Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians is among the most compelling works on Christian assurance ever written. Many believers wrestle with doubt and uncertainty about their salvation, but Luther’s exposition of Paul’s letter provides a rock-solid foundation for those struggling with uncertainty.
Why Is Luther’s Commentary So Valuable?
Luther’s focus is unwavering: he directs us away from our fluctuating feelings and performance to the unshakable reality of Christ’s work. Throughout his commentary, he repeatedly underscores a crucial distinction—there is a vast difference between feeling forgiven and being forgiven.
Consider his insights on Galatians 2:20, where Paul declares, “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Luther notes that our greatest struggle isn’t merely against outward sins but against the temptation to seek assurance within ourselves. When we’re honest, we see our remaining sin, weakness, and failure. If we make these internal conditions the basis of our assurance, we’ll constantly waver 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 proclaims that Christ has already accomplished everything necessary for our salvation. Our calling is to receive and rest in what He has done.
This doesn’t mean Luther downplayed 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 already have assurance in Christ.
Practical Wisdom for Those Struggling with Doubt
For believers wrestling with assurance, Luther’s commentary offers practical counsel:
- 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.
Luther’s Galatians reminds us that true assurance comes not from introspection but from fixing our eyes on Christ.
Where to Read Luther’s Commentary
- Amazon – Various print and digital editions available
- Crossway Classic Commentaries Edition – A slightly modernized version 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 of Faith (1689).
- Chapter 11, “Of Justification” – Echoes Luther’s teaching that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to believers by faith alone.
- Chapter 18, “Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation” – Affirms that believers can be “certainly assured that they are in the state of grace”—not by looking inward, but by resting on “the truth of God’s promises.”
Reading Luther’s Galatians alongside these chapters of the Confession provides a rich theological feast that deepens our understanding and appreciation of these precious doctrines
