Reading Isaiah with Luther

by Brian L. Kachelmeier

The Law of God was not given to the people of God so that they could become self-sufficient. It was not intended to be a self-help guide for the accomplishment of self-righteousness before God, as if God’s people would no longer need grace, mercy, and the forgiveness of sins.

The proper place for the Law is as a custodian of the flesh. Luther calls it a civil taskmaster, not a spiritual custodian of the conscience. The Law keeps our corrupted sinful nature in check. It is a curb and a guide. But Luther says to “not let it touch your conscience” because it was never meant to reign and rule over the conscience. If the Law takes control of the conscience, then the conscience can only condemn.