Reformation Sunday: Luther on Law & Gospel

"This is the difference between the law and the gospel. The law never brings the Holy Spirit but only teaches what we ought to do; therefore it does not justify us. But the gospel brings the Holy Spirit because it teaches us what we ought to receive. Therefore, the law and the gospel are two opposite doctrines. To put righteousness in the law, then, is nothing but fighting against the gospel. Moses with his law requires us to work and give. The gospel, on the other hand, gives freely and requires of us nothing but to take what is offered. Now to exact and to give, to take and to offer, are complete opposites and cannot coexist. So if the gospel is a gift, it does not require anything. On the other hand , the law gives nothing but requires and strictly exacts impossible things from us."

Martin Luther