Learn To Be Ignorant of the Law.

Paul's interest in this Letter to Galatians and the passion commented on my Luther is this Scriptural doctrine of salvation or justification by faith alone.  Luther writes, "Wherefore this doctrine be lost, then is also the whole knowledge of truth, life and salvation lost and gone. If this doctrine flourish, then all good things flourish, religion, the true service of God, the glory of God, the right knowledge of all things and states of life."  That's not normally what we might say today.  If such and such be lost in the Church then it would be devastating.  I doubt if the such and such today would include this precious doctrine. I'm scared to think what people might answer to such an important question.

Luther argues that there is a "distinctly" Christian righteousness and then all kinds of others. 

"But this most excellent righteousness, of faith I mean (which God through Christ, without works, imputeth unto us), is neither political nor ceremonial, nor the righteousness of God’s law, nor consisteth in our works, but is clean contrary: that is to say, a mere passive righteousness, as the other above are active. For in this we work nothing, we render nothing unto God, but only we receive and suffer another to work in us, that is to say, God. Therefore it seemeth good unto me to call this righteousness of faith or Christian righteousness, the passive righteousness. [1]

Unless someone receives this promise freely offered through faith in Christ that promises God's righteousness there is no hope in this life or death.  There is no middle ground. Luther says that the only way to receive this righteousness is like a dry and barren ground opens up and receives the rain from above.

When it comes to present this notion to religious people, Luther rightly affirms: "But it is a thing very strange and unknown to the world, to teach Christians to learn to be ignorant of the law, and so to live before God, as if there were no law : notwithstanding, except thou be ignorant of the law, and be assuredly persuaded in thine heart that there is now no law nor wrath of God, but altogether grace and mercy for Christ’s sake, thou canst not be saved ; for by the law cometh the knowledge of sin (Rom. iii. 20)." [1]  Now Luther is not promoting antinomianism.  He speaking of the Law in its role prior to salvation.  The Law can do nothing to save -- only condemn.

When it comes to salvation we must embrace the odd notion that there is no law.  There is only promise, mercy and grace.   Law-keeping, civil acceptability, good works contribute nothing to one's salvation.  

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Father when it comes to saving grace, Thou must save and thou alone. Father, Luther has helped me re-align my priorities.  Without the truth of You giving righteousness freely to sinners who have faith in Your Son, there is no church and there is no hope.  Every other notion is contrary to that and shares not one inkling of the spotlight. The Law is good.  Moral living is fine.  But only You can save.   Father burn this truth deeply into my soul.  It is all -- all -- of merciful grace.  For that I return thanks. Only grace for sin atones.   Amen.

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