Category: Jay Wipf

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4/13/2026

Law/Gospel Quotes - Ursinus, Luther and Bunyan

2/2/2026

In What Does The Law Differ From The Gospel? by Zacharias Ursinus (1534-1583)

Zacharias Ursinus was the primary author of the Heidelberg Catechism. This short extract is taken from section four of Ursinus' exposition of question and answer 92 in his Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism (english translation by G.W. Williard, Columbus OH, 1852; reprinted by P & R). The electronic edition of this text was scanned and edited by Shane Rosenthal for Reformation Ink. It is in the public domain and may be freely copied and distributed.

In What Does The Law Differ From The Gospel?
The exposition of this question is necessary for a variety of considerations, and especially that we may have a proper understanding of the law and the gospel, to which a knowledge of that in which they differ greatly contributes. According to the definition of the law, which says, that it promises rewards to those who render perfect obedience; and that it promises them freely, inasmuch as no obedience can be meritorious in the sight of God, it would seem that it does not differ from the gospel, which also promises eternal life freely. Yet notwithstanding this seeming agreement, there is a great difference between the law and the gospel. They differ,
1. As to the mode of revelation peculiar to each. The law is known naturally: the gospel was divinely revealed after the fall of man. 2. In matter or doctrine. The law declares the justice of God separately considered: the gospel declares it in connection with his mercy. The law teaches what we ought to be in order that we may be saved: the gospel teaches in addition to this, how we may become such as this law requires, viz: by faith in Christ. 3. In their conditions or promises. The law promises eternal life and all good things upon the condition of our own and perfect righteousness, and of obedience in us: the gospel promises the same blessings upon the condition that we exercise faith in Christ, by which we embrace the obedience which another, even Christ, has performed in our behalf; or the gospel teaches that we are justified freely by faith in Christ. With this faith is also connected, as by an indissoluble bond, the condition of new obedience. 4. In their effects. The law works wrath, and is the ministration of death: the gospel is the ministration of life and of the Spirit (Rom. 4:15, 2 Cor. 3:7).

This article was made available on the internet via REFORMATION INK (www.markers.com/ink). Refer any correspondence to Shane Rosenthal: ReformationInk at mac.com (connect and write as @mac.com -- when I connect them I get a lot of junk mail). яяя

Martin Luther
Luther: The Law And Gospel Are Found Throughout Scripture.
But you might say, “Isn’t there also much Law in the Gospels and in the Epistles of Paul, and again many promises in the books of Moses and the prophets?” Answer: There is no book in the Bible in which both are not found. God has always placed side by side both Law and promise. For He teaches by the Law what is to be done and by the promises where we are to receive that. But the New Testament is especially called “Gospel” above the other books because it was written after the coming of Christ, who fulfilled the divine promises, brought them to us, and publicly proclaimed them by oral preaching, which previously were concealed in the Scriptures. Therefore, hold to this distinction, and no matter what books you have before you, whether of the Old or of the New Testament, read them with this distinction so that you observe that when promises are made in a book, it is a Gospel book; when commandments are given, it is a Law book. But because in the New Testament the promises are found so abundantly, and in the Old Testament so many laws are found, the former is called “Gospel” and the latter, “the Book of the Law.”
Martin Luther | A Year in the Gospels with Martin Luther (p. 64–65). Concordia Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Distinguishing between the law and the gospel is the highest art in Christendom, one who every person who values the name Christian ought to recognize, know, and possess. Where this is lacking, it is not possible to tell who is a Christian and who is a pagan or Jew. That much is at stake in this distinction.
Martin Luther, The Distinction between the Law and Gospel,” January 1, 1532, Willard Burce, translator, Concordia Journal 18 (April 1992), 153.

John Bunyan

He that is dark as touching the scope, intent, and nature of the law, is also dark as to the scope, nature, and glory of the Gospel – Bunyan

obedience from wrong spirit - First, then, that man that doth take up any of the ordinances of God--namely, as prayer, baptism, breaking of bread, reading, hearing, alms-deeds, or the like; I say, he that doth practise any of these, or such like, supposing thereby to procure the love of Christ to his own soul, he doth do what he doth from a legal, and not from an evangelical or Gospel spirit - Bunyan, The Doctrine of law and grace unfolded.

