The Pretense of Sanctity
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 JOHN 3:18
+
The Pretense of Sanctity
The sectarians today... have abandoned Christ, chopped down the tree, and subverted the foundation. Therefore they build on the sand (Matthew 7:26) and cannot build anything except wood, hay, and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12). They make a magnificent show of love, humility, and the like. But in fact, as John says (1 John 3:18), they do not love in deed and in truth but in word and speech. They also make a pretense of great sanctity, and by this pretense of sanctity they impress people into supposing that their works are wonderful and are pleasing to God. But if you shine the light of the Word on them, you will discover that they are mere trifles having to do with silly and meaningless matters. . . Therefore it is as necessary that faithful preachers urge good works as that they urge the doctrine of faith. For Satan is enraged by both and bitterly resists them. Nevertheless, faith must be implanted first; for without it one cannot understand what a good work is and what is pleasing to God.
From Lectures on Galatians (1535) (Luther's Works 27:52-53)
1 JOHN 3:18
+
The Pretense of Sanctity
The sectarians today... have abandoned Christ, chopped down the tree, and subverted the foundation. Therefore they build on the sand (Matthew 7:26) and cannot build anything except wood, hay, and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12). They make a magnificent show of love, humility, and the like. But in fact, as John says (1 John 3:18), they do not love in deed and in truth but in word and speech. They also make a pretense of great sanctity, and by this pretense of sanctity they impress people into supposing that their works are wonderful and are pleasing to God. But if you shine the light of the Word on them, you will discover that they are mere trifles having to do with silly and meaningless matters. . . Therefore it is as necessary that faithful preachers urge good works as that they urge the doctrine of faith. For Satan is enraged by both and bitterly resists them. Nevertheless, faith must be implanted first; for without it one cannot understand what a good work is and what is pleasing to God.
From Lectures on Galatians (1535) (Luther's Works 27:52-53)
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Faith Comes By HearingAll Day LongThe Lord Keeps for HimselfSalvation Has ComeGrafted InStand Fast By FaithKindness and SeverityThe MysteryMercy on AllUnsearchableLiving SacrificesGiftsGenuine LoveThe Meaning of LifeGod EstablishedThe Summary of the Law is LoveThe Armor of LightMade to StandLiving to the LordEvery Knee Shall BowStumbling BlockTrue FreedomServant of the ChurchOur ExampleFellow WorkersAbound in HopeA Good TeacherGod’s WorkTravel PlansThe Fullness of His BlessingStrive TogetherWelcomeGreet One AnotherWatch Out
February
GreetingsAble to StrengthenAuthorityBlessed BeRedemption in His BloodSpiritual BlessingsGive ThanksDead Men WalkingBy GraceImmeasurable RichesBy GraceGod's WorkmanshipSeparatedBrought NearNo More HostilityTotal AccessFellow CitizensFor This ReasonMystery RevealedLeast of AllEternal PurposeFaith in HimSpiritual StrengthAbundant GiftWalk in LoveChrist's MeasureGifts to MenUnity of the FaithTo and Fro
March
Truth in LoveWalking a New PathA New SelfPut Away FalsehoodNew LifeImitators of GodSons of DisobedienceChildren of LightThe Will of the LordOne FleshFilled with the SpiritThe Church SubmitsChrist LovesProfound MysteryChildren of PromiseBring Them UpBondservants of ChristYour MasterStrong in the LordThe Whole Armor of GodStand FirmLove IncorruptibleGrace and PeaceHope Laid UpRedemptionThe Fullness of GodReconciledThe Hope of Glory