Robed for Action

Robed for Action

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:8 and 2 Corinthians 5:7–10

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

Imagine standing before the judgment seat of Christ and saying, I deserve eternal life because I raised good children, or worked at a homeless shelter, or gave all my earthly goods to the poor. This is placing faith in ourselves instead of in God. Jesus told the rich young man, after telling him to give all he had to the poor, to follow him (Matthew 19:21). Giving all to the poor, as fine as that deed is, is not enough; we must follow Christ. Following Christ is tantamount to having faith in him, as one only follows another out of trust. It is Christ then, who leads us into the works he has prepared for us.

Abraham had many good works — and some bad ones too — but the Scripture never accounts him as righteous because of his works. Instead, Scripture calls him righteous because he believed God’s promise, the promise of a Messiah: “In you shall all the nations be blessed” (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8). We too, are afforded the righteousness of God through faith alone. Then it will be God who works his will through us (Ephesians 2:8–10). Those deeds, having their conception in God, will be righteousness ones indeed. As Ambrose said, “Faith is the mother of a good will and doing what is right." Faith in God’s Christ robes us for heaven while dressing us for action on earth. 

Log in to add a comment

Click Here For Content Archives