Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians stands as one of the most powerful treatments of Christian assurance ever written. While many Christians struggle with doubt and uncertainty about their salvation, Luther’s exposition of Paul’s letter serves as a healing balm for troubled consciences.
What makes Luther’s commentary so valuable? It’s his constant focus on the objective reality of Christ’s work, rather than our subjective feelings or performance. Throughout the commentary, Luther hammers home a crucial distinction: there is a vast difference between feeling forgiven and being forgiven.
Consider Luther’s comment on Galatians 2:20, where Paul writes, “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Luther observes that the biggest battle isn’t against outward sins, but against our own tendency to look inward for assurance. When we’re honest, we all see plenty of remaining sin, weakness, and failure in our hearts. If we make these internal conditions the basis of our assurance, we’ll constantly fluctuate between hope and despair.
Instead, Luther points us to the solid ground of Christ’s finished work. He emphasizes that our justification rests not on our grasp of Christ, but on Christ’s grasp of us. The gospel declares that Christ has already accomplished everything necessary for our salvation. Our role is simply to receive and rest in what He has done.
This doesn’t mean Luther minimized the importance of holiness or good works. Rather, he understood that true spiritual growth flows from getting the order right: we don’t pursue holiness to gain assurance; we pursue holiness because we have assurance in Christ.
For those struggling with doubts, Luther’s commentary offers practical wisdom: When Satan accuses you of your sins, acknowledge them, but then point to something far greater – Christ’s righteousness freely given to you. When your heart condemns you, remember that God is greater than your heart. When you feel unworthy, recall that Christ came for the unworthy.
Reading Luther on Galatians reminds us that assurance isn’t found by looking within ourselves, but by looking to Christ. As he memorably put it, “Therefore do not say: ‘I am not worthy.’ Who is worthy? Tell me. To whom was Christ promised and given? To the worthy or to sinners?”
You can find Luther’s commentary through these sources:
- Amazon
- Crossway Classic Commentaries Edition – Slightly modernized language while preserving Luther’s meaning
- Free online version available through Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Connection to the Second London Baptist Confession
Luther’s emphasis on justification by faith alone and the certainty of salvation beautifully aligns with Chapters 11 and 18 of the Second London Baptist Confession (1689). Chapter 11, “Of Justification,” echoes Luther’s emphasis on Christ’s righteousness being imputed to believers by faith alone. Chapter 18, “Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation,” affirms that believers may be “certainly assured that they are in the state of grace” – not through looking inward, but through resting on “the truth of God’s promises.”
Reading Luther’s commentary alongside these chapters of the Confession provides a rich theological feast that strengthens our understanding and appreciation of these precious doctrines.
