Definition of the Law-Gospel Hermeneutic
Why It Matters for Ex-Adventists
Seventh-day Adventism blurs the biblical distinction between law and gospel by:
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Mixing moral law observance (including Sabbath-keeping) into the conditions for salvation.
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Teaching a sanctification-based assurance, where one’s standing before God partly depends on personal obedience.
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Proposing investigative judgment theology, effectively tying salvation security to law-keeping performance.
Former Adventists Philippines teaches that this confusion undermines both the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work and the believer’s assurance. Recovering a biblical law-gospel hermeneutic is thus essential for former Adventists to rest in Christ alone and rightly understand the purpose of God's law for the redeemed.
How FAP Understands the Role of the Law
In FAP’s teaching, the law functions in three ways:
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As a mirror (usus elenchticus): to reveal sin and drive people to Christ (Rom. 3:20; Gal. 3:24).
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As a civil guide (usus politicos): to restrain evil in society.
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As a rule of life for believers (usus didacticus): not for justification, but as a grateful response to grace (Rom. 6:14; 13:8-10).
We teach that the Decalogue, including the Sabbath command, is no longer a binding covenant obligation under the New Covenant (Heb. 8:13; Gal. 4:21-31), though the moral principles behind it continue in the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2).
The Gospel: Christ’s Finished Work, Not Law Plus Grace
Biblical Hermeneutic Framework
FAP hermeneutics distinguishes Old Covenant typology and ceremonial laws, fulfilled and abrogated in Christ (Col. 2:16-17; Heb. 8:13). The law is interpreted in light of its covenantal context and fulfillment in Jesus.
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The Mosaic law was a temporary administration added because of transgressions (Gal. 3:19) and was always meant to point to Christ (Rom. 10:4).
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The New Covenant law of Christ is the believer’s rule of life, summarized in loving God and neighbor (Matt. 22:37-40), empowered by the Spirit.
No law observance contributes to justification, but good works naturally follow salvation as evidence, not a condition.
Summary Statement (for FAP doctrinal document)
“We affirm that Scripture must be rightly divided between law and gospel. The law reveals God’s perfect standards and our sin; the gospel announces salvation accomplished by Christ, received by faith alone. In the New Covenant, believers are not under the Mosaic law as a covenant of works, but under the law of Christ as a rule of life. This hermeneutic frees former Adventists from legalistic bondage and secures assurance in Christ’s finished work alone.”
Recommended FAP Pastoral Teaching Emphasis
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Expose the misuse of the law in Adventism (Gal. 3:10-14).
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Proclaim the sufficiency of the gospel (Rom. 3:21-26).
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Teach New Covenant theology and the abrogation of ceremonial law (Heb. 8:6-13; Col. 2:16-17).
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Explain the proper place of good works as fruit, not root, of salvation (Eph. 2:8-10).
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Highlight the pastoral dangers of law-gospel confusion (Gal. 1:6-9; 5:1-4).
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