Conviction
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:1-9 and Jude 3-4
Series: Comments on Galatians
The Church has been entrusted with the gospel (Jude 3) and is commanded to give an answer to everyone who inquires about the hope that the gospel provides us (1 Peter 3:15). Christian conviction depends upon something more trustworthy than one's own views. Belief is buttressed by objective truth, a revelation (Galatians 1:12) beyond ourselves. The truth of the gospel (Galatians 2:5) is based upon that Word of God that you have studied and found trustworthy (Titus 1:9)—not experiences and feelings. Belief is founded upon faith, to be sure, but a faith that is now held up by the good news that comes, not from unreliable men, but that which has been revealed by God. Contend for the faith while holding fast to that Word. Martin Luther wrote, "The gospel supplies the world with the salvation of Jesus Christ, peace of conscience, and every blessing. Just for that the world abhors the gospel" (Martin Luther, Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians). And for just that, the world will abhor you too (John 15:18-25).
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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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