Three Uses of the Law, Melanchthon

[GHansen]

First Use of the Law:

"There is no doubt that the law of God demands both inner and outward obedience, as it says, "You shall love the Lord your god with all your heart," Deut. 6:5. But since the corrupted nature of man cannot produce perfect obedience, as Paul so clearly testifies in Romans 7-8, and since this sin remains in us in this life in the form of doubt, lack of faith, and insufficient fear and love of God, and countless desires which run counter to the fear and  love of God, and countless desires which run counter to the law of God, it follows that men are not pronounced righteous, that is accepted before God by reason of the Law. Thus the question arises: What is the use or purpose of the Law if the works of the law do not merit the remission of sins, or if we are not righteous by the Law? At this point we need to understand that there are three uses or duties for the Law.

"The first is the pedagogical or civil use , for God wills that all men be compelled by the discipline of the Law, even the unregenerate, not to commit outward sins. Paul speaks of this use in 1 Tim. 1:19, "The law was laid down for the unrighteous," that they might be compelled to obey. That this discipline might be strongly supported, God established magistrates or governments over the human race; He wills that men be governed by laws and sound teaching; He wills that the wild ravings of men be held in check and be punished by the penalties imposed by their rulers, as it says in Deut. 19:19ff., "You shall put the evil man out of your midst, so that the rest of the people shall hear of it and fear, and you shall have no pity on him."

Melanchthon, Philip, Commonplaces of Theology, 1543

Translated by J.A.O. Preus

(Concordia Publishing House, 1992), 72,73

 

[GHansen]

Second Use of the Law

"Up to this point, we have spoken of the civil or pedagogical use of the Law. Now we must say something regarding the second use of which Paul speaks so clearly in order to correct the errors of human judgment regarding sin and righteousness. Thus it is a second and very important use of the law of God to show our sin and to accuse, to terrify, and to condemn all men in this misuse of human nature. For the law of God which has been revealed to men is a perpetual judgment which condemns sin in the entire human race. Because the knowledge of the divine law has been grafted into our minds, and because it has been revealed in different ways by voice and examples as, for instance in Paradise, where God demanded obedience, and added the punishment, namely death and other sorrows, in order that there might be testimonies of His judgment against sin."

Melanchthon, Philip, Commonplaces of Theology, 1543

Translated by J.A.O. Preus

(Concordia Publishing House, 1992), 73

[GHansen]

Third Use of the Law

"The third use of the law pertains to the regenerate. Insofar as the regenerate have been justified by faith, they are free from the Law. This must be said under this locus. For they are freed from the Law, that is from the curse and condemnation and the wrath of God, which is set forth in the Law, that is to say, if they remain in the faith and fight against sin in confidence in the Son of God, and overcome the terrors of sin. Yet in the meantime it must be said that the Law which points out the remnants of sin, in order that the knowledge of sin  and repentance may increase, and the Gospel also must proclaim Christ in order that faith may grow. Furthermore the law must be preached to the regenerate to teach them  certain works in which God wills that we practice obedience. For God does not will that we by our own wisdom set up works or worship, but he wills that we be ruled by His Word, as it is written, "In vain do they worship me by the commandments of men," Matt15:9. Again "Your Word is a lamp unto my feet," Psalm 119:105."

Melanchthon, Philip, Commonplaces of Theology, 1543

Translated by J.A.O. Preus

(Concordia Publishing House, 1992), 74