Dressed In His Righteousness Alone – Martin Luther Exposed

“When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless stand before the throne. “Cornerstone, by Hillsong

Is it really true that a Christian is dressed in the “righteousness of Jesus Christ”?

The belief that a Christian is POSITIONALLY in Christ via the means of some kind of swap, exchange, or substitution is a very common view held by millions of people, particularly those who fall under the auspices of what is known as Protestantism. Yet is such a doctrine actually true? Let's examine this question in depth.

The notion of being “Dressed In His Righteousness Alone” can be summed up with the words of Martin Luther...

“Yesterday we began to speak about the baptism of Christ and said that he accepted it from John for the reason that he was entering into our stead, indeed, our person, that is, becoming a sinner for us, taking upon himself the sins which he had not committed, and wiping them out and drowning them in his holy baptism. And that he did this in accord with the will of God, the heavenly Father, who cast all our sins upon him that he might bear them and not only cleanse us from them through his baptism and make satisfaction for them on the Cross, but also clothe us in his holiness and adorn us with his innocence. Is not this a beautiful, glorious exchange, by which Christ, who is wholly innocent and holy, not only takes upon himself another's sin, that is, my sin and guilt, but also clothes and adorns me, who am nothing but sin, with his own innocence and purity? And then besides dies the shameful death of the Cross for the sake of my sins, through which I have deserved death and condemnation, and grants to me his righteousness, in order that I may live with him eternally in glorious and unspeakable joy. Through this blessed exchange, in which Christ changes places with us (something the heart can grasp only in faith), and through nothing else, are we freed from sin and death and given his righteousness and life as our own.” Luther's Works, Volume 51, Sermons

After extensive research it does appear that Martin Luther was actually the first author to write of such an idea. Martin Luther claims that this idea was wrought in his mind through prolonged meditation on the Biblical statement that the “just shall live by faith” (Hab 2:4, Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11, Heb 10:38). In Luther's own words on the account of his conversion we read...

“At last, by the mercy of God, meditating day and night, I gave heed to the context of the words, namely “In it the righteousness of God is written 'as it is written, 'he who through faith is righteous shall live'. There I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives by a gift of God, namely by faith. And this is the meaning: the righteousness of God is revealed by the Gospel, namely the passive righteousness with which merciful God justifies us by faith, as it is written 'he who through faith is righteous, shall live.' Here I felt that I was altogether born again and entered paradise through open gates. There a totally other face of the entire scripture showed itself to me. And I extolled my sweetest word with a love as great as the hatred with which I had before hated the word “righteousness of God.” Thus that place in Paul was for me truly the gate to paradise. Later I read Augustine's The Spirit of the Letter, where contrary to hope I found that he, too, interpreted God's righteousness in a similar way, as the righteousness which which God clothes us when he justifies us. Although this was heretofore said imperfectly and he did not explain all things concerning imputation clearly, it nevertheless was pleasing that God's righteousness with which we are justified was taught.” Preface, Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings, Fortress Press, 1989

Martin Luther was referring to Augustine's, “The Spirit of the Letter,” specifically chapters 15 and 16. Martin Luther took the following statement written by Augustine...

“The Righteousness of God Manifested by the Law and the Prophets

Here, perhaps, it may be said by that presumption of man, which is ignorant of the righteousness of God, and wishes to establish one of its own, that the apostle quite properly said, For by the law shall no man be justified, Romans 3:20 inasmuch as the law merely shows what one ought to do, and what one ought to guard against, in order that what the law thus points out may be accomplished by the will, and so man be justified, not indeed by the power of the law, but by his free determination. But I ask your attention, O man, to what follows. But now the righteousness of God, says he, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Romans 3:21Does this then sound a light thing in deaf ears? He says, The righteousness of God is manifested. Now this righteousness they are ignorant of, who wish to establish one of their own; they will not submit themselves to it. Romans 10:3 His words are, The righteousness of God is manifested: he does not say, the righteousness of man, or the righteousness of his own will, but the righteousness of God,— not that whereby He is Himself righteous, but that with which He endows man when He justifies the ungodly.” Chapter 14, The Spirit of the Letter, Book of Retractions, Book 2, Chapter 37, Augustine of Hippo

...and read into that statement a notion of some kind of “righteousness transfer” in the context of a “passive righteousness” which God “clothes the Christian” on the basis of the Christian trusting it is so. Luther did not expect to find such mention of a transaction in the words of Augustine as he noted that “contrary to hope” he found that Augustine interpreted the “righteous living by faith” in the same manner as he did. Whilst ignoring for now that the Bible does not actually teach anything like this, Augustine didn't teach it either for Augustine continued his thoughts on the means by which God justifies the ungodly...