Further example in prayer. - for instance, prayer--it is a Gospel command; yet if he that prays doth it in a legal spirit, he doth make that which in itself is a Gospel command an occasion of leading him into a Covenant of Works, inasmuch as he doth it by and in that old covenant spirit. - Bunyan, The Doctrine of law and grace unfolded

Saved from – by free grace, by rich grace, by unchangeable grace. And you are saved from the curse of the law; from the power, guilt, and filth of sin; from the power, malice, madness, and rage of the devil; from the wishes, curses, and desires of wicked men; from the hot, scalding, flaming, fiery furnace of Hell; from being arraigned as malefactors, convinced, judged, condemned, and fettered with the chains of our sins to the devils to all eternity; and all this freely, freely by His grace (Rom 3:24) by rich grace unchangeable grace; for, saith He, "I am the LORD, I change not: therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed" (Mal 3:6). This is grace indeed.

“from a Gospel spirit, and not from a legal, natural principle” Bunyan

He that is under the law, as it is a Covenant of Works (in the “do this and live” sense), is like the man that is bound by the law of his king, upon pain of banishment, or of being hanged, drawn, and quartered, not to transgress any of the commandments of the king; so here, they that are under the Covenant of Works (“do this and live”), they are bound, upon pain of eternal banishment and condemnation, to keep within the compass of the law of the God of Heaven. – Bunyan The Doctrine of law and grace unfolded

For justice once offended knoweth not how to show any pity or compassion to the offender, but runs on him like a lion, takes him by the throat, throws him into prison, and there he is sure to lie, and that to all eternity, unless infinite satisfaction be given to it, which is impossible to be given by any of us the sons of Adam. – Bunyan.

Baptist Catechism

10/27/2025

Catechesis is of course a great way to instruct children in the home or the church. It is good for discipleship of all ages. There are more resources available than ever before. Here are a couple I look forward to using more.

An Introduction To The Christian Faith. Here you can find 24 lessons with a workbook, Benjamin Beddome's exposition, the catechism put to music and more.

Founders ministries also has many resources. A memory book, a children's illustrated book and a commentary among them.
The Baptist Catechism - Founders Ministries
A Commentary on the Baptist Catechism - Founders Press

A Brief on John Bunyan

1/25/2022

Bunyan was poorly educated maybe about the equivalent of what we consider 6th grade today. He grew up poor, spent time in the military and became a tinker like his dad. This meant carrying a 60lb. portable anvil from farm to farm to fix pots and pans. This fairly poor man who had no formal training wrote about 60 books. Spurgeon said those who know the difference between law and gospel are a master theologian. Bunyan was this. Bunyan’s book on The Doctrine of Law and Grace Unfolded is an excellent work on this crucial distinction. He was accused of being antinomian, though it is clear he was not. He said a holy life is the beauty of Christianity. The book sets forth his view of covenant theology. For those who think covenant theology is the boogeyman, this might be a good place to start.

        Bunyan also suffered much as many did in those days. He spent more time in jail than other Puritans in the Great Ejection, being the first in and the last out and had two different times in jail. If he would have promised to stop preaching they would have let him out. Many would have given in. His 3-month sentence turned into 12 years for having illegal meetings (church services) and for not going to the legal services. He lost children and a wife. His perseverance is commendable.

        His experience of coming to Christ was somewhat similar to Martin Luther’s. When he realized that his righteousness is in heaven and not something he did, it was transformative. He saw Christ as a whole Christ their being nothing but Christ and his benefits on his mind. Luther’s commentary on Galatians was an important book for Bunyan.

Pilgrim’s Progress is in over 200 languages and there are many versions of it. It is one of the best selling books ever. John Owen said he would trade his great learning to speak as clearly as Bunyan. Bunyan was a good storyteller and could speak the language of the common man. Spurgeon said he read Pilgrim’s Progress over 100 times. Bunyan shows us that educated or not we can understand the Scriptures. Bunyan was quite a sinner and shows us that God’s grace can abound even to the chief of sinners. His preaching attacked self-righteousness, but he was not a fire and brimstone preacher. He focused on sin and Christ as the Savior of sinners.

