What does it mean to confess Sola Gratia? While modern American religion wants to commend the mercy of God to good works (the apex being that of Mormonism and the confession of 2 Nephi that “Grace saves, after all that we can do”), reformation history has shown the beautiful and rich nature of God’s unilateral love, delight, joy, and mercy towards man (Philanthropia) through the work of Christ and His victory over death.
This week we will begin the Solas of the Reformation at Chain the Cat. Our focus will be on the scriptural foundations and applications of these truths to the diligent student of scripture. Scroll through the powerpoint of Friday’s study.
Below is an excerpt from Martin Luther’s Christmas Sermon, Volume VI:142-165 of Church Postil:
14.How could Paul have presented words conveying more love and graciousness? I venture to assert I have never read, in the entire Scriptures, words more beautifully expressive of the grace of God than these two–”Chrestotes” and “Philanthropia,” friendliness and philanthropy. They represent grace not only as procuring for us remission of sins, but as God ever present with us, embracing us in his friendship, ever ready to help us and offering to do for us according to all we desire; in short, as a good and willing friend, to whom we may look for every favor and accommodation. Picture to your imagination a sincere friend and you will have an idea of God’s attitude toward you in the person of Christ, though a very imperfect representation of his superabundant grace.
15. Now, if you steadfastly believe, if you rejoice in God your Lord, if you are alive and his grace satisfies, if your wants are all supplied, how will you employ yourself in this earthly life? Inactive you cannot be. Such a disposition of love toward God cannot rest. Your zeal will be warm to do everything you know will be to the praise and glory of a kind and gracious God. At this point there is no longer distinction of works. Here all commands terminate. There is neither restraint–nor compulsion, but a joyful willingness and delight in doing good, whether the intended achievement be insignificant or difficult, small or great, requiring short service or long.
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