Day by Day with Martin Luther

Read: 1st Chronicles 7:1-12:18 Acts 21:1-28:31 Proverbs 18:22-19:3

“The Principal Doctrine”

“And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly,
his faith is counted as righteousness,”
[Romans 4:5]

The issue here is nothing trivial for Paul: it is the principal doctrine [teaching] of Christianity. When this is recognized and held before one’s eyes, everything else seems vile and worthless. For what is Peter? What is Paul? What is an angel in heaven? What is all creation in comparison with the doctrine of justification? Therefore if you see this threatened or endangered, do not be afraid to stand up against Peter, or an angel from heaven. For this cannot be praised highly enough.