Our Only Savior
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and John 4:7–15
Series: Comments on Galatians
The Samaritan woman had the right idea. She said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” This is what we should ask Jesus, but too often, Christians say, I will walk there every day and work the well. I will let down the bucket by the rope, fill it, and pull the heavy bucket back up. Then I will carry it back to my home. This work does not satisfy one’s thirst for long, nor does it please God.
Jesus would give us himself, living water that satisfies to eternal life. This means that we cannot work for reward of eternal life but simply receive it by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ alone. When the urge to earn some merit with God strikes us, the impulse to, at least partially, be our own saviors, we must keep in mind the promise and blessing of Christ, our only Savior.
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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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