Martin Luther

Galatians Commentary Revisited 1535 Martin Luther

Luther says, Òthat when I first took upon me the defense of the Gospel, I remember that Dr. Staupitius, a worthy man, said, Ôthis liketh me well, that this doctrine which thou preaches yieldeth glory, and all things else unto God alone, and nothing unto man, for unto God there cannot be attributed too much glory, goodness, mercy, &c., Õ his saying did then greatly comfort and confirm me. True it is, that the doctrine of the Gospel taketh from men all glory, wisdom, righteousness, &c., and giveth the same to the Creator alone, who made all things of nothing.Ó With this persuasion of mind, we have set forth this slightly revised Edition, which has been marginally Edited & Gospelized according to the Tenor of Free Grace; that is, that believers are justified {legally declared righteous from all imputed and contracted sin, guilt & condemnation} exclusively by Christ, and not in any respects by their believing, or anything else supposedly required at their hands as a condition of salvation.