People easily mistake civil righteousness for spiritual righteousness.
 Martin Luther, Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians (1535). copy citation

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Author Martin Luther
Source Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians
Topic righteousness mistake
Date 1535
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Theodore Graebner
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1549/1549-h/1549-h.htm

Context

“Civil laws and ordinances have their place and purpose. Let every government enact the best possible laws. But civil righteousness will never deliver a person from the condemnation of God's Law. I have good reason for calling your attention to this. People easily mistake civil righteousness for spiritual righteousness. In civil life we must, of course, pay attention to laws and deeds, but in the spiritual life we must not think to be justified by laws and works, but always keep in mind the promise and blessing of Christ, our only Savior.” source