“ The Law does not secure righteousness; it hinders righteousness. ”
Martin Luther, Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians (1535). copy citation
| Author | Martin Luther |
|---|---|
| Source | Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians |
| Topic | righteousness |
| Date | 1535 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Theodore Graebner |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1549/1549-h/1549-h.htm |
Context
“For if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
The Law cannot give life. It kills. The Law does not justify a person before God; it increases sin. The Law does not secure righteousness; it hinders righteousness. The Apostle declares emphatically that the Law of itself cannot save.
Despite the intelligibility of Paul's statement, our enemies fail to grasp it. Otherwise they would not emphasize free will, natural strength, the works of supererogation, etc.”
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