Here we reach the crux of the contemporary debate between
covenant and new-covenant theologians. Both agree that the
believer must live a life of godliness. The point at issue,
however, is this: Which law is the believer under? Covenant
theologians (à la Calvin) argue that the believer is under the
law (the so-called moral law), the ten commandments, for
progressive sanctification, and this law acts as a whip to lash
lazy asses into godliness. 1 The Scriptures (and, therefore,
new-covenant theologians) teach that love and gratitude for
Christ’s redemption is the believer’s motive for progressive
sanctification (Matt. 22:37-40; John 13:34-35; 14:15,21,23;
15:10,12,14,17; Rom. 13:8-10; Gal. 5:14; Jas. 2:8; 1 John
2:5; 3:14; 4:12; 5:2-3; 2 John 6). 2 In all this, we are talking
about the law of Christ. |
