Fat Faith

Fat Faith

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Deuteronomy 32:15

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

The issue is not faith and works; it is faith or works. Good works demonstrate that we have faith but works done without faith are not good at all. Works in themselves do not justify unless they issue from a believing and sincere heart. Faith must precede all, else it is sin. God is not pleased with so-called good works unless they are done in faith. It is not the good works themselves that save, but the faith infusing those works. God sees through the external work to that which drives it. 

So, we see that there must be faith and works. Nonetheless, we are not saved by our works but by the faith that brings about the works. The conscience will never be soothed at the thought of its good works, as though to say, Well, now I am fit for heaven because I have done these good deeds. It may fool itself for a while, but will always slump into despair for it can never know if it has done enough good to outweigh its sin. 

Faith must not only precede the work, it must surround and suffuse it. The conscience will only be quieted by Christ, not by works. Our moral sensibility will only be still at the thought that a superior, one qualified and in authority, has set the record straight where we could not. Nonetheless, where this true, trusting faith exists, there will be good works. These too, are helpful to the conscience for they demonstrate to ourselves that God’s Spirit is at work within us. Therefore, there will of course, be works for there can be no good works without faith. Faith without works is slovenly and mocks the Rock of our salvation. 

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