To be quite frank, Lutherans are not Antinomian. We are often accused of being such, and indeed, there are some among us who give the distinct impression that we are. It is in light of this that I invite the reader to attend to Luther’s identification of Two Kinds of Righteousness.
As Lutherans we rightly emphasize the Law/Gospel dichotomy, and we call upon theologians of every level to rightly distinguish between the two. Simply, the Law holds our sinfulness before our eyes. It shows our failings, faults, and shortcomings. In the Law we stand condemned. It does not only condemn, but it always condemns. When we are confronted with the problem of our sin we must also reckon with the fact that even our smallest sins are too much for us to bear. God then gives us his Gospel, which does away with that sin, purifying us and making us righteous.
And while this is theologically complete and accurate, it is not always practically understood. Or perhaps it becomes practically misunderstood or misconstrued. I do not propose a revisiting of that painful phrase “cheap grace,” for grace is always cheap (as inexpensive) to the recipient. Rather, I suggest that we might use the Two Kinds of Righteousness to better understand Sanctification.
Posted by OSC 