Resources on Bunyan
Basic Outline of his life Acacia John Bunyan - Online Library - A Timeline Chronicling the Life of John Bunyan (pair.com)
John Bunyan’s Faithful Perseverance | Shepherds' Conference | Grace Community Church (gracechurch.org) Joel Beeke
Joel Beeke excerpts from Meet the Puritans  John Bunyan (1628-1688) by Dr. Joel Beeke and Randall J. Pederson (monergism.com)
Christian Loses His Burden by R.C. Sproul (ligonier.org)
Steve Lawson Session 5: John Bunyan | Grace Equip | Grace Community Church (gracechurch.org)
Derek Thomas audio John Bunyan Conference Series | SermonAudio
John Bunyan: The Faithful Tinker - Reformation 21 – Joel Beeke blog
Lessons from John Bunyan's Life: Perseverance through Suffering - Dr. Joel Beeke Sermon - YouTube
“William Kiffen, John Bunyan, and the open communion controversy” - Bing video – Mark Dever
Reformed forum podcast theology Simply Profound goes through Pilgrim Progress Theology Simply Profound – Page 3 – Reformed Forum
Derek Thomas guided tour from Ligonier on Pilgrim’s Progress The Pilgrim's Progress: A Guided Tour by Derek Thomas | Ligonier Ministries

For Kids
Simonetta Carr biography John Bunyan (Christian Biographies for Young Readers): Simonetta Carr: 9781601787798: Amazon.com: Books
Torch lighters video The Torchlighters Series: The John Bunyan Story, DVD - Christianbook.com
Pilgrim progress movie – several different ones here is the most recent trailer The Pilgrim's Progress | Official Trailer (2019) - YouTube
Kids version of Pilgrims Progress book. There are different ones of these. Here is one. Dangerous Journey: The Story of... book by John Bunyan (thriftbooks.com)

Books by Bunyan
He wrote just shy of 60 books. Not bad for someone with about a 6th grade education. You can find a complete list of his books elsewhere. Here are a couple to get you started.
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners is his autobiography. A classic read or you can find audio to listen to it for free to.
The Doctrine of Law and Grace Unfolded.
Puritan Paper backs has a number of volumes of Bunyan’s in print. All Loves Excelling: John Bunyan: 9780851517391 - Christianbook.com
Monergism has about 25 works of Bunyan downloadable for free 800+ Free eBooks Listed Alphabetically by Author | Monergism

Jay Wipf is a former student of Coalt Robinson and attended Grace University where he earned his degree in Christian Education. Jay is currently studying at Reformed Baptist Seminary in the comfort of his home in Huron, SD. By grace and at Grace he met his beautiful wife Rachel, and they now have three young children. Jay and his family live in Huron where he works in facilities at a local credit union and serves within the local church.

Understanding Confessions pt 4

9/8/2021

Proper Use
The value of a confession has already touched on its proper use. It is used to promote and defend the truth of Scripture. More specifically in the local church it can be used to evaluate teachers and pastors as well as provide boundaries for ministry.

Churches use, for example, the LBC of 1689 to teach systematic theology. It can be a quick reference guide to defend the faith. It can be used for new member’s classes, family devotions and more. Many churches do not require new members to affirm this. It would be too much for new believers to understand. They have a shorter statement for that, desiring them to know what they are signing. The church wants to keep out enemies, not the weak. They use the confession for elders and deacons and those involved in teaching in the church. This provides greater unity amongst those teaching, something for the immature to work toward, and a set standard to evaluate ministries, and ministers supported by the church. If you want to teach here, or get money from us, we need to know what you believe. There is freedom of use.

The confession is not an end all. It does not solve all problems or mean the church can check out because it has a confession. It is meant to be an aid to the church and her members. This is to be a public confession as indicated in the Scriptures (Matt 10:32–33; Rom 10:9–10).

Subscription
Some have written as many as nine different levels of subscription. This seems much too complicated. Whatever the subscription level, unending exceptions makes it meaningless, but not allowing any exceptions is unreasonable. Discernment is required. An exemption on matters of orthodoxy, for example the Trinity, should not be allowed, but perhaps on the order of church government, an exemption might be permitted. The individual taking the exemption needs to be willing to submit to the church on that issue and not make issue about it or stir up descent or cause disunity. He may be asked not to teach about the topic. Some doctrines in the confession are essential for salvation and others are for the health of the church. They are not all of the same importance.

Dangers
There are objections or dangers to confessions. Three are common.

