The Hindrance to Holiness

 

The Hindrance to Holiness

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 1:1-5 and Romans 4:22–25

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

Luther declared: “I am all sin.” “You cannot delude me into thinking I am holy.” “I am a transgressor of all the commandments of God.” It is no wonder that he was convinced he could never work or reason his way to God.

Along with the later Wesley, he understood that Christ died not only for the world but for he himself. “He hath reconciled me, even me, to God” (John Wesley, Sermon 17, italics mine). Jesus died for Martin the sinner. Ironically, this is the knowledge that leads to holiness. When one truly believes he is all sin, he may then comprehend his need for a Savior because he finally recognizes he cannot be holy in himself.

When one insists on his own holiness, there is no room for Christ who is our only holiness. When one admits he is “all sin” and needs God, the holiness of Jesus permeates the sinner because Jesus becomes the sinner’s holiness. It is a gift from God. Our own attempts at holiness, if relied upon, are actually a hindrance to real holiness. They become religion to us and Christ is pushed out. We love our works more and more and Christ less and less.

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