Comments on the Law and the Gospel (Colquhoun)

If you're looking for another helpful resource on the law/gospel distinction, check this one out: A Treatise on the Law and the Gospel by John Colquhoun (d. 1827). Colquhoun was was a pastor in the Church of Scotland and was deeply influenced and edified by the writings of Thomas Boston. I've mentioned A Treatise on …

Every Work Excluded (Colquhoun)

One of the great themes of the Reformation - and of the Apostle Paul - was that a sinner is justified not by works, but only by faith in Christ.  In other words, a sinner is justified by faith alone in Christ alone, not by any sort of obedience to the law in any way, …

The Agreement Between the Law and the Gospel

In historic Reformed theology, the moral law has a very important place in the life of the Christian.  One use of the law is that it shows us our sin and drives us to Christ (Rom. 3:20, Gal. 3:23-26).  The law is distinguished from the gospel in that it cannot justify, redeem, or provide a …

The Law/Gospel Distinction in Scotland Part 2

What are the major differences between the law and the gospel?  Joel Beeke summarizes John Colquhoun’s 11 distinctions: 1) The law proceeds from the very nature of God; the gospel from his love, grace, and mercy, or his good will to men. 2) The law is known partly by the light of nature, but the …

The Law/Gospel Distinction in Scotland

John Colquhoun (d. 1827) was a minister in the Church of Scotland for 46 years.  Colquhoun was influenced by Thomas Boston and ended up writing quite a few books on theological topics like the covenant of grace, the covenant of works, repentance, and faith.  Below is a selection from his Treatise on the Law and …