Filthy Deeds
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:21 and Isaiah 64:4-7
Series: Comments on Galatians
We try to “do good,” as we say. And there is the whole problem in a nutshell. We cannot. In an inspired and honest moment, Isaiah calls all of our righteous deeds “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). We do not tend to think this way; we think our good works are very good indeed. But if you ever need clarification on whether a deed is truly righteous or not, consider your response when someone claims your good deed is not good. You get upset. That is not good.
Imagine with Isaiah that your good deeds are a dirty rag. Dip your rag in some water and ring it out. Then try to clean up things with that dripping, dirty rag. All you are doing is spreading the dirt that is now muddy. If you really want things cleaned up, you need help. You need someone with a clean rag.
You need Jesus.
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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.
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