The Gospel Seminar

"Luther Quotations": # 17C


"[This matter arose] because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.     (Galatians 2; 4, 5)


Here Paul here writes about the "truth of the gospel." Paul was vigorous to see that the Galatian Christians (and you and I) know the "truth of the gospel" as opposed to the false gospel of the false teachers.
So, what is the "truth of the gospel"? In other words, how do you become acceptable/"justified" with God? Honestly, which of these three options represents your belief in this matter?

I am made acceptable/justified with God by;

A) giving myself in obedient service to God

B) Christ giving himself on behalf of my sins

C) Christ giving himself AND myself obediently serving Him.

Which of the three above most clearly represents your belief/faith?


Paul and the other apostles declared;

Option "A":
is a " different gospel" (1:6). You are under a curse (3:10)

Option "C":
is a "perversion" of the gospel of Christ (1:7). You are under a curse (3:10)

Option "B":
Christ alone justifies you. Him giving himself "on behalf of your sins" alone
is perfectly complete and thorough enough to make you acceptable to God,
once and for-all (Hebrews 10; 13-14). Through Him alone you have been spiritually
transferred out from under the curse of God and transferred under the "blessing" of
God along with Abraham (3:9) and all believers.


Hear Luther;
" 'The truth of the gospel' is that our righteousness comes by faith (IN CHRIST) alone, without the works of the law. The corruption of the gospel is that we are NOT justified by faith alone but ALSO (MY OBEDIENT) works of the law."



This is the gospel!