The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel Hardcover – October 1, 1986

The wonderful thing about C.F.W Walther's Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel is that the reader and listener may learn that God hates sin. God hates sin so much that He established His Way for those lost in sin. That Way is to Repent and Believe in the Gospel. That Gospel is that Jesus Christ has come to save sinners by dying and being raised from the dead. Each of us does those things we ought not to do or fails to do the good we ought to, but this wonderful gift of Grace abounds for those seeking and hoping in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Yes, the Holy Spirit is He who gives us faith that we come into God's Grace.)Walther has some strong words against the errors so many have fallen into. In our modern era, it is hard to read those strong words. But, Walther lived in a time of defining and defending unity in the Christian congregations who listen to the Unaltered Augsburg Confessions in the Book of Concord as the basic understanding of that Holy Writ which is the Holy Bible. And, as Eccl 3 mentions, there is a time to gather and a time to cast. Dr. Walther is a man of his time. Often it is good to understand some of the times before us. We can see our own errors in the virtues and errors of the past. Perhaps, we can humble ourselves before our God when we read the love Walther has for the Triune God -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.The 1928 edition of The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel is the same text as the one from Concordia Publishing House in 1980 except lacking a page or two of new front matter. Please, note, I have not compared character by character to know absolutely whether the statement is true.The good thing for the 1928 edition is that it does not boast a copyright statement and its from 1928. Which you can look up the copyright laws in your area.I am not providing any legal advice.The Kindle edition had many textual errors that may have been corrected. The Blue 1980's edition is nice.

This book is an excellent presentation of the correct approach to reading and understanding Scripture that is not well understood by most people who call themselves Christian and certainly not by those who are not Christian. It is a series of academic lectures that provoke thought and are based on the divine inspiration of the Bible. If one is to deny that the Bible is the divine inspired Word of God, and is looking to dispute the foundation of Christianity, then studying this approach of separation of law and gospel would at best sound bizarre and challenging. The author really drives home the love God has for every one of us as His children. It defines how doctrines of Satan, Hell and God’s Law are also testimonies of His love for us.

Walther gave a series of lectures a century ago that were meant to be an explanation of some essential Lutheran teachings. These lectures were so insightful and true to the spirit of Luther that Walther became the most important American Lutheran theologian and his book became a test for orthodoxy. Walther seems to have drunk deeply from the well of Luther's writings; his mind appears to be so at one with Luther's that this book is of the highest quality and one of the handful of books that would be essential to a scholar after the Bible, the Book of Concord, and Luther's writings. A gem.

Quality binding. If never read it is a must read for LCMS members

The book distinguishes between law and gospel very clearly. The difference between law and gospel is being saved by grace alone and not by the law. The law condemns us but the loving grace of Jesus Christ through the cross is our only salvation to the Father. As an Elder in our church, the book has helped me to serve the sick and shut-ins in our congregation. It is well worth the time to read it.

Glad to get this Lutheran classic in digital format. I am no relation to Dr. Walther, but his Law and Gospel approach to preaching is vital.

You can't truly appreciate the wonderful gift we have received from God without considering the harshness of the Law and contrasting it with the sweetness of the Gospel. This book is truly a treasure because it shines a light of distinction between those two parallel doctrines found interwoven throughout Scripture. Just as relevant today as it was a century ago, and as it will be a century from now.

My pastor said every Christian should read this once a year. I've read it once and it is excellent!

The best book for anyone who likes to read the bible. With that book you will understand how to differ law and gospel in your preaching.That version is so good. Updated verses and language helps you to understand better what the book really talk to reader.