Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s and Don’ts

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:2 and Genesis 9:11-16

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

But what do I have to do? People at once find it difficult to believe that God offers himself free of charge, and at the same time, use this an excuse to not believe in God. After all, isn’t the Bible just a bunch of do’s and don’ts? This is not just a common misconception; it is a failure to have carefully read the Bible — or to have read it at all. The primary focus of that great anthology shows it is really God who has all of the do’s and don’ts. And he has imposed them on himself. 

A wonderful example of one of his "don’ts" is to never destroy the earth with a flood again because of people’s sin (Genesis 9:11-16). In the New Testament, using this same imagery, he promises to bring us through spiritual death (1 Peter 3:21). Just as Noah’s ark brought his family safely through the flood of physical death, Christ the Ark brings us safely through the waters of baptism and that spiritual death (Romans 6:4).

God uses his do’s and don’ts to bring us safely to himself. What God does and doesn’t do, saves us. His own saving work does not depend upon us not doing things, or doing anything but believing his great promise. When the Holy Spirit falls upon those who hear the Word, they may have faith in the promise that God has forgiven them. This is a "do" of God, not us.

Still don’t believe his promise to save you? Look into the sky after the next Spring rain.

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