The great Reformation creeds of the past had a particular way of summarizing Scripture that can still be great resources for us today. For instance, in answering the question (#97) of “What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate?”, the Larger Catechism answers: Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Christ, be delivered from the moral law as a covenant of works, so as thereby they are neither justified nor condemned… [the moral law] is of special use, to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse thereof in their stead, and for their good; and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness, and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience. In other words: God saved us through our faith, but we know by the law how much we are sinners; this should increase our thankfulness to Christ for taking our punishment; which in turn should encourage us to show our thankfulness by taking care to conform ourselves to the moral law God gave us. The Catechism then asks the question (#98): “Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?” The answer is the Ten Commandments. The Catechism then goes on to show, in a systematic way (#99-148), the positive obligations and prohibitions each commandment places on every one of us. Reflecting on these duties, it is easy to see how much we have to be thankful for. Each and every day, we sin against the holiness of God by substituting our own standards of right and wrong for His (#149). Christs sacrifice was sufficient, and we should live lives of thankfulness, putting forth every effort to conform ourselves to Gods revealed will. By the power of Holy Spirit, may we grow in sanctification by dying more and more unto sin and rise unto newness of life (#75). Amen.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:27:07 +0000
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