Issue link: https://discover.cph.org/i/991802
9 U n i t 1 — L e s s o n 1 7 What about Human Reason, Then? If the Christian faith is all about God using His Word to work in our lives, is there a place for using our human reason, or knowledge, when reading it? Read Question 9. The Holy Spirit guides our reception of God's Word. In the space below, write down a way or two about how we should and shouldn't use human reason when reading the Bible. How SHOULD we use human reason? How SHOULDN'T we use human reason? The Two Great Teachings of the Bible Throughout confirmation instruction, you will hear a lot about the Law and the Gospel. These are the two central doctrines (or teachings) of the Bible. As you receive the Word of God, the Holy Spirit works both Law and Gospel in you. It's not just about knowing what's Law and what's Gospel. It's about understanding how God uses both to create faith and eternal life in you! One way to remember how Law and Gospel work is the memory device SOS. Read Questions 10–11. In the space below the Law column, write down things the Law does. Next to these things, and under the Gospel column, write down what the Gospel does. Now read the Bible verses associated with the Law and Gospel in Question 11. Note which ones are Law and which are about Gospel. In your chart above, write down in each column the Scripture refer- ence for the one(s) that are Law and the one(s) that are Gospel. The Gospel Shows Our Savior (SOS) The Law Shows Our Sin (SOS) As you go into this, you may find it helpful to look up the word reason in a dictionary or online. Try to define what reason is and what reason isn't before tackling Question 9. Extra Question: Ask your learners, "Can Christians be scientists or philosophers?" Have them each write down reasons why or why not. The point is that Christians should use their human reason but should do so remembering that God's Word is the final authority on all things. Law and Gospel are a huge component of understanding the timeless truths of God's Word. Consider one of the following: • Draw out a giant SOS on a board, screen, or piece of paper. Write out "Shows Our Sin" and "Shows Our Savior" next to the letters for all to see. • Brainstorm different Bible narratives with your students. See if together you can identify what within those narratives is Law and what is Gospel. • Think through a worship service with your class. Have each student identify where in the service they hear the Law being spoken and where they hear the Gospel being proclaimed. If you use some form of sermon notes, now would be a good time to model for them how to distinguish Law and Gospel in a sermon.