“… Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever.”

Galatians 1:4-5
Martin Luther loved pronouns. If you’re like me and you struggled in English class growing up, you might be ready to turn the page—but don’t! Luther squeezed a beautiful truth out of the little pronoun “our” in Galatians 1:4, and it’s a tremendous help for believers when Satan reminds us of our sins.
The pronoun “our” welcomes all sinners. Luther says we readily acknowledge that Christ died for Paul, Peter, or others who seem to deserve it. But we find it hard to apply “our” to ourselves.
Luther reminds us that this is a great help when Satan accuses us. Rather than curl under the condemnation of past sins, we should stand boldly because “our sins” includes “my sins.” Jesus gave Himself for your sins, Christian! He says that when Satan accuses us of sin, he’s simply reminding us that Christ died for us! His condemnation becomes a comfort because it causes our hearts and minds to flee to Christ and the Father’s love for us in Him. A simple grammar lesson becomes a gospel-encouragement to believe.



Scripture Focus

Galatians 1:3-12

Insight

“If Satan says, ‘thou shalt be condemned,’ tell him: ‘no, for I flee to Christ.’” (Martin Luther, 1535)

Bible In A Year

  • Isaiah 55-56
  • Psalm 98
  • Acts 21

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