Law & Gospel: How to Read & Apply the Bible

Walther's Works

by C.F.W. Walther

The treatise on the Lutheran understanding of Law and Gospel.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Unfinished, Reference, Christianity

514 pages, Hardcover

First published July 2, 1905

About the author

Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther was the first President of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and its most influential theologian. He is commemorated by that church on its Calendar of Saints on May 7.

Reviews

[Jim B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was formerly available in English in a terrible translation. I didn't know how bad the translator did until I read this "Reader's Version." It makes me angry to think that such a great piece of Christian literature suffered for so long because of a poor (hard to understand) translation. During seminary training, Lutheran students are often told that they should reread Law and Gospel throughout their ministry. The "Dau" translation made that a ponderous and unlikely-to-fulfill task; the "Reader's Version" by contrast is a delight and refreshing exercise.

C.F.W. Walther is considered the greatest Lutheran theologian America has ever produced. His greatness, in my opinion, was formulated by his early suffering from bad theology. In this, he was similar to Luther! When Walther was a student in German, his first awakening to Christianity was at the hands of Pietists. He is able to show the beautiful comfort of the gospel and how Pietism undermined it while trying to produce sincere Christians.

This "insiders'" view was especially interesting to me because I have often heard the charge that someone was a "pietist" when it seemed to me that the so-called "Pietist" was simply a pious Christian. People who have a regular prayer life, or do independent Bible study (or small group Bible study) are victims of this misunderstanding. Walther devoted a lengthy discussion on the way that Pietism stressed the spiritual struggle that was necessary BEFORE a person was directed to Christ. Since people were pointed to their personal struggles and told they weren't ready for Christ, Pietism was withholding the gospel that Christ sent us to preach.

One of my favorite portions of Law and Gospel (even when I only read it in the old translation) is when Walther compares preachers that don't direct their sermons at the hearts of their hearers to hunters going in the woods and shooting their guns into the air and calling that hunting!

Law and Gospel has the best treatment of the "sin against the Holy Ghost" that I have ever read: clear, Scriptural, and thorough.

The "Reader's Version" has excellent supplemental information. The "Glossary" would be an interesting publication, even without the book, because it explains many historical or peculiarly Lutheran terms in an informal, essay style that gives a reader with no background an appreciation for what a Lutheran insider takes for granted, and Lutheran insiders will learn background that no one ever took the time to tell them. There is a timeline on the development of understanding of Law and Gospel in the Christian church, an expansive biography of Walther, and other historical helps -- all of which contain fascinating revelations alongside need-to-know facts.

[Jeremiah Gumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent "Reader's Edition" translation loaded with historical, biographical, and theological notes. It far outshines the old Dau translation. CPH should be commended for making this new translation available!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The refreshed translation makes you think Dr. Walther himself is reading the book to you. Very well done.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for a Lutheran. This book is a classic, a description that is well earned. Walther brings application of preaching to a very high level, while making it understandable. The theology in this book is well laid out and extremely well documented. This edition of the book is very approachable and easily read. It's not light, however, it requires a great deal of reflection and a basic understanding of Lutheran theology will make it a bit easier to understand from the start. The translation from German is very well done, the footnotes are superb, and the glossary is worth the price of the book in itself.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This edition is very well done. The contextual information is enlightening, and this translation is so much better than the previous translation; closer to the original, and much more approachable. I am DNFing it, however, because I just don't think I can get much more out of it, as a layperson with a pastor who does an excellent job of distinguishing Law and Gospel regularly.

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read. Walther insightfully articulates truth and refutes errors which are still common to this day. Knowing the distinction between Law and Gospel is essential. Every pastor should learn and understand well the contents of this book, and it would be of great benefit for any Christian regardless of vocation.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read this in over 25 years and what a gem it is for a Lutheran pastor! His pastoral encouragement and direction is timeless. His teaching certainly helps to keep the focus of ministry where it needs to be - on the pure Gospel!

[Craig Schlossin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read, very good.

[Philip Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A careful and precise examination of what it really means to rightly divide the Word of God. The conversational lecture format makes for smooth reading.

[Alex Monseth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good view for justification, somewhat confusing view for sanctification.

[Ned A. Moerbe]

Well worth reading and rereading for anyone who preaches or listens to sermons.

This edition is easier to read with more helpful notes than the Dau translation.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to Walther's Law and Gospel when I attended a week long course on Preaching at Australian Lutheran College - where we had recommended Richard Lischer's excellent book, "The End of Words" - which I subsequently bought and read. After shareing with Pastor Adrain Kramer how much I enjoyed Lischer's book, he recommended this book that Concordia Publishing had put together as being far more accessible than earlier English editions.

I found this to be a truly rewarding experience. CPH has added extremely useful "intros", footnotes and appendices that helps the reader to understand the setting and background behind each of Walther's Lectures. I also think that CPH has done an excellent job in producing a "Reader's Edition" that is "comfortable to read".

Lord permitting, I hope to read this again in a few years :)

[John Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful work and so foundational for pastors and laypeople alike, really an easy read unfolding the proper distinction between Law and Gospel. Full of Biblical truth.

Pastor Carl Wilhelm Ferdinand Walther died in 1887 but his lifelong dedication to steering the Missouri Lutheran Church between the Scylla of Pietism and the Charybdis of Rationalism left a legacy of seminary lectures which form the basis of this book and being from Missouri my self added even more flavor to the text.

This is one book I will read and read again.

[David Mcelroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume has clarified many questions that have pained my conscience for may years and has filled in the gaps left by years spent in the wrong churches.
Thank God I have found, late in life, a church where the Pastor feeds me what I need.

Time to read it again! this time with Concordia a Readers edition closer to hand.

God bless and multiply the pastors who rightly present Law and Gospel in their preaching.

[Isaiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for any Lutheran. It clearly divides the Word of Truth and gives a lay person a way to evaluate what they hear from the pulpit. To the pastor it is an indispensable tool. This book is great in terms of its ability to communicate Sin and Grace. It has the focus on the vicarious atonement of Christ, and it definitely feeds the faith of anyone who read this.

[Brian Yamabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for getting you to think about what the Church and Office are. Does not have all the answers as far as how they play out in the 21st century, but lays the foundation for how we should be thinking of them.

[Dan Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

[Iain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would be lost without it.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading every 2-3 years. Such great material, and how easily we forget.

[Dan Mayville · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was key on me becoming Lutheran !

[Michael Gibney · Rating 5 out of 5]

One question: Why are you not reading this book? :)

[Victor Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for all church leaders