The Christian Corpse
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:19 and Philippians 4:4-7
Series: Comments on Galatians
Every time I go to the funeral home, I hear these words: “He is in a better place now.” This comment, of course, supposes that the person is now in heaven. There are other pluses as well: he no longer has to pay taxes or abide by the other laws of the land. Imagine saying to a corpse, Don’t forget to file your taxes. After all, it’s the law! The law has no effect on that dead fellow. Even so, Paul says that we are now dead and that it is Christ who lives in us (Galatians 2:20). You cannot say to a dead person, You must keep this or that law or Christ does not live in you.
Yet we even tell ourselves that we must not be Christian because we broke a law or tradition of the church. Remind yourself at such times that you have been crucified with Christ; you are dead to the law (Romans 7:4). Rejoice that it is Christ who now lives in you. Rejoice! I say it again: rejoice!
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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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