Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel [Hardcover]

C. F. W. Walther (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1986

A transcript of Walther's Friday evening 'Luther Hour' lectures, delivered at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., from Sept. 12, 1884, to Nov. 6, 1885. This represents perhaps Walther's greatest contribution to the church. Foreword by Jaroslav Pelikan.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House (October 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0570032482
• ISBN-13: 978-0570032489
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,151,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helps bring clarity to the Christian faith, August 15, 2001

By 

Joshua V. Schneider (Hawaii) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel (Hardcover)

Even though the lectures given in this book were spoken over a hundred years ago, in the 1880s, it impressed me how well they address the current state of affairs in the Christian church. In many instances, the situations Walther describes fit exactly with today's. Although the 39 evening lectures were originally given and directed to men in training to become pastors, I believe all Christian laypeople can greatly benefit from reading this volume.

The primary goal of the 25 theses laid out in the book were to clarify the two distinctive teachings of the Bible: the Law and the Gospel. The Law, as summarized in the 10 Commandments shows our sinfulness and the punishment we deserve for violating the law. The Gospel, however, is the joyous proclamation of Christ resurrected, and His conquering of sin and death. In this we find our comfort as Christians, knowing that although the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). The significance of what Walther discusses in these theses, is that when we confuse Law and Gospel, try to separate one from the other, or only teach one of these doctrines, we invariably distort the true teaching of Scripture and lead people astray despite our intentions. When applied to our daily study of the Scriptures, church teaching, and other aspects of the Christian life, the distinction of Law and Gospel provides profound insight into the Bible. Many confusing parts of the Bible, especially parts that may seem contradictory are clarified when we see the distinction of Law and Gospel.

Overall, I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in a clearer understanding the teachings of the Bible. Although the book may seem intimidating (its ~415 pages long), it is broken up into 39 lectures as I mentioned before, and each is about an hour's worth of reading. The lectures were also given in an informal style, so it's not overly difficult reading (occasionally the English is a slightly different from today's usage since the translation isn't very recent, but it isn't archaiac by any means). And finally, what really makes this an excellent book is that it is Christ-centered.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul Care, the Christian Life, and the Bible, May 8, 2005

By 

the_sheep (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel (Hardcover)

Walther's book is an excellent book and must read for every Christian, especially Lutherans. In this book, Walther discusses the distinction between Law and Gospel, and how these affect people and how God uses them. While the Law is truly from God, it terrifies the individual and points out their sin, it is God's alien work (Isaiah 28:17). The Gospel shows our Savior, and shows how we are forgiven, and how we live in thankfulness. The core of Christian and Lutheran theology.

Walther's story about what happened to him in college, in meeting the Pietistic Candidate of Theology to teach him the "real" way of being a Christian is something that resonated with me. Walther approaches this subject with first hand experience of the danger in not properly distinguishing Law and Gospel. One can find echoes of Walther's story among the throngs of thoughtful Christians in modern Evangelical, non-denominational churches where the Gospel is preached infrequently.

No one should preach, teach, or try to care for souls in the Church unless they have read this book and come to grips with the difficult things Walther brings up. The Christian may never master them in their life on this earth (Luther admitted he never did, but sure did try), but understanding the distinction aids one greatly. Read it.

Note: The book is long, and *very* insightful. I tried to sit down and read it through, but after reading one lecture I felt mentally "full." So much is said in each lecture I needed time to digest it. Read a lecture a day, and you'll finish the book in a little over a month... and have no end of wonderful things to chew on. :)

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classical Christian work written in America, December 5, 1997

By 

John L. Hoh Jr. "Author and Theologian" (Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel (Hardcover)

In the never-ending human struggle to determine right and wrong, to live the golden rule, to live in peace with our fellow man, we often forget what the basic message of the Bible really is. C.F.W. Walther, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and also president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, presented a series of "lectures" on the proper distinction between Law and Gospel. This book is the compilation of those lectures. Walther never intended that these be published; however, his students felt that the contents of Walther's lectures was too good to be ignored. Gathering together their notes, they put together this volume which is still a primary resource for pastors today. It is worth your while to read this book and to look at the basics of the Christian faith.