The Law Points To The Gospel

8/17/2026

Sermon Info

• Speaker / Pastor: Rev. Douglas Dill

Scripture References

• Exodus (Sinai / prologue) – used to show God establishing a relationship: “I am the Lord your

God” and the giving of the commandments after Israel left Egypt.

• Matthew – recounted the Pharisees testing Jesus and the discussion of the greatest

commandment (love God and neighbor).

• John 13:34 – quoted as the new commandment: “love one another” and framed as the central

ethic for Christians.

• Torah / Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) – cited to explain

where the 613 laws come from and how different traditions count commandments.

Central Message

• The Law is good and reveals what is right, but it also shows our need for the Gospel. Jesus is

the Gospel — he fulfills the law, takes our sin on the cross, and establishes a new covenant of

relationship. Living by the gospel means loving God and loving others, which in turn fulfills the

commandments.

Key Points

• 1. The law tells us what to do and not to do; it is good and keeps people safe.

• 1. Different perspectives count commandments differently (Ten, Twelve, 613 laws); context

matters but the exact count is not the core issue.

• 1. For Jews the law/covenant defines identity; Gentiles (Christians) live under the new

covenant through Jesus.

• 1. Jesus is the gospel: he fulfills the law by taking sin on the cross and provides a new

covenant and relationship with God.

• 1. The law and gospel point to each other (Lutheran emphasis): the law reveals need, the

gospel shows grace; both shape faith and life.

• 1. The greatest commandments (love God with all you are; love your neighbor as yourself) and

John 13:34’s command to “love one another” summarize and fulfill the law.

Notable Quotes

• > “Jesus is the gospel, our good news.”

• “The law points to the gospel; the gospel points back to the law.”

• “You are saved, period.”

• “>A new commandment I give you: to love one another.” (John 13:34)

Application

• Live by the gospel: trust Jesus’ work (he fulfills the law) instead of trying to earn salvation by

perfect law-keeping.

• Make love your practical rule: loving God and loving neighbor brings the commandments to life

and prevents stealing, murder, etc.

• Share the good news and make disciples (the Great Commission): baptize and teach in the

name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• Avoid a “cafeteria” approach to faith; let the covenant relationship with God shape consistent,

grace-filled obedience.

Prayer Points

• Thanks to Heavenly Father for sending Jesus and for the relationship established through him.

• Gratitude for Jesus as the Son who makes the gospel and new covenant possible.

• A corporate amen and blessing over God’s people for provision and guidance (manna, water,

protection in the Exodus narrative).

Reflection Questions

• 1. Who were you looking for when you came here (what do you seek spiritually)?

• 1. How are you saved — by law or by the gospel?

• 1. If Jesus has made a relationship with you, how will you live your life differently?

• 1. Are you going to live through the gospel and show love to others as Jesus commanded?

• 1. Which commandments or practices tempt you toward a “cafeteria” faith, and how can love

reframe them?