The Gospel Seminar

"Luther Quotations": #1



"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ..." (1;3)

Hear Luther on the meaning of this word "GRACE":

" 'Grace' contains the remission of sins, a quiet and joyful conscience..it is impossible for the conscience to be quiet and joyful unless it has peace through GRACE-that is, forgiveness of sins promised in Christ. Many people have conscientiously labored to attain peace and quietness of conscience by (DOING MANY RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES) for that purpose; but by doing so, they have plunged themselves into more and greater miseries, for all such (religious attempts) are only ways of increasing doubt and despair...We find no rest for our weary bones unless we cling to the word of GRACE and stick to it consistently and faithfully. Then our conscience will certainly find GRACE and PEACE." (p.32,33)


Your "Position/Location" with God: "Grace...to you from God"

What is the meaning of this word "Grace" for the Christian?

Christian, think of "grace", at least, as a term defining your position/location before God (ie; not defining your moral goodness or badness).  "GRACE" defines the Christians location in relationship (in this case) with GOD.

There are only two ways of defining your position/location with God. You are either
1) "UNDER LAW" (Romans 6;14, 15) and, therefore, considered by God His enemy, under His wrath, or
2) "UNDER GRACE" (Romans 6; 14, 15) and, therefore, considered by God  a "son" (Galatians 3;26) under His love, favor, mercy and peace.


Christian, the very moment you trusted Christ, God transferred you locationally from being "under the law" (and His wrath) to the location of "under (His) grace" (and His peace and favor).
When Paul writes to the Christians in Galatia (and through them to you and I) "GRACE and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" he is reminding them/you of this great truth: God has eternally transferred you from the location of being under His wrath to the location being under his eternally gracious and peaceful favor. This is now and forever your location with God.

Additionally, this location (eternally favored and loved son) has never been nor will ever be based on your goodness or badness. Instead, it was accomplished and will always remain solely by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Christian; worship him!
    "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"