As Martin Luther exposits so well in his commentary on Galatians:
"It is a hard and dangerous matter to teach that we are made righteous by faith without works, and yet to require works. Here unless the ministers of Christ are faithful and wise disposers of the mysteries of God, rightly dividing the Word of truth, faith and works are soon confounded. Both these doctrines, faith as well as works, must be diligently taught and urged; and yet so that both may remain within their bounds. Otherwise, if they teach works only then faith is lost. If only faith is taught, then carnal men soon dream that works are not needful. ....
Therefore, when I teach you to observe the law, and exhort you to love one another, think not that I go about to revoke that which I have taught concerning the doctrine of faith, and that I now attribute justification to the law or to charity; but my meaning is that you should walk in the Spirit and that you should not fulfill the lusts of the flesh."
I know that there's no good in me, (that is spiritual goodness; which is the goodness of Jesus Christ; His holy goodness). And yet by faith, Christ gives me His goodness and righteousness.
He actually gives me a spiritual 'Robe of Righteousness',which is a free gift He freely gives to me, so that I am now fit for heaven, along with all my sins being blotted out, ans washed away by Jesus' precious blood (Rev. 1:8).
And at the same time, I must walk in this world of sin and devils, and fight the good fight of faith, until I finally leave this ungodly world and fly to my Savior's kingdom of perfect godliness and goodness and love. No more faith will be needed then, nor hope, but only love remains.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day, and season to all.
Psalm 111:1 "Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation."
4 comments:
Thanks for a good word on this Don. I've sadly read more about Luther than by him, and I have his commentary on Galatians sitting on my shelf unread.
We who are in Christ have much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Don...blessings to you
Luther was a man, and a sinner, and yet greatly used by God. He could be one of those mentioned in Hebrews 11 I would think. Samson, David, and so many of these faithful servants were worse than Luther in some ways, but they were all believers and loved the Lord.
Thanks for the visit Joe, and thanks. You and your family have a joyous Thanksgiving as well.
Happy Thanksgiving, Sandman. Blessings to you and your household.
Thanks Craver. It's been a wonderful blessing so far. God is good.
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