Christ Was Given For Sins We Have Not Overcome

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Jan 15, 2015 2167

– by Martin Luther

who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father – Galatians 1:4, NIV.

Thus, what stands at the forefront of the Christian’s knowledge and true wisdom is this: “That Christ was given over to death not for our righteousness or holiness, but for our sins”.

These sins are altogether true, they are huge and many, infinite and invincible. They are real, potent, and of great consequence”. Therefore, don’t think they are mere trifles, and as such can be cancelled out by good works.

Neither give in to hopelessness when you feel overwhelmed by them, in life or in death.

Rather learn here from Paul to believe that Christ was given, not for made up sins or watercolor sins, nor for petty sins, but for immense and enormous sins. Not for one or two, but for all. Not for sins that you have overcome (for neither man nor angel can overcome the slightest sin), but for sins that you cannot overcome.

And unless you count yourself among those who say “our sins”, meaning those who hold this doctrine of faith, and teach it, learn it, love it and believe it, there is no salvation for you.

– From comments on Galatians 1:4, Martin Luther’s Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians (1535). Translation from the Latin by Haroldo S. Camacho. With thanks to Dr Camacho for his translation. Paragraphs have been added by Eliezer Gonzalez for the purpose of online posting.