A 'Christianly' View of the Law.

Luther observes that within this realm of discussion there are really only two kinds of righteousness. There is no third alternative. "He that teacheth that men are justified before God by the observation of the law, passeth the bounds of the law, and confoundeth these two kinds of righteousness, active and passive, and is but an ill logician, for he doth not rightly divide." [1] The active righteousness is coupled with notions of "law and works" and applies to the 'old man' while the passive righteousness is coupled with "forgiveness and mercy" and applies to the 'new man'.  The reason that the law is contrary to grace is the the end of the Law is found in Christ. (“Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4, NIV))

Does Luther dismiss the necessity of obedience and good works?  No!  Here he uses an analogy:

"But as the earth bringeth not forth fruit except first it be watered and made fruitful from above . . .  even so by the righteousness of the law, in doing many things we do nothing, and in fulfilling of the law we fulfil it not, except first, without any merit or work of ours, we be made righteous by the Christ righteousness, which nothing appertaineth to the righteousness of the law, or to the earthly and active righteousness." [1]

Luther's point is that we contribute nothing -- absolutely nothing to our salvation.  The end of the matter is that as per the Law we are all sinners; but in relation to Christ we are justified.  "When I have this righteousness reigning in my heart, I descend from heaven as the rain making fruitful the earth: that is to say, I come forth into another kingdom, and I do good works, how and whensoever occasion is offered." [1]

Luther hints in this prologue of pastoral concern for those who lack assurance.  When we learn to treat the Law, 'christianly' we will see Christ as the completion and fulfillment of the Law, in our place.  But the gaining of passive righteousness does not render the true believer passive in righteous deeds. Indeed it becomes the ground and the energy for good works.

Father, I am so often reminded of the truth that about from Jesus we can do nothing.  Whether I am discussing salvation or even the Christian life, it proves to be true over and over again.  Christ is all in all. As a plot of dead ground I can no more bring forth a crop than a corpse can self-resurrect.  And even as one who receives the seed of the Word and the empowering rain of the Spirit, only this nurture and care from Heaven can possibly bring out anything of value in my life.  Father, I am in Christ because of You; and anything I do that gives you even the hint of glory is because of You.  Today I yield to the precious and indispensable work of the Spirit.  In this day no matter what I face, flow your grace through me, that others would see Christ.  All for His glory that He might be all in all.  Amen.






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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.