Formula of Concord Article VI: Concerning the 3rd Use of the Law

Abstract

In this essay Geoffrey Kieta seeks to answer the challenges encountered by proper implementation of the third use of the law by looking at Article VI of the Formula of Concord, which “gives the official word of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on this subject.” Kieta structures his paper by first looking at the historical context of the Formula of Concord. Then, he affirms the theological point that Lutherans can and should preach the law as a guide. Finally, in the last few paragraphs of this essay, Kieta opens up a discussion of the perils and pitfalls that this theology presents us.