Divine Righteousness
Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this.
1 TIMOTHY 4:16
+
Divine Righteousness
This is our glory to know for certain that our righteousness is divine in that God does not impute our sins. Therefore our righteousness is nothing else than knowing God. Let the Christian who has been persuaded by these words cling firmly to them, and let him not be deceived by any pretense of works or by his own suffering. . .. It is, however, the office of Christ to bear our sins. Hence we must conclude from this text: "If Christ bears my iniquities, then I do not bear them." All teachings which say that our sins must be borne by us are ungodly. Thus from such a text countless thunderbolts have come forward against an ungodly self-righteousness. So Paul by this article of justification struck down every kind of self-righteousness. Therefore we must diligently observe this article. I see that there are many snorers treating this article. They are the ones who consider these words the way a man does who looks at his face in a mirror (as James says, 1:23f.). The moment they come upon another object or business, they are overwhelmed, and they forget the grace of God. For that reason you must most diligently consider this article and not allow yourself to be led astray by other teachings, occupations, or persecutions.
From Lectures on Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 (Luther's Works 17:230-31)
1 TIMOTHY 4:16
+
Divine Righteousness
This is our glory to know for certain that our righteousness is divine in that God does not impute our sins. Therefore our righteousness is nothing else than knowing God. Let the Christian who has been persuaded by these words cling firmly to them, and let him not be deceived by any pretense of works or by his own suffering. . .. It is, however, the office of Christ to bear our sins. Hence we must conclude from this text: "If Christ bears my iniquities, then I do not bear them." All teachings which say that our sins must be borne by us are ungodly. Thus from such a text countless thunderbolts have come forward against an ungodly self-righteousness. So Paul by this article of justification struck down every kind of self-righteousness. Therefore we must diligently observe this article. I see that there are many snorers treating this article. They are the ones who consider these words the way a man does who looks at his face in a mirror (as James says, 1:23f.). The moment they come upon another object or business, they are overwhelmed, and they forget the grace of God. For that reason you must most diligently consider this article and not allow yourself to be led astray by other teachings, occupations, or persecutions.
From Lectures on Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 (Luther's Works 17:230-31)
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2022
January
In One SpiritHe is ComingA Light for the NationsDepart in PeaceThe BenedictionWise Men SeeTrusting in the EmptinessWilted BlossomsConceiving TroubleWhat Comfort?SolaceWorn OutTorn With WrathLike a WarriorA Pure PrayerHeavenly WitnessA Ready GraveA Pledge for YouA Byword of the PeoplesHold OnNight into DayWhere is My Hope?
2021
January
The Arm of GodSigns and PromisesThe Calling in Your HeartOur Active GodAmazing HelpThe Purpose of BaptismHave Courage to BelieveToo Soon ForgottenThe Unexpected ChangeSustained by TrustHe Who Bears All SinsA Wonderful VictoryWhen God SpeaksOur Faithful ShepherdThe Purpose of ScriptureOne Little WordThe Supreme ConsolationA Thorn in the FleshNever Doubt RedemptionThis Is the VictoryLet Your Faith Be FirmA Pure Dwelling PlaceBuilding an Eternal HouseGlorious PromisesNoble and Necessary ChastisementOur New MotivationGod Will Preserve His ChurchGod's Will, Christ's PurposeOur Savior DefinedFalse Saintliness
February
The True Center of SalvationThe Purpose of GovernmentWhat Is a Good Work?The Chief DoctrineA Simple ExplanationJoyful NewsHarmless NoiseIn God's HandsTreasure in Weak VesselsThe Pure, Clear WordWas It Better Before?Responsibility to OthersTrue EqualityA Broad InterpretationThe Flesh Is WeakWhen Pity Is WrongNo Sin AllowedTake the High RoadGod Is TrueSetting an ExampleThe Spirit Giveth LifeThe Christian LawBeware of False ShepherdsThe Lofty and the LowlyIn the Hour at HandLearning to CallWhen the Wicked SucceedTake up Your Cross
March
On Godly BehaviorThe Sheep of ChristThe Calm after the StormOn Becoming a ChristianEternal FoodConcerning Knowledge and PowerFight PowerfullyThe Yoke of ChristThe Obedient ChristThe Fulfillment of the LawDivine RighteousnessThe Gospel Is PublicTo Live as a ChristianThe Promise of GodlinessWhy Is Christ Punished?Blind Human NatureHave Faith Like ChildrenThe Spirit of TruthWaiting for GodTo Know God