“This is witnessed by the law and the prophets; in other words, the law and the prophets each afford it testimony. The law, indeed, by issuing its commands and threats, and by justifying no man, sufficiently shows that it is by God's gift, through the help of the Spirit, that a man is justified; and the prophets, because it was what they predicted that Christ at His coming accomplished. Accordingly he advances a step further, and adds, "But righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ," Romans 3:22 that is by the faith wherewith one believes in Christ for just as there is not meant the faith with which Christ Himself believes, so also there is not meant the righteousness whereby God is Himself righteous. Both no doubt are ours, but yet they are called God's, and Christ's, because it is by their bounty that these gifts are bestowed upon us. The righteousness of God then is without the law, but not manifested without the law; for if it were manifested without the law, how could it be witnessed by the law? That righteousness of God, however, is without the law, which God by the Spirit of grace bestows on the believer without the help of the law,— that is, when not helped by the law. When, indeed, He by the law discovers to a man his weakness, it is in order that by faith he may flee for refuge to His mercy, and be healed. And thus concerning His wisdom we are told, that "she carries law and mercy upon her tongue," Proverbs 3:16 — the " law," whereby she may convict the proud, the " mercy," wherewith she may justify the humbled. "The righteousness of God," then, "by faith of Jesus Christ, is unto all that believe; for there is no difference, for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:22-23 — not of their own glory. For what have they, which they have not received? Now if they received it, why do they glory as if they had not received it? 1 Corinthians 4:7 Well, then, they come short of the glory of God; now observe what follows: "Being justified freely by His grace." Romans 3:24 It is not, therefore, by the law, nor is it by their own will, that they are justified; but they are justified freely by His grace—not that it is wrought without our will; but our will is by the law shown to be weak, that grace may heal its infirmity; and that our healed will may fulfil the law, not by compact under the law, nor yet in the absence of law.” Chapter 14, The Spirit of the Letter, Book of Retractions, Book 2, Chapter 37, Augustine

Clearly Augustine is speaking of the Roman Catholic notion of “Imparted Righteousness” literally wrought in converts by the grace of God as opposed to the notion that the “righteousness of Jesus” is literally credited to the account of a Christian. Augustine held to the notion of what he would term “Original Sin” and thus believed that when Adan and Eve sinned in the garden that they lost the grace of their original holiness and thus distorted their own natures. This nature was then passed down through the male seed to all Adam's descendents. Under this theological framework the “will of man” was thus disabled as it pertains to the virtuous choice and some kind of offset was therefore needed. Augustine thus defined “grace” in the context of this “inability offset.” It was through the Catholic Church that one was to receive the “imparted grace” by which the Christian is to be made righteous in the sight of God.

Augustine in the chapter following the previous quote wrote...

“How the Law was Not Made for a Righteous Man
Because "for a righteous man the law was not made;" 1 Timothy 1:8 and yet "the law is good, if a man use it lawfully." 1 Timothy 1:9 Now by connecting together these two seemingly contrary statements, the apostle warns and urges his reader to sift the question and solve it too. For how can it be that "the law is good, if a man use it lawfully," if what follows is also true: "Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man?" 1 Timothy 1:9 For who but a righteous man lawfully uses the law? Yet it is not for him that it is made, but for the unrighteous. Must then the unrighteous man, in order that he may be justified,— that is, become a righteous man—lawfully use the law, to lead him, as by the schoolmaster's hand, Galatians 3:24 to that grace by which alone he can fulfil what the law commands? Now it is freely that he is justified thereby—that is, on account of no antecedent merits of his own works; "otherwise grace is no more grace," Romans 11:6 since it is bestowed on us, not because we have done good works, but that we may be able to do them—in other words, not because we have fulfilled the law, but in order that we may be able to fulfil the law. Now He said, "I am not come to destroy the law, but to fulfil it," Matthew 5:17 of whom it was said, "We have seen His glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 This is the glory which is meant in the words, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 and this the grace of which he speaks in the next verse, "Being justified freely by His grace." Romans 3:24 The unrighteous man therefore lawfully uses the law, that he may become righteous; but when he has become so, he must no longer use it as a chariot, for he has arrived at his journey's end—or rather (that I may employ the apostle's own simile, which has been already mentioned) as a schoolmaster, seeing that he is now fully learned. How then is the law not made for a righteous man, if it is necessary for the righteous man too, not that he may be brought as an unrighteous man to the grace that justifies, but that he may use it lawfully, now that he is righteous? Does not the case perhaps stand thus—nay, not perhaps, but rather certainly,— that the man who has become righteous thus lawfully uses the law, when he applies it to alarm the unrighteous, so that whenever the disease of some unusual desire begins in them, too, to be augmented by the incentive of the law's prohibition and an increased amount of transgression, they may in faith flee for refuge to the grace that justifies, and becoming delighted with the sweet pleasures of holiness, may escape the penalty of the law's menacing letter through the spirit's soothing gift? In this way the two statements will not be contrary, nor will they be repugnant to each other: even the righteous man may lawfully use a good law, and yet the law be not made for the righteous man; for it is not by the law that he becomes righteous, but by the law of faith, which led him to believe that no other resource was possible to his weakness for fulfilling the precepts which "the law of works" Romans 3:27 commanded, except to be assisted by the grace of God.” Chapter 14, The Spirit of the Letter, Book of Retractions, Book 2, Chapter 38, Augustine

