Distinguishing not Separating Law & Gospel

In preaching, it is crucial to distinguish but not separate Law and Gospel, concepts that must be kept together. The principle of distinguishing rather than separating applies not only to Lutheran dialectics but also to theology in general, as pulling them apart can lead to heresy. Distinguishing allows for calling things by their true nature, such as distinguishing promise from threat, life from death, and forgiveness from guilt. For instance, acknowledging being lost and found while still a sinner presents the whole truth. This recognizes the simultaneous reality of being both a sinner and a saint, highlighting the continuous need for acknowledgment to be a saint.