The Obstacle

 

The Obstacle

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:2 and Isaiah 40:28-31

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

You are righteous but not because you have made great efforts at doing good deeds. Quite the opposite. You are instead, made righteous by no effort of your own. The one supreme effort of Jesus Christ is the only deed that makes you just. Trying to be virtuous only gets in the way. Jesus told the woman caught in adultery whom he forgave to, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). We know because of our own attempts that, try as she might, she sinned after that encounter with Jesus. Should she have given up, once she sinned again? That is what the devil urges. Rather, she should have turned her attention from sinful self to saving Christ. She should have begun anew with renewed strength provided by an inexhaustible God. 

Yes, yes. You are to act righteously. But when you do not act righteously, when you sin, remember that you are righteous. It is hard to believe but you may believe it because Jesus has made you so. So, do not think of it this way: Jesus has forgiven you so you had better not sin any more or his forgiveness will be off the table and you will have to work extra hard to be saved. That is the way religious people reason and it is an obstacle to salvation because it makes redemption dependent upon you. Instead, think this way: Jesus has forgiven you so, the proper response is to not sin anymore. But keep in mind that your uprightness is not based on whether or not you sin again but on whether or not you, a sinner, are forgiven. Hear Christ’s word of forgiveness. Any other thought, any other word,  will be a hindrance to you.

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