The Obedience of Faith
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:1-5 and Romans 1:1-7
Series: Comments on Galatians
We misunderstand if we think the Christian life is obedience by faith or obedience that comes from faith. The Christian life is that of the obedience of faith. The “obedience of faith” is not doing stuff for God or being good. When we think the obedience of faith is being a good girl or a good boy, we will fail in faith. When we fall down on the job (and we will), we think the supply of grace must have run out and we become uncomfortable being near God simply because we have not been good enough. That is why Paul so often blesses his readers with “grace” and “peace.” These two words are the possessions of Christians alone, a “victorious knowledge given from above.”
May you have the grace from God to be obedient with continued faith even when you are faithless in your actions. Be obedient today by continuing to believe on God even though you have been unable to be as faithful as you would have desired (Romans 7:15). If you continue to be obedient by believing on Christ in God alone for your salvation, you will have peace. If you put your faith in your efforts and abilities you will be oppressed.
Share this post
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.
Click Here For Content Archives