Be Encouraged
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:2 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Series: Comments on Galatians
We still preach faith in the Christ to come since he is returning for the faithful — those still alive as well as those who have died in the Lord. This is the Christ whom we believe, not just the social activist Jesus or the healer or the teacher. We proclaim the Anointed God who crosses the threshold from heaven to earth in order to satisfy the death debt of his creation, rises from the dead, and ascends to heaven. Our proclamation does not end with the ascension. Christ will once again leave heaven. With trumpet blast and the shout of an angel, the Lord will appear, and will then, do something as great as rising from the dead. He will raise us from our graves. Any believers who are alive will also be raised up along with the whole history of faithful people. Together, they will meet the Lord of heaven and earth.
Certainly, Peter encouraged Cornelius with similar words of promise. It would have been beyond discouraging if Peter informed him that he needed to work even harder, to do still more good deeds in order to warrant this resurrection. No. We stand firmly on this point. Resurrection is a promise received by faith alone. You do not need to do a thing to rise unto Jesus except believe he will raise you up. That is good news indeed. Be encouraged.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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