Paul shows that salvation does not come through works or issue from works [Rom. 3:20]. You cannot have this knowledge through your own nature, for your nature is so blind that it does not know what Christ and his law is, nor does it know how deeply it lies in sin. Therefore Luke, who also records this Gospel, says that the Jews said to Christ that the commandment of love was right [Luke 20:39; cf. Luke 10:28, Mark 12:32]. But they would not accept it; they were too blind. Therefore we conclude, by the authority of this Gospel, that monks, nuns, and priests have all been led and turned to blind, outward works, and there they are stuck, though we can accomplish nothing through them. For anyone who does not do his work out of love is blind. So it was also with the Jews and the Pharisees; though they were fine persons and honest men, they nevertheless were blind. So we accomplish nothing whatsoever by outward works. To be a monk, nun, a Carthusian, to go to Rome or to St. James, all this is nothing. He who does not acknowledge his sinfulness, like the Pharisees and Jews, is condemned. Christ came down from heaven to make himself known to us. He stepped down into our mire and became a man. But we do not know him, nor do we accept him, who came to help us out of every need and fear. But he who accepts Christ, acknowledges and loves him, he fulfils all things and all his works are good; he does good to his neighbor; he suffers all things for God’s sake. Therefore, this is what the law requires and says: You owe nothing except to love Christ and your neighbor; otherwise you are eternally condemned. But then afterwards Christ comes and says: I suffered, died, and rose again in order that I might fill you with the riches and grace of my Holy Spirit and thus strengthen you. So if you have the Spirit, then you are not an outward spirit; no, you have salvation. Martin Luther, Luthers Works, AE 51:109, Sermons 1, Sermon on Matt. 22:37–39, October 19, 1522
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:19:32 +0000
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