The Sainted Sinner

 

The Sainted Sinner

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 2:11 and Romans 8:1-11

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

The bumper sticker proclaims, “Christians are not perfect, they’re just saved.” Luther said, "Simul justus et peccator” — at once saint and sinner. His contemporaries were fond of pointing out his imperfections. He did not deny them but instead pointed beyond his imperfect self to his perfect Redeemer. We idolize preachers in our day only to discover later that they were all too imperfect. Instead of pointing at the sinner, point to the one who sanctifies him. That is Jesus’ business: to make holy the unholy and perfect the imperfect. That is why Luther and you may point to Christ crucified who assigns his righteousness to the unrighteous and rewards the undeserving with his grace.

No, you are far from perfect but you are holy. Christ Jesus has assigned his perfect holiness to imperfect you. “Hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Mathew 5:6) but never be satisfied with your own failing efforts. Be brutal with sin and strive on for perfection — and discover that you will still stumble in your sin. But do not stay down; rise up as a sinner, liberated from guilt, for Christ Jesus has set you free

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