1) The main objection is that Confessions undermine the authority of Scripture. The LBC of 1689 explicitly and at the beginning denies this, giving an excellent statement as to the authority of Scripture. The problem here is the attitude given to the confession. The Roman Catholics give the claim of infallibility to several creeds and some orthodox may be guilty of some sort of hyper-confessionalism as well. This seems to be rather rare in church history and less of a problem with Protestants. This hyper-confessionalism actually goes against the confession! The Confession never trumps Scripture, it is normed by Scripture. Some think that if you quote the confession more than Scripture you are guilty of this as well. One wonders who is counting, but if every time a pastor is asked a question he quotes a confession and not Scripture there may be a problem in his own mind.

2) The sufficiency of Scripture is undermined. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 say we have everything we need. Again the confession affirms the sufficiency of Scripture. Scripture is not sufficient for every task. If your pastor only read the Bible and never explained anything, you would complain he is not doing his job and you would be right. If you only allowed the pastor to preach using biblical words, his vocabulary would be very limited in trying to communicate. Explaining doctrine in extra biblical words does not deny the sufficiency of Scripture.

3) Confessions take away liberty of conscience. This goes back to the proper use of a confession. They are not meant to be strait jackets. Over one hundred ministers wrote the Westminster Confession of Faith. Rest assured they did not agree on every jot and tittle of doctrine and they made room for themselves within the confession. There is places where we can disagree with each other and both still be confessional and there are places where exemptions can be considered. A problem with the confession though may reveal a problem in one’s own heart or mind.

Other potential problems with a confession are along the same lines. Like all things in life a confession can be misused. These potentials for misuse are not the fault of the confession, but of sinful and imperfect humans. These dangers do not out way the benefits nor does it negate the biblical evidence and necessity of having a confession.

Conclusion
A church in having a historic confession has a great commonality within the immediate body and with believers all over the world past and present. Confessions are a useful tool for the church in training up its members and defending the faith once for all handed down. Confessions are biblical and necessary. May our churches be full of and training up theological contenders who are passionate about what they confess. May the church have a tradition that is normed by Scripture.

Why have Confessions Gone Away? Part 3

8/3/2021

If confessions are so biblical and valuable, why have confessions gone away? A couple of ideas to mention would be:

1) With the rise of rationalism and skepticism the Bible itself has been down played. If the Bible isn’t the Word of God than I certainly don’t need a confession about it.

Understanding Confessions Part 2

5/26/2021

Last time we looked at the biblical basis and now we will look at the historical use.

Understanding A Confession: Biblical Basis

4/23/2021

Introduction
What is a confession of faith? Is it not the same as our church’s doctrinal statement? Why do we need one? Even if we have a confession, how do we use it and does it not present some dangers? These are somewhat common and good questions when some are learning of historical confessions of faith for the first time.

A creed or a confession is a restatement of biblical truth. It explains what Scripture says. To confess means to agree with. A confession is as an agreed upon understanding of the Christian faith. Confessions seek to answer basic core doctrines. If we do not know who God is we are committing idolatry. A confession states clearly and concisely who God is.

This paper will show primarily the biblical basis for a confession. An example of how a confession was used will show great value to having a historic confession of faith. Proper use, subscription, and dangers will be briefly addressed.

The Story of Scripture Mishandled Pt III

3/22/2021

The biggest ill use of Scripture (in my limited perspective) is by far and above legalism. This may well be the biggest danger to our churches. It is a failure to understand the right use of the law. The gospel is distorted and we often do not even notice! This happens when our sermons are all “do this” and there is no mention of what Christ has “done”. This happens when the gospel is relegated to the end of the sermon every week when every head is bowed and eye closed. This happens when we forget that we as believers need the gospel to. There is a misuse of the law and a mismanagement of the gospel!

The Story of Scripture Mishandled Pt II

1/21/2021

There are some more ways we mishandle Scripture. Sometimes looking at the negative helps to make the positive more clear. These are generalizations as we are not taking time to look in depth at each of these categories.

Elevating one portion of Scripture above another mishandles Scripture. One example of this is those that teach repentance is not a necessary response to the gospel along with faith. They take the gospel according to John and say that since John wrote so that we may believe (20:31) and John does not use the Greek word for repentance, therefore repentance is not a necessary response to our sin. They elevate the gospel of John above the rest of Scripture. Other passages do speak about repentance and just because one particular word is missing does not mean the idea is not present. They do not handle well the Word of God.

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