When you disagree with someone, it is often a good idea to take a step back and ask yourself, “What is the strongest part of their argument?” It’s easy enough to engage the weakest part of an opposing argument, even if you’re wrong and they’re right. But if you can engage the strongest part of their argument, you might be on to something. You might even be able to persuade them.
In the 16th Century, the Lutherans and Roman Catholics argued back and forth. They agreed on many parts of the Christian faith, but there were many other points on which they strongly disagreed. In my opinion, the strongest argument Rome had against the Lutheran reformers was that the doctrine of justification by faith alone, apart from works of the Law, would lead people to ignore good works. It makes some sense. A person might think, God will forgive me, regardless of how bad my sin is, so I might as well take advantage of the free grace.
But this was not really the teaching of the reformers. In all of their writings, they promoted good works, even more than Roman Catholics did. The prime examples of this are Martin Luther’s treatment of the Ten Commandments in his Small and Large Catechisms. Much of Rome’s instruction to lay people had to do with giving money, praying rosaries, observing certain holy days, and the like. But, in a clear and understandable way, Luther laid out the good works of love we should do for God and neighbor.
Furthermore, in Article XX of the Augsburg Confession, they showed how the doctrine of justification by faith actually leads to good works. First, they had to recap the doctrine of justification. We are not saved by any works of righteousness we perform, but God forgives us because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us when we trust in that gift. As we mature in our faith, it becomes more and more clear that we cannot contribute to our salvation through good works. So they say,
“Spiritually inexperienced people despise this teaching [justification by faith]. However, God-fearing and anxious consciences find by experience that it brings the greatest consolation” (Article XX, 15).
Anyone who thinks they can earn God’s favor has not begun to understand themselves, much less God. But those who know the depth of their own sin find the greatest comfort in the pure gospel.
Furthermore, when the reformers spoke of faith, they did not simply mean the acknowledgement of historical truths, as if someone could simply confess the creed and then go on as if it doesn’t matter. But faith trusts what Jesus has done for us. So they said,
“People are also warned that the term faith does not mean simply a knowledge of a history, such as the ungodly and devil have. Rather, it means a faith that believes, not merely the history, but also the effect of the history. In other words, it believes this article: the forgiveness of sins. We have grace, righteousness, and forgiveness of sins through Christ” (Article XX, 23).
This faith does not leave a person unchanged. But it should and does stir the heart. So they went on,
“Furthermore, we teach that it is necessary to do good works. This does not mean that we merit grace by doing good works, but because it is God’s will. It is only by faith, and nothing else, that forgiveness of sins is apprehended. The Holy Spirit is received through faith, hearts are renewed and given new affections, and then they are able to bring forth good works” (Article XX, 27-29).
And,
“Therefore, it is easy to see that this doctrine is not to be accused of banning good works. Instead, it is to be commended all the more because it shows how we are enabled to do good works” (Article XX, 35).
We are saved, not because of anything we have done, but only because Jesus died for us and rose again. That is enough. We cannot contribute anything. We cannot add to anything Christ has done. Having received this gracious gift, do you really want rebel against God the same way you did before? I doubt it. So consider the Ten Commandments and the good works God commands of us there. It is necessary for us to live obediently to God’s commandments, not because it earns us anything with God, and not because he needs our good works, but simply because he has commanded good works, and our neighbors need them.
The peace of Christ be with you all,
Pastor Dan Antal