Prooftexting
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 2:12–25
Series: Comments on Galatians
If we rely on Romans 2:13 as our guide to salvation, we are in a lot of trouble. For, as we have been asking, who can keep the law? It is better to read somewhat more widely around verse 13 to see what is actually being discussed by the apostle. Let us not make the mistake of quoting a single verse out of context in order to prove that we are saved, even in part (which we deny), by our religious works and law-keeping.
The same unit of Scripture insists that even religious leaders and pious persons break the law. If we take pride in keeping the law, banking on our behavior as merit for salvation, then we have actually broken the very same law. The First Commandment tells us to have no other gods before the only God. We cannot do worse than making ourselves saviors, which we certainly do, denying Christ, God’s only Savior for this dark world. When we claim to be able to earn earn our right into heaven, we set ourselves up as the light to emulate, leading others in our damnable ways. There is but one way, and that way is Christ alone, as he himself said in John 14:6.
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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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