Just and Sinner Podcast Eric Phillips on the Third Use of the Law
May 31, 2019
Eric Phillips, a Nashville-based pastor and theologian with a PhD in patristic theology, dives deep into the third use of the law in contemporary Lutheran discussions. He uses an engaging pig allegory to illustrate the law's roles, contrasting guilt under the law with the freedom found in Christ. Phillips highlights the positive aspects of God's law, debates antinomianism, and emphasizes that true obedience stems from gratitude, not fear. His insights challenge common misconceptions about sanctification and stress the believer's joyful interaction with the law.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Law As Accuser, Christ As Refuge
- The law accuses human works like a wolf blowing down houses of straw and sticks.
- Christ is the brick house: in Christ there is refuge from the law's condemnation.
In The Law Vs. Under The Law
- Formula of Concord distinguishes being under the law from being in the law.
- Believers are freed from the law's coercion yet still live according to God's immutable will.
Uses Of The Law Depend On The Audience
- The three uses differ by who the law targets, not just what the law does.
- The third use exists because regenerated people exist and respond differently to the law.
