KJV Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Luther:
First, hope and faith
differ in regard to their sources. Faith originates in the understanding, while
hope rises in the will.
Secondly, they differ in
regard to their functions. Faith says what is to be done. Faith teaches,
describes, directs. Hope exhorts the mind to be strong and courageous.
Thirdly, they differ in
regard to their objectives. Faith concentrates on the truth. Hope looks to the
goodness of God.
Fourthly, they differ in
sequence. Faith is the beginning of life before tribulation. (Hebrews 11.) Hope
comes later and is born of tribulation. (Romans 5.)
Fifthly, they differ in
regard to their effects. Faith is a judge. It judges errors. Hope is a soldier.
It fights against tribulations, the Cross, despondency, despair, and waits for
better things to come in the midst of evil. Without hope faith cannot endure.
On the other hand, hope without faith is blind rashness and arrogance because
it lacks knowledge. Before anything else a Christian must have the insight of
faith, so that the intellect may know its directions in the day of trouble and the
heart may hope for better things. By faith we begin, by hope we continue.
This passage contains
excellent doctrine and much comfort. It declares that we are justified not by
works, sacrifices, or ceremonies, but by Christ alone. The world may judge certain
things to be ever so good; without Christ they are all wrong. Circumcision and
the law and good works are carnal. “We,” says Paul, “are above such things. We
possess Christ by faith and in the midst of our afflictions we hopefully wait
for the consummation of our righteousness.”
