Christians believe the Bible because it is God’s Word. He reveals Himself and His plan for our life and salvation through that Word. We also recognize that God’s Word speaks both Law and Gospel.

John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

The Law tells us how we should live. It also points out that we have not lived that way, so it shows us our sins. It tells us we are in need of help.

Romans 3:20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

The Gospel points us to Jesus, the Savior God the Father promised and then sent when the time was just right. He came to be our substitute in punishment and gave us His perfection.

Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

It is important that we do not confuse Law and Gospel, but unfortunately it happens a lot. We start to believe that our good behavior is part of the reason for our forgiveness, which could not be any more wrong. The only way we have forgiveness is because of what Jesus did for us.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When I taught the catechism to youth and adults, this topic was always at the beginning of the class. It is important to establish this before digging deeper into God’s Word. One question I often used was “What does the Law tell us?”  The answer was: “What to do, what not to do, and how to be.”  As I was reviewing this with one class several weeks later, I asked a young lady that question, and she responded: “What to do and what to don’t.” I think she grasped the concept. The Law does not tell us how to be saved, but it does show us we need a Savior.

The Good News, which is the literal translation of the word “Gospel”, is all about that Savior. It is vital for us to understand. Without Jesus, we have no hope. But we have Him, we have placed our confidence in His death and resurrection, and that will not disappoint us.