Here Augustine correctly notes that the law cannot justify anyone apart from the grace of God. Augustine was making a point that the means by which the ungodly are made righteous is through being “assisted by the grace of God.” This is a true statement but unfortunately Augustine, due to his adherence to the Gnostic notion of a “Dual Nature,” viewed this “assistance” as an “offset to inability,” as opposed to grace simply being the “divine influence of God upon the heart” of which human beings are free to “work with” or “reject,” the outcome being whether one is truly “made righteous” or not.

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

The grace of God is received in vain if the beneficiary of that grace refuses to yield to it, hence the purpose of a genuine repentance experience to bring this “working together” or “synergy” into reality.

Workers Together – Sunergeō - G4904 [Strongs]

From G4904; to be a fellow worker, that is, co-operate: - help (work) with, work (-er) together.

Grace – charis – G5485 [Strongs]

From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

For an extensive examination of the doctrine “Original Sin” and how it infiltrated Church orthodoxy through Augustine of Hippo please watch the documentary I put together several years ago called “Augustine and Original Sin” on Youtube. You will find it on my account Skinski7.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVQ1t5i058Q

It can be clearly seen that Luther, in approaching Augustine's writings with his own bias, simply ended up adding false teaching to false teaching.

Is Martin Luther's notion of the “Blessed Exchange” actually a false teaching? Let's look at the facts.

Martin Luther taught...

“...Christ, who is wholly innocent and holy, not only takes upon himself another's sin, that is, my sin and guilt, but also clothes and adorns me, who am nothing but sin, with his own innocence and purity...grants to me his righteousness...Through this blessed exchange, in which Christ changes places with us (something the heart can grasp only in faith), and through nothing else, are we freed from sin and death and given his righteousness and life as our own.” Luther's Works, Volume 51, Sermons

Where is the above notion taught in Scripture?

Where is it taught anywhere in the Bible that “Christ changes place with us”?

Theologians like Martin Luther like to use 2Cor 5:21 as one of their main proof texts...

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Let's reason together dear reader.

What is sin? The Bible teaches...

1. Sin is to violate one's conscience, to do wrong knowingly.

Jas 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

2. Sin is transgression or rebellion.

1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

3. What is not of faith is sin.

Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

4. Faith works by love.

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

5. Love works no ill and therefore fulfills the law.

Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Sin is clearly a MORAL issue. Righteousness is also clearly a MORAL issue.

John wrote...

1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Keeping the above Scriptures in mind, does it make logical sense to believe that “made him to be sin” and “righteousness of God in Him” is written in the context of a legal exchange or some kind of positional swap? Or does it make more sense to believe that Paul is writing in the context of Jesus being made a SIN OFFERING for us that through partaking in His death and resurrection that our hearts are LITERALLY TRANSFORMED whereby we put on a godly character? Think about it.

Let's now look at 2Cor 5:21 in its proper context...

2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

2Co 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Compare 2Co 5:15 to what Peter wrote...

2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1Pe 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

1Pe 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

“Living not henceforth unto ourselves” is the same sentiment as, “That we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.”

Paul put it like this...

Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

“Our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is all about ceasing to SERVE SIN and beginning to SERVE RIGHTEOUSNESS which is why we must be WORKERS TOGETHER WITH HIM lest we have received the grace (divine influence) of God in vain.

In Luke we read...

Luk 1:73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

Luk 1:74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

Luk 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Paul wrote the following...

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Jesus described it like this...

Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Joh 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Joh 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

The REAL EXCHANGE taught in the Bible is where the Christian has exchanged a life of “serving sin” with a life of “serving righteousness” hence we read...

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

“No condemnation” is connected to 'walking after the Spirit” by which the “righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us.” Which is why FAITH establishes the law...

Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Faith works by love and love works no ill and thus the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us.

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

This is why the Bible teaches that the “just shall live by faith” (Hab 2:4, Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11, Heb 10:38). The idea that “Christ changes place with us” is a concept alien to the Bible and alien to genuine Christianity.

Faith works by love and love works no ill which is why Jesus taught that both loving God and loving our neighbour are the two greatest commandments upon which all the law and the prophets are established.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Now again look at 2Cor 5:21...

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Where did Jesus Christ, or anyone else for that matter, teach ANYTHING remotely close to this “Blessed Exchange” of “Christ changing places with us” that Martin Luther believed in?

The “Blessed Exchange” is simply a lie. The “Blessed Exchange” is another Gospel. People only believe it because they have been brainwashed to believe it and have emotionally attached themselves to the notion. There is strength in numbers and because people generally surround themselves with folk of like mind, people just take hold of ideas without ever truly digging deep and examining them with due diligence. With that in mind consider all the Scriptures I have posted so far. Does what I have written stand up to careful examination? Think about it.

Let's continue.

The proponents of this MAGIC SWAP whom think they are POSITIONALLY RIGHTEOUS whilst they are still manifestly wicked will use the following verse to promote their view...

Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Yet the same people will NEVER teach that the “faith” in question has...

1. Steps

Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

2. Works

Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

3. Obedience

Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

In other words faith is FAITHFULNESS TO GOD. Faith is not passive. FAITH WORKS and it is a WORKING FAITH or FAITHFULNESS that God reckons as righteousness. The free gift is the forgiveness of past sins conditioned upon present faithfulness.

The Bible clearly teaches that faith is a work. Faith is an active principle as opposed to a passive principle. Likewise righteousness is an active principle (1Joh 3:7) and not a passive principle like Martin Luther claimed.

1Th_1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

2Th_1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

When Paul stated that “we are saved by grace through faith”...

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

…the context is not that of some 'passive faith” defined as “trust in a substitution” but rather of an ACTIVE FAITH by which we WHOLEHEARTEDLY YIELD to the grace of God by which our hearts are manifestly quickened unto life...

Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

A Christian is not raised up in position, a Christian is raised up in reality into the abundant life of a faith that works by love, being partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world through lust (2Pet 1:3-4).

This is why James says of faith...

Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Jas 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Jas 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

The faith that justifies a Christian is a faith that purifies the heart and establishes true righteousness within that Christian.

Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Not a righteousness of the law for law can only regulate outward behaviour hence the Jews boast in the law was in vain...

Rom 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

Rom 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

Rom 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

Rom 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

Rom 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

Rom 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

Rom 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

“Not of works lest any man should boast” is in the context of “not of outward conformity to rules and regulation” (ie. Law) but instead of “inward regeneration” (grace which quickens), which is why Jesus taught...

Joh 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Joh 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

The error of the Pharisees was they they sought their salvation in their bloodline as well as in the keeping of external rules and regulations. Jesus called them hypocrites because inwardly they were still filthy. It is no use abstaining from adultery if one lusts in their heart, a defiled root produces a defiled tree.

Mat 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

Mat 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

...

Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

…

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

We are to be perfect, even as our Father which is heaven is perfect. Not through some legal swap or substitution. Rather through ABIDING IN THE VINE whereby it is God working in us and through us for we have faithfully received the implanted word which saves our souls being doers of the word and not hearers only (Jam 1:21-22).

We are to ABIDE IN JESUS CHRIST which is the SPIRIT OF LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

That is how Jesus sets us free indeed (Joh 8:34-36). Not through some legal exchange wrought through some notion of “saved by grace alone, by faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone” because “Jesus effected some magical legal transaction where He swapped places with the sinner.” This legal exchange stuff is of the devil and is taught NOWHERE IN THE BIBLE and people need to wake up to this fact, lest they be found naked (Rev 3:17) at the judgment as workers of iniquity (Mat 7:23).

No wonder Martin Luther abhorred the book of James, as it pertained to the Gospel, in stating...

“In a word St. John’s Gospel and his first epistle, St. Paul’s epistles, especially Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians, and St. Peter’s first epistle are the books that show you Christ and teach you all that is necessary and salvatory for you to know, even if you were never to see or hear any other book or doctrine. Therefore St. James’ epistle is really an epistle of straw, compared to these others, for it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about it. But more of this in the other prefaces.” Preface, Luther''s Works, Volume 35, Word and Sacrament

”Doing” had absolutely nothing to do with it in the mind of Martin Luther. Martin Luther was in clear opposition to the very doctrine of Jesus Christ.

