The Worst Infidels

The Worst Infidels

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Matthew 24:3–5

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

We may think of many evils in the world today, and it may be said that there are evils in the church too. Then, there are groups who call themselves a church and claim to speak in Jesus’ name but who simply spew the evil lies of the world. All of these raise the ire of Christian folk. Still, there is an evil far more insidious that is in play in all of our churches. Lutherans and other reformed bodies are not spared from this infidelity, this unfaithfulness that is so evil as to be considered blasphemy and idolatry. This worst sin of all sins — if I may be so bold to say — is rampant among us, as it was in Luther’s day, and in Paul’s, and certainly in Jesus’ time on earth too. 

Jewish believers feeling compelled by the law-mongers to earn favor with God through law-righteousness, and Lutherans being obligated by the papacy to do good works for salvation, are no different than our own urges to palliate our guilt through works-righteousness. Giving in to this impulse, nay, temptation, is idolatry. It props us up as idols, the ones in whom we place our trust. This violates the First Commandment and blasphemes the name of Christ, who alone is our forgiveness. It would brand those whom Christ has saved as the worst infidels, those who have been saved from their sins, but then seek to save themselves. It would count us among those antichrists who claim, “I am the Christ.”

Log in to add a comment

Click Here For Content Archives