Do vs. Done: The Law/Gospel Distinction with Dr. R. Scott Clark - Part 2

Rev. Chris Gordon and Dr. R. Scott Clark continue their conversation on the distinction between law and gospel, arguing that the issue is not only doctrine but tone. Preach the law in full force, they say, and then send burdened sinners to Christ without conditions.
Title
Do vs. Done: The Law/Gospel Distinction with Dr. R. Scott Clark - Part 2
Summary
Rev. Chris Gordon and Dr. R. Scott Clark continue their conversation on the distinction between law and gospel, arguing that the issue is not only doctrine but tone. Preach the law in full force, they say, and then send burdened sinners to Christ without conditions.
Published
Sep 14, 2026
Hosted By
Pastor Chris Gordon
Where To Tune In
Show Notes

In part two of this conversation, Rev. Chris Gordon and Dr. R. Scott Clark press the question that critics of law and gospel preaching rarely ask: what is the tone, and what is the aim? Clark insists that faithful ministers must never soften the law — it is the legalist, he argues, who quietly tones it down so that hearers never feel its full weight. But the law is not the last word from the pulpit. Working through Paul's confrontation of the Corinthian church, they show how the apostle names real and scandalous sin and then grounds his appeal in the gospel: you are not your own, you were bought with a price. The people in the pew should sense that the man preaching, even when he warns them, is for them.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
1:10 - Never Tone Down the Law
1:44 - Tone and Who You're Addressing
3:29 - The Benediction Should Smile
3:51 - How Paul Addresses Corinth
5:01 - American Perfectionism vs. Realism
5:46 - You Are Not Your Own
6:42 - Moses Strikes the Rock
9:00 - Israel Drank from Christ
11:02 - The Bronze Serpent Lifted Up
12:16 - Stand Still and See Salvation
13:45 - Answering the Critics
15:25 - Calvin on Law and Gospel
16:53 - Come to Me, All Who Labor
19:10 - Free Grace Changes the Heart

Guests
Our guests on this episode included:
Dr. R. Scott Clark
Dr. R. Scott Clark

Dr. Clark was educated at the University of Nebraska (BA), Westminster Seminary California (MDiv), and St Anne’s College, Oxford University (DPhil). He was ordained to the ministry in the Reformed Church in the United States in 1988, where he served for ten years. He has been a minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America since 1998.

He has taught church history and historical theology at Westminster Seminary California since 1997, where he served as academic dean (1997–2001). He has also taught at Wheaton College (1995–97) as visiting professor, and has served as a visiting professor at Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson) and Concordia University Irvine.

x: @RScottClark

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