The reformed faith has also been characterized by a clear understanding of the distinction between, and relationship of, law and gospel.  One of the striking differences within historic Protestantism is to be found here... Though Luther and Calvin were formally of one mind in their understanding of the three-fold use of the law, yet Luther's stress was on the first use of the law while Calvin's was on the third, the so-called 'practical use.'

The law is our paedagogue to Christ as the New Testament plainly teaches us; but it is more than that; it is also our blessed and holy guide to the life of obedience and faith.  Here the instruction of the Apostle Paul is paradigmatic for the New Testament as a whole (Rom 8:3,4).  The law is not the gospel: it is not a means of life or a means to life.  But we also go on to declare that the gospel is likewise not law-less; it is a way of life, the way of life for God's people.  If the holy law of God is indeed a reflection of the holiness of God himself, then the Christian, too, though free from the law as a means of life, continues in a  relationship of joyful obedience to the law which God in his free mercy has given.