Online Bible Study - Foundations of Faith

Law and Gospel

One way to understand this complex difference between Law and Gospel is found in the concept of yin/yang in the history of mankind. There is a similarity between yin/yang and the Bible teachings about the existence of sin and the demonstration of God's loving grace. The yin is the remnant of the sin committed by our first parents, Adam and Eve. We see that sin is passed to children from the time of conception in Psalm 51:5, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." This is called original sin. It is passed on from generation to generation, and is the reason that even babies possess this condition. How do we know this is true? Romans 6:23a clearly states, "For the wages of sin is death." The proof that babies have original sin is that babies die. This is in keeping with the Law of God.

The yang, the opposite of yin, is the wonderful fact that God, in great love, offered His only Son Jesus Christ to suffer, be crucified, and die in payment for the sins of all mankind. When Jesus became alive again, rising from the dead on the third day, it was proof that God the Father accepted the sacrifice of His Son.

Now, because Jesus lives and reigns in heaven, by faith we will also live in heaven with him. Yes, we still die and leave this earthly life, but by faith, we will live forever with God, and at the resurrection live forever with Him in the new heaven and earth. "The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23b). This is the fulfillment of the Gospel of God.

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