We Lutheran are sometimes accused by other church bodies of overemphasizing the doctrine of justification at the expense of sanctification. We take seriously verses like those from Ephesians2:8-9 - For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
These verses proclaim such good news! Salvation comes by grace...through faith...a gift from God!
And yet, what does Paul write in verse 10? For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good works and deeds are important. They don't bring or even contribute to our salvation. But such works are a result of our salvation. And notice that while important, we can't even claim these works of love and service because God created them for us Himself.
Martin Luther helped the church get justification right. Still, listen to Luther as he explains what good works demonstrates: Where there are no good works, there is no faith. If works and love do not blossom forth, it is not genuine faith, the Gospel has not yet gained a foothold, and Christ is not rightly known.
So, pray today for the opportunity to serve your neighbor, not because you have to but do so in response to the gift that God has given you - forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ, your Savior!
