Reputation

Reputation

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 2:16 and Matthew 7:21–23

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

Yes. Yes! Do good works. May your neighbor know you for your good deeds. However, it is not your neighbor who will judge you. You will stand before One who knows you better than your neighbor. All of your good works will be cancelled by a single sin. A lifetime of fine deeds will be annulled by the sin within you, let alone the sin that you do. This is why One greater than sin must be within you, to repeal your sin. 

In the end, you had better not be known simply for your good-neighborliness. Be known by Christ, the good Savior of sinners like you and me, for otherwise, your conduct will amount to nothing before the Judge of heaven and earth. You will be accused by the law and the devil himself, and he will recall your every sin and evil thought. You must be able to respond to those accusations that your reputation is from God and that, “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). 

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