All Scripture is divided into law and gospel said the Reformers of the Protestant Reformation. Their chief contribution to Christianity was to rightly divide between the law and gospel, showing how the two are never to be separated, yet always kept distinct. Never should the law be presented without the gospel, nor the gospel without the law, explained great Christian leaders from Paul onward. Paul, the foremost of gospel preachers, did not neglect the law when preaching the gospel. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
Repentance refers to one's attitude toward law, calling for a turning from sin unto obedience.
This statement illustrates how law and gospel are harmonized. Knowing how to distinguish between law and gospel without divorcing them is the first and most valuable aid to the understanding of all Scripture. He who can do this, said Martin Luther, should be given the title of doctor and set at the head of the table. Grasping the harmony of law and gospel is important not only to establish sound theology, but contained in this knowledge are tremendous personal implications for personal well being. The gospel exists not only for the sake of man, but for the sake of the law as well.