“ The true God has never yet smiled upon a person for his charity or virtues, but only for the sake of Christ's merits. ”
Martin Luther, Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians (1535). copy citation
| Author | Martin Luther |
|---|---|
| Source | Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians |
| Topic | God virtue Christ |
| Date | 1535 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Theodore Graebner |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1549/1549-h/1549-h.htm |
Context
“They may even teach that men are delivered from their sins by the death of Christ. But because they attach more importance to charity than to faith in Christ they dishonor Him and pervert His Word. They do not serve the true God, but an idol of their own invention. The true God has never yet smiled upon a person for his charity or virtues, but only for the sake of Christ's merits.
The objection is frequently raised that the Bible commands that we should love God with all our heart. True enough. But because God commands it, it does not follow that we do it. If we could love God with all our heart we should undoubtedly be justified by our obedience, for it is written, "Which if a man do, he shall live in them."” source
The objection is frequently raised that the Bible commands that we should love God with all our heart. True enough. But because God commands it, it does not follow that we do it. If we could love God with all our heart we should undoubtedly be justified by our obedience, for it is written, "Which if a man do, he shall live in them."” source
Meaning and analysis
