The three uses of the law

1. 'The first is the pedagogical or civil use, for God wills that all men be compelled by the discipline of the Law, even the unregenerate, not to commit outward sins'.
2. 'it is a second and very important use of the law of God to show our sin and to accuse, to terrify, and to condemn all men in this misuse of human nature. For the law of God which has been revealed to men is a perpetual judgment which condemns sin in the entire human race'
3. 'The third use of the Law pertains to the regenerate. Insofar as the regenerate have been justified by faith they are free from the Law... that is, from the curse and condemnation and the wrath of God which is set forth in the Law ...[Yet] the law must be preached to the regenerate to teach them certain works in which God wills that we practice obedience. For God does not will that we by our own wisdom set up works or worship'.

All quotes from Philipp Melanchthon's Loci Communes (1543) translated by JAO Preus, pp. 72-74.

See also