Law and Grace

by Myron Houghton

Law and Grace explores a misunderstood theological subject from several perspectives. After discussing Roman Catholic and Reformed views of law, gospel, and grace, the book uses an exposition of Romans to present a dispensational framework for distinguishing key theological concepts. Pastors, church leaders, and ministry students will appreciate Myron Houghton's thorough exegesis and practical applications, including practical advice on tithing, Sabbath keeping, and the believer's responsibility to follow grace principles for godly living. - Publisher.

Genres: Theology

215 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Deb Brammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great and thorough job of comparing Law vs. Gospel for salvation and Law vs. Grace for daily living. First of all he compares the Roman Catholic, Reformed, and Dispensational views of law and grace. He gives a fair view of each perspective and shows why they teach the way they do. He quotes extensively from Catholic catechisms, which makes that part of the book quite scholarly, but at least you can tell he knows his subject and that he is presenting it fairly. This helped me understand such practical matters as why even unbelievers in our Scottish Presbyterian part of New Zealand apologize for mowing their lawns on Sunday. Also why some independent Baptists I’ve met believe Old Testaments saints were saved by keeping the law.
Then he gives a Bible view of Law, Gospel, and Grace using clear exegesis of Scripture to prove his point. Lastly he gives practical applications of grace-living. Is Sunday the Christian Sabbath? How does the distinction between law and grace affect the issue of speaking in tongues? What about stewardship and tithing? How does this color our view of chastisement from God? What does it mean for how we view the Judgment Seat of Christ?
This is a scholarly book that would work well for a college and seminary textbook, but I also found it helpful for practical living. It cleared up a number of law-grace issues for me. I found he agreed with me in basically every area. (I’m sure Dr. Myron will be relieved!)
Seriously, this is a very helpful and thought-provoking book which I recommend highly.

[Brad Hoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear treatment of the subject.

[Bfleegs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful overview of the topic from a dispensational perspective that also explains the major dissenting views.

[Rebekah Schrepfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new book by Dr. Houghton is a long-awaited and welcomed addition to the important issue of law and grace in the believer’s life. It could as well have been titled, “Law, Gospel, & Grace” because that is the three-fold division Dr. Houghton suggests as a Dispensational solution to the confusion over law and grace, especially when contrasted to the Catholic and Reformed (as well as Lutheran) views. Whereas Catholics see law and grace as both essential to salvation, Reformed see the moral part of the Mosaic Law continuing, and Lutherans see the law as a present guide to believers, Dispensationalists who distinguish carefully between Israel (law) and the church (grace), believe that the whole law is done away and yet still do not see grace as lawlessness.

Houghton’s great addition to the discussion is .... See more of my book reviews at MostlySensible.com.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Myron was by far my favorite prof in college. I took law and grace from him many years ago and I continue to be impacted by the ideas I learned then. This book covers nicely the concepts Dr Myron has been working on for many years on law and grace.

[Garry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated his careful, methodical approach, but it seemed that he allowed his theology to control the text more than the exegesis itself. It is a good volume to consider when researching the Dispensational/Covenant concerns, but not earth-shaking in and of itself.