Of the Law of God, XIX:7

Neither are the forementioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the Gospel, but do sweetly comply with it; the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely, and cheerfully, which the will of God, revealed in the law, requires to be done.

Again, the Confession is at pains to assert the absence of conflict between the gospel of grace and a right, biblical attitude toward God's law. Remember that both grace and law originate from God--how can they be at war with one another? We who have the mind of Christ--whose love was to do the will of the Father and to fulfill all righteousness--must surely follow in the footsteps of Christ our example. But we are not left to do this on our own. Christ by his Spirit "subdues and enables" our wills so that we obey most freely and cheerfully. That we so often fail to do so testifies to the residual effects of sin, a reality we have already acknowledged.

"Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments." (Psalm 119:5-6; the entire psalm extols the law of God and commends it to us)

Tomorrow: The Confession summarized as to the law.