For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Luther must have stopped reading there, because in the very next verse, v. 29, St. Paul makes it clear what "works of the law" mean in this context: "For is God the God of the Jews only?" So "works of the Law" in Romans 3 is something that pertains to "the Jews only"; that is, the ceremonial law of the Old Testament.
We are indeed "justfied by faith apart" from the ceremonial law of the Old Testament, but no Catholic in Luther's day claimed otherwise.
And the truth comes out.
Historical chrstianity was not against "works;" it was against the Biblical ritual and ceremonial, which it replaced with a post-Biblical ritual and ceremonial that was somehow "superior" because it was post-Biblical. How dare anyone expect internal consistency from opponents of the Torah?
Yes . . . a ritual and ceremonial given by G-d's very Mouth to Moses and Israel was to be replaced by a "superior" one which developed slowly over time based on the pagan calendar and the seasons. And not only that, but the Biblical ceremonial was henceforth forbidden! (You know, kinda like how the old prohibition against homosexuality has been replaced by a new prohibition against "homophobia?") No wonder the world is upside down. The current situation was a long time coming.
As for all you poor saps who grew up believing J*sus "took your place in hell" so you wouldn't have to go there, behold the truth! He died to replace a Divine religion with a human one, the words of G-d with the Julian/Gregorian calendar, tefillin with rosary beads, and the Qorbanot with the "holy sacrifice of the mass!" In other words, he didn't die for your sins; he died to start a new religion!
No wonder Catholics reject the facticity of the Hebrew Bible. They'd have to admit that G-d personally authored the "old law." So now they practice "historical criticism" so they can say that it was a product of long historical evolution just like their own made-up rituals!
I was always taught that Jesus FULFILLED the Law, and therefore was the only human who was righteous while living and could actually make the required sacrifice. He did not abolish the heart of the Law.
I would be interested in your view of the coming Messhiah.
> As for all you poor saps who grew up believing J*sus “took your place in hell” so you wouldn’t have to go there, behold the truth! He died to replace a Divine religion with a human one, the words of G-d with the Julian/Gregorian calendar, tefillin with rosary beads, and the Qorbanot with the “holy sacrifice of the mass!” In other words, he didn’t die for your sins; he died to start a new religion!
I agree 100%. The G-d of Israel crucified yoshke. He got what he deserved.