Real Faith
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and Romans 4:3
Series: Comments on Galatians
Real faith cannot be separated from works. Conversely, good works cannot be divorced from faith. Any works that others may deem as good, God sees as evil. If the works do not flow from a heart that God indwells, how can they be anything but godless works? Jesus said that good people produce good because of the good treasure of the heart (Luke 6:45). Without God, no one is good, nor does that person therefore, have a good treasure in the heart. They can then, do nothing good.
It stands to reason then, let alone Scripture, that good works are attributable to faith. It cannot be otherwise, at least in the eyes of God. We have seen this in the life of Cain. He brought an offering to God. That is a good thing; right? It is, in fact, not good in God’s estimation, if it does not spring from faith.
This is one reason why we insist that faith alone is the chief doctrine of Christianity. Yes! There must be works too. But genuine, good works will flow from real faith. If church leaders are so interested in people doing good works, they should stop pressing on works, and pray about the faith of their people.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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