Solafideists

[GHansen]

These statements [re: Genesis 22: 16-18] agree properly and in a godly manner with our doctrine of justification and faith, which the papists condemn and persecute as false and heretical. They call us “solafideists,” because we attribute righteousness to faith alone.

Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 4: Lectures on Genesis: Chapters 21-25. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 4, p. 163). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.

     We do not deny that works must be done; but when our opponents commingle the faith that justifies and the works of those who have been justified through faith, we disapprove. To be sure, faith and works indeed fit together well and are inseparably joined; but it is faith alone that obtains the blessing. Therefore we declare that faith alone justifies, because it alone is blessed. Works do not bless; they do not have this glory. No, they are the fruits of the person who has been blessed.

This righteousness of ours comes through faith. Concerning it we should have no doubt; nor should we say that it is useless or vain, lest we hear the words: “Woe to those who call good evil” (Is. 5:20). Therefore I should not say: “I have the blessing, and for this reason I am useless.” No, I must say: “I am honest, saintly, righteous, and blessed, because I am such through the righteousness of another, not through my own righteousness. This I can set against the wrath and judgment of God, and I am sure that God cannot deny Himself and cast aside His Son, that Seed of Abraham. Therefore I maintain with confidence and without any doubt that I am righteous and an heir of eternal life.”

This promise embraces almost the entire Christian doctrine, the incarnation of Christ and justification, but not the sacraments, which were revealed later on, when Christ came. Furthermore, it contains a refutation of the papistic doctrine, not only concerning traditions and works but also concerning faith combined with works, which they stress against us “solafideists.” This proposition remains unshakable and sure, that faith alone justifies, because all trust of all men is absolutely condemned, and trust is put in the Seed alone.

Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 4: Lectures on Genesis: Chapters 21-25. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 4, pp. 166–167). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.