So, You Think You’re a Christian
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:15-17 and Jeremiah 9:23-26
Series: Comments on Galatians
Beware of thinking you are a Christian because you go to church or pray or read the Bible or even fast and do mission work. You may look like a saint to others. You may even have yourself fooled. But what do you look like to God? God is looking for a friend (John 15:15). He is looking for someone who is more interested in being in a relationship with him than in acting religious. The person of faith boasts in God — not religion. The faithful woman and man trust in the Lord’s righteousness — not their own. You may have been baptized on the outside but have you been baptized on the inside? You may say prayers but are you talking with God? You may quote Scripture but is Word of God alive in you? You may fast from food but have you deprived yourself of those things that stand in the way of your relationship with God? You may be a missionary or a preacher but are you introducing people to Christ — or to religion?
Religion never equals righteousness. The wise and faithful friend of God understands that she must trust in the Lord’s righteousness and never her own.
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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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