Just and Sinner Podcast Eric Phillips on the Third Use of the Law
May 31, 2019
Eric Phillips, a Nashville-based pastor and theologian with a PhD in patristic theology, dives deep into the third use of the law in contemporary Lutheran discussions. He uses an engaging pig allegory to illustrate the law's roles, contrasting guilt under the law with the freedom found in Christ. Phillips highlights the positive aspects of God's law, debates antinomianism, and emphasizes that true obedience stems from gratitude, not fear. His insights challenge common misconceptions about sanctification and stress the believer's joyful interaction with the law.
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Uses Of The Law Depend On The Audience
- The three uses differ by who the law targets, not just what the law does.
- The third use exists because regenerated people exist and respond differently to the law.
Teach The Third Use Carefully
- Recognize Christians still experience law's accusation in the flesh while being renewed inwardly.
- Teach the third use carefully and pastorally because believers remain partially unrenewed.
Learning The Catechism By Song
- Eric recalls learning the Small Catechism from a Concordia Publishing House CD.
- A parishioner told him the catechism's teaching felt obvious and beautiful.
