The Difference Between Law and Gospel

The law points to sin; the gospel remedies it.
The law condemns; the gospel redeems.
The law is a word of wrath; the gospel is a word of grace.
The law fills us with despair; the gospel comforts.
The law says, "Pay the debt!" The gospel says "Christ paid it."
The law says, "You are a sinner!" The gospel says, "Your sins are forgiven."
The law says, "Make amends!" The gospel says, "Christ has made amends for you."
The law says, "God is angry with you!" The gospel says, "God loves you."
-- Patrick Hamiltion: Treatise on the Law and the Gospel

Near to the Heart of God;  August 18