For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. (Gal 3:18 NIV)

No person earns grace by way of the law. Rather grace is a gift from God through Jesus Christ – free and without any merit or worthiness on our part. I hope that there actually are congregations, who understand this doctrine of righteousness by faith alone and justification by grace alone and do not misuse it as a licence to sin. Most evangelical Christians live in carnal security and have gotten so used to the doctrine of grace alone as if it was just another of their countless family traditions and social paradigms. That is why we need to be careful in proclaiming this precious truth of this divine doctrine concerning salvation by faith alone as God’s special and free gift to his people. Too many misuse it as a pillow for their sinful conscience and licence for godless living. It’s rather frightening to hear amongst Christians that this or that sin is not that serious. Going to confession or the Lord’s table will repair the damage. This is a serious misunderstanding of God’s holy will and his ongoing desire and command that we should live holy and righteous lives according to his most holy law. The truth needs to be proclaimed that holy living comes from a true faith – proper faith in God’s grace gives rise to fruits of love and mercy just as a good tree bears good fruit. It just doesn’t fit to sing “By Grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless…” and still continue living the old sinful life. We are called to sanctification – as St. Paul writes to the Philippians: “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Phi 2:12f NIV)

We bow before you o God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that you have given your children strength and will to live according to your commandments and to be sanctified in your truth. Inhabit our hearts o God. Teach us to recognize what we have in you our living God and Lord. Grant that we will bring forth good fruit abundantly. Sanctify, bless and fulfil in our souls the wealth of your holy Word through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen (Hermann Bezzel)

Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways To keep his statutes still! Oh, that my God would grant me grace To know and do his will! Order my footsteps by your Word And make my heart sincere; Let sin have no dominion, Lord, But keep my conscience clear. Assist my soul, too apt to stray, A stricter watch to keep; If ever I for get your way, Restore your wandering sheep. Make me to walk in your commands, A most delightful road; Nor let my head or heart or hands Offend against my god. (Hymn # 392 from Lutheran Worship Author: William H. Havergal)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Tuesday after the thirteenth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 308 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.