It’s Not about That
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 14:17–18
Series: Comments on Galatians
When we say, with Paul, that anything that is not of faith is sin, we are not saying that trees are sin because they do not grow by faith. That is absurd, just as absurd as insisting that eating a pork chop or drinking a beer is sin. These are not matters of faith; they are worldly things. The same is true of government. Voting is not a sin, nor is not voting, as Scripture does not tell us to vote or not vote. The church does not have a doctrine about voting. Voting is not a spiritual matter; it is civil.
Some Christians would make a distinction, saying that those who do not eat pork and drink beer are real Christians. Others would insist that those who vote Republican are better Christians that those who vote Democrat. But the kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking; it is about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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