Giants of the Reformation (2)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2.10

The Freedom of a Christian
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
“In doing these works, however, we must not think that a man is justified before God by them, for faith, which alone is righteousness before God, cannot endure that erroneous opinion. We must, however, realize that these works reduce the body to subjection and purify it of its evil lusts, and our whole purpose is to be directed only toward the driving out of lusts…Nevertheless, the works themselves do not justify him before God, but he does the works out of spontaneous love in obedience to God and considers nothing except the approval of God, whom he would most scrupulously obey in all things.”

Christians have been redeemed for good works. The Bible has been given to fit us for them (2 Tim. 3.15-17), and we are to be zealous in seeking them, and not to grow weary as we do (Tit. 2.14; Gal. 6.9, 10). Thus, where the Bible is faithfully preached, and the saints of God duly and diligently equipped, good works should abound, for the Word of God is living and powerful, and by it the Spirit makes us willing and able to do what is pleasing to God (Phil. 2.13). The current tendency to downplay good works and to encourage “faith” based on “grace alone” is an aberration of Reformation teaching. James reminds us that faith without works is dead (Jms. 2.26). The pastor should be chief among his flock in stimulating believers to love and good works (Heb. 2.24). But what are the works “prepared beforehand” that God is looking to us to perform? Are they not the works outlined in His holy and righteous and good Law, which, as we do them, enable us to love God and our neighbors as we should (Matt. 22.34-40)?

How does the Law of God feature in your preaching? What concerns do you have about giving the Law a more prominent place in your preaching?

T. M. Moore

Prayer for Revival
We’re seeking to begin a new monthly Revival Prayer Group to meet on the third Thursday of every month at 5:00 pm Eastern. We’re looking for men who will commit to regular prayer together, seeking the Lord for revival, renewal, and awakening. Our Revival Prayer Groups meet online, so all you have to do is click in at the appointed time. If you’d like to participate in this monthly prayer effort, drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I’ll send you the details. We’re hoping to begin in September.

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations from Martin Luther, The Freedom of a Christianin John Dillenberger, ed., Martin Luther: Selections from His Writings(New York: Doubleday, 1962).