for your pastor as he proclaims the whole counsel of God.

Pastor Ted Gray is a retired minister in the United Reformed Church of North America. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.