Second Use of the Law
Pedagogical Use
Law and Gospel · 6 verses
The law serves as a pedagogue or schoolmaster, conducting sinners to Christ by exposing their desperate need for a Savior. This educational function strips away self-righteousness and destroys confidence in human ability, preparing the heart to receive grace. The law teaches not merely by instruction but by devastating demonstration—showing us our sin, our inability, and our danger, thereby making Christ precious to those who flee to Him for refuge.
Scripture References
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”
“But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”
“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”