The Faith of Sinners

The Faith of Sinners

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:6 and Genesis 15:4–6

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

This was not Abram’s first act of faith. We too, must believe God’s word to us on many occasions throughout life. God progressively reveals his covenant, and the wideness of it, to Abram. In each instance, Abram must have faith in the promises of the covenant. Still, between these revelations, Abram doubted, as we all do from time to time — often in times of tragedy or another crisis. So, God’s covenant was renewed each time Abram believed with hope against hope. 

Abram believed and God reckoned it to him as righteousness. He had faith in God’s promise; he trusted God. Indeed, he was counted righteous before he did any religious deed, so we see that he did not make himself righteous with God. Rather, God imputed righteousness to Abram. He provided him with the opportunity to believe again and again. 

Through faith, we too are given many opportunities to have faith in God who then, supplies us with righteousness. Then we are expected to bear good fruit, signs of our faith. Sometimes we do; sometimes we do not. And at the precise moment we know we have failed God, he gives us the occasion to believe again. In this way too, we see that we are saved independently of works — indeed, even with evidence of doubt and sin. Nothing honors God more than sinners who still have faith in his promise.

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