A06492:410
Commentary upon the Epistle to the Galatians
A commentary of M. Doctor Martin Luther upon the Epistle of S. Paul to the Galatians first collected and gathered word by word out of his preaching, and now out of Latin faithfully translated into English for the unlearned. Wherein is set forth most excellently the glorious riches of Gods grace ...A commentarie of M. Doctor Martin Luther vpon the Epistle of S. Paul to the Galathians first collected and gathered vvord by vvord out of his preaching, and novv out of Latine faithfully translated into English for the vnlearned. Wherein is set forth most excellently the glorious riches of Gods grace ...
London: printed by Thomas Vautroullier dwelling wihtin sic, 1575London: printed by Thomas Vautroullier dvvelling vvihtin sic, 1575
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
We therefore do make this definition of a Christian man: that he is a right christian to whom God imputeth not his sin,1 through faith in Christ. This doctrine bringeth great consolation to poor afflicted consciences in serious and inward terrors. It is not without good cause therefore that we do so often repeat and beat into your minds the forgiveness of sins, and imputation of righteousness for Christs sake:2 also that a Christian hath nothing to do with the law and sin, specially in the time of tentation. For in that he is a Christian, he is above the law and sin. For he hath Christ the Lord of the law present and enclosed in his heart (as we have said) even as a ring hath a Jewel or precious stone enclosed in it. Therefore when the law accuseth and sin terrifieth him, he looketh upon Christ, and when he hath apprehended him by faith, he hath present with him the conqueror of the law, sin, death, and the devil: who reigneth and ruleth over them, so that they can not hurt him. Wherefore a Christian man, if ye define him rightly, is free from all laws, and is not subject unto any creature, either within or without: In that he is a Christian (I say) and not in that he is a man or a woman, that is to say, in that he hath his conscience adorned and beautified with this faith, with this great and inestimable treasure,3 or as (Paul saith) this unspeakable gift: which can not be magnified and praised enough, for it maketh us the children and heirs of God. And by this means a Christian is greater then the whole world. For he hath such a gift, such a treasure in his heart that ⟨p. 63⟩although it seemeth to be but little, yet notwithstanding the smallness thereof is greater then heaven and earth: for Christ which is this gift and this treasure is greater then all things.
We therfore doe make this definition of a Christian man: that he is a right christian to whom God imputeth not his sinne,1 through faith in Christ. This doctrine bringeth great consolation to poore afflicted consciences in serious and inward terrours. It is not without good cause therefore that we doe so often repete and beat into your mindes the forgeuenes of sinnes, and imputation of righteousnes for Christes sake: