The Law

Abstract

Carl Manthey Zorn’s The Law presents a detailed theological examination of the nature, quality, and effect of God’s Law as revealed in the Old and New Testaments. Drawing extensively from Scripture, Zorn affirms that the Mosaic Law—moral, ceremonial, and civil—is holy, spiritual, and good, yet incapable of justifying sinners or imparting righteousness. He distinguishes the Law’s role in revealing sin, provoking guilt, and condemning the unregenerate, while emphasizing that salvation comes solely through the Gospel and faith in Christ. Zorn critiques theological errors that conflate Law and Gospel, warning against attributing spiritual effects to the Law alone. The work culminates in a comprehensive biblical survey of the Law’s effects: recognition of sin, increased transgression, divine wrath, curse, death, and damnation. Zorn’s analysis underscores the necessity of rightly dividing Law and Gospel in Christian doctrine and life. Abstract prepared with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).