Distinct Spiritual Needs

 

Distinct Spiritual Needs

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 2:18 and 2 Corinthians 3:7-8

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

The law and the gospel need to be kept separate so they may each perform their designated task. The commission of the law is to make a person aware of God’s righteous requirements and that they are not living up to them. Once this fact is accepted, a person will easily come to the awareness that he never will keep the law, at least in any sort of consistent and comprehensive manner. Jesus made the Pharisees, who did superficial rituals but failed to keep weightier parts of the law, very aware of this predicament (Luke 11:42). Offering a person grace before they truly realize their predicament is counter-productive. Why would they believe in Christ and his gospel when they do not comprehend their need for grace?

Worse, offering reparation through works to someone who knows their quandary, who feels the burden of their sins, is not only false teaching, it is pitiless because it is ineffective. No amount of works, whether they are good deeds or right attitudes or religious practices, will produce salvation. The pressing need of someone who is crushed beneath the weight of his sins is not more law, more deeds to perform, more attitudes to adjust, or more religion to practice. The need of such a burdened person is the gospel. 

If I am rebellious toward God, do not offer me grace; throw the book at me with its threat of death and damnation. But if I am already distressed about my sin, tell me about God’s grace. Remind me of the precious promises of God in Christ. 

Share this post

Log in to add a comment

Click Here For Content Archives