This year marked the 500th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther, who did so much to recover the Bible truth of 'justification by faith alone' for the church. His comments on Galatians 1.4 are timelessly inspiring.
Paul has nothing in his mouth but Christ, therefore in every word there is a fervency of spirit and life. Mark how well, and to the purpose, he speaks (of the Lord Jesus): 'Who gave himself for our sins'.
How may we obtain remission of sins? Paul answers that the man Jesus Christ has given himself for them that our sins may be taken away by no other means than by the Son of God delivered to death. With such gunshot and artillery must all other notions be destroyed; all doctrine of merit, works and superstitious ceremonies. For if our sins may be taken away by our own words, merit and satisfaction, what need was there for the Son of God to be given for them? But seeing he was given for them it follows that we cannot put them away ourselves.
