I do not believe that any man can preach the gospel who…
““I do not believe that any man can preach the gospel who does not preach the Law. Lower the Law and you dim the light by which man perceives his guilt; this is a very serious loss to the sinner rather than a gain; for it lessens the likelihood of his conviction and conversion. I say you have deprived the gospel of its ablest auxiliary [its most powerful weapon] when you have set aside the Law. You have taken away from it the schoolmaster that is to bring men to Christ. they will never accept grace till they tremble before a just and holy Law. Therefore, the Law serves a most necessary purpose, and it must not be removed from its place. The Law cuts into the core of evil, it reveals the seat of the malady and informs us that the leprosy lies deep within. They must be slain by the Law before they can be made alive by the gospel.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The Law acts as a convicting force that reveals sin, making people aware of their need for Christ, and thus is essential for genuine conversion.
In simple terms: Law shows sin, prompting need for Christ.
Key Takeaway
Use the Law to reveal sin before offering grace.
Themes
theology
conversion
sin
grace
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
theological
expository
When to use this quote
- preaching
- personal repentance
- church teaching
Key Concepts
Doctrine of Law
conviction
spiritual discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How does conviction lead to true repentance?
- Can grace be effective without a sense of guilt?
A Different Perspective
The Law alone cannot save; it must be paired with the Gospel.