On Grace

Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

"Why" and "Who" are therefore the relevant questions that follow this passage from Romans. Why is there no condemnation for those in Christ, and who are in Christ? In an attempt to answer this, we turn to brother Martin who writes:

Between grace and gift there is this difference: grace actually means God's favor, or the good will which in himself he bears toward us, by which he is disposed to give us Christ and to pour into us the Holy Spirit with his gifts. The gifts and the Spirit increase in us every day, but they are not yet perfect for there remain in us the sin that rebel against the Spirit. Nevertheless grace does so much that we are accounted completely righteous before God. For his grace is not divided or parceled out, as are the gifts, but takes us completely into favor for the sake of Christ our Intercessor and Mediator. And because of this, the gifts are begun in us.

So, "Why?" Because of Jesus Christ. And, "Who?" All people of God. Perhaps grace is larger and more fluid than the golden calf that we make it.

See you in church,
VT...

Writing from "Preface to the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans" (1522) LW 35, 369-370