Two Kinds Of Righteousness Summary

In these readings, Luther expounds upon the true nature of Scripture and the gospel, and explores the idea of righteousness and its effect on human behavior. The first reading, What to Look for and Expect in the Gospels, argues that the entire Bible teaches the gospel, the good message about Jesus. As a result, it defines a Christian’s relationship with Jesus and his life, with the gift and example of Jesus. In the second reading, Two Kinds of Righteousness, Luther examines two different types of righteousness: the alien and the proper. Both are a result of Christ’s grace, and the passive righteousness produces the active. Through both of these readings, Luther distinguishes two components of faith: that part which is given by Christ, and that part which is an active expression of the gospel.
He defines the gospel as the “overwhelming goodness of God,” asserting that, throughout the Bible, God reveals the great story of his Son through the writings of many prophets and apostles. This interpretation leads to a new understanding of Jesus’ role; he is no longer a didactic instructor like Moses, but a gift to mankind and an example for proper Christian living. Luther argues that the former component enables the latter, that having “Christ as the foundation and chief blessing of [our] salvation” nourishes faith so that we may follow and imitate his example. Christ’s new guiding (rather than commanding) role introduces Luther’s belief in the personal applicability of Scripture; the gospel is not simply a structure for societal behavior, but a personal guide so that we may “read and hear the gospels