Martin Luther pulled the “Blessed Exchange” doctrine right out of his own imagination and twisted isolated verses completely out of their context in an attempt to substantiate his error and theologians have been doing the same ever since and this heretical false teaching is swallowed hook, line and sinker by millions of people today.

Jesus warned...

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

“Hear and do” is what the Bible teaches, the Bible does not teach mere “confess and trust.”

Those whom Jesus Christ rejects are the “workers of iniquity” whom “hear and don't.” Jesus gave Himself for us to redeem us from ALL iniquity and make us pure, a peculiar people zealous of righteousness.

Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

There is no sin cloak. There is no legal swap. Jesus did not swap places with you. Ongoing sin is not forgiven in advance. Those are all lies of Satan. The children of God are MANIFEST in that they do not produce the fruit of sin in their lives.

1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

“Little children let no one deceive you: he that DOETH righteousness is righteous.” Righteousness cannot be transferred, that is ridiculous. Righteousness is a manifestation of doing the right thing and we are slaves to whom we obey, either sin unto death of obedience unto righteousness.

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

A Christian has crucified their flesh with its passions and desires and thus suffers in the flesh, living the crucified life.

Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Having crucified the flesh with the associated natural passions and desires we no longer yield ourselves to the enticement of the flesh for we now walk according to the Spirit and this is how we are set free from sin...

Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

This is why Paul teaches that it is the Spirit of life IN Jesus Christ which sets us free from the law of sin and death...

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life THROUGH Jesus Christ (Rom 6:23).

I know I repeat some Scriptures but these things are so important to understand. Jesus literally saves us FROM our sins, He does not saves us in them as so many foolishly believe.

Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Peter wrote...

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

“Has ceased from sin that he no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”

There are many scriptures which are completely ignored today due to people believing in some legal swap. A legal swap in which they think God ignores their MANIFEST WICKEDNESS and upholds them as POSITIONALLY RIGHTEOUS because Jesus exchanged places with them. In other words people believe that Jesus died on the cross so that they can sin and not surely die. It is quite astonishing that such a foolish theology can be swallowed by so many people, especially when these people own Bibles and even read from them. The blind are leaders of the blind.

Jesus was manifested to take away our sin, to destroy the works of the devil.

1Jn 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Jesus taught that He will sup with those whom keep his commandments...

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Joh 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

Joh 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Not Martin Luther though, he claimed that Christ dwells only in sinners...

“Therefore, my dear brother, learn Christ and him crucified. Learn to pray to him an, despairing of yourself, say: "Thou, Lord Jesus, art my righteousness, but I am thy sin. Thou hast taken upon thyself what is mine and hast given to me what is thine. Thou has taken upon thyself what thou wast not and hast given to me what I was not." Beware of aspiring to such purity that you will not wish to be looked upon as a sinner, or to be one. For Christ dwells only in sinners. On this account he descended from heaven, where he dwelt among the righteous, to dwell among sinners. Meditate on this love of his and you will see his sweet consolation. For why was it necessary for him to die if we can obtain a good conscience by our works and afflictions? Accordingly you will find peace only in him and only when you despair of yourself and your own works. Besides, you will learn from him that just as he has received you, so he has made your sins his own and has made his righteousness." Instructions to the Perplexed and Doubting, To George Spenlein, April 8, 1516, Luther: Letters of Spiritual Counsel, Martin Luther, Theodore G. Tappert, Library of Christian Classics Vol 18. pg 110.

John taught that God dwells in us if we love one another. And his love is perfected in us.

1Jn 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

1Jn 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1Jn 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

1Jn 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Martin Luther was clearly a liar. What kind of fellowship does light have with darkness? What kind of fellowship does righteousness have with unrighteousness. None. The light of the body is the eye and if our eye be single then our whole body is full of light. Yet if the light that be in us is darkness then how great is that darkness (May 6:22-23)? Do not be deceived by smooth words.

Saints are not sinners. Saints have been redeemed from sin and perfected forever by the blood of the lamb, having had their hearts purified by a faith that works by love, yielded to the grace of God, abiding in all truth. Not perfect in all knowledge and understanding, rather perfect in heart, a heart having been purified by faith (Act 15:9) through obedience to the truth by the Spirit (1Pet 1:22-23). Do you, dear reader, have a testimony of a pure heart having been established in you by the Word? If not, why not?

We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ as we continue steadfast in the faith, being diligent to be found in Him in peace, without spot, blameless, being wary of being drawn away by the error of the wicked, those whom twist the Scriptures unto their own destruction.

2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

2Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Glory be to God and to our Saviour Jesus Christ forever.

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