Belief Driven by Law

God has ordered matters so that a Christian who might not be able to read the Bible should still learn the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. The essentials of Scripture and everything else a Christian needs to know are summed up in these three. They are written so briefly and clearly that no one has an excuse. No one should complain that it’s too much or too difficult.

In essence, people only have to know three things to be saved. First, they must know what they should and shouldn’t do. Second, when they see that they aren’t able to do good or refrain from doing evil in their own strength, they must know where they can find the strength. Third, they must know where they should look for their strength.

It’s similar to being sick. To begin with, a sick person needs to know what his illness is and what he can and cannot do. After that, he needs to know where he can find the medicine that will make him well. Finally, he must want this medicine, obtain it, or have someone bring it to him.

So the Ten Commandments teach people to recognize their illness. They help them see what they cannot do or refrain from doing. They help them see themselves as sinners. Then the Apostles’ Creed shows them where they can find the medicine—the grace—to help them become faithful so that they can keep the commandments. The Apostles’ Creed points out that God and his mercy are offered in Christ. Finally, the Lord’s Prayer teaches believers how to desire and obtain all this through orderly and humble prayer. In this way, they will receive the cure and be saved.

Luther, Martin; Galvin, James C. (2009-05-26). Faith Alone: A Daily Devotional (p. 310). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.