Lutherans often get accused of having no doctrine of sanctification.
As hard as it is to believe, some would rather focus on their good works rather than on what Christ has done for them, putting the cart before the horse, as it were.
To this the true Lutherans have always confessed that good works are the fruit of their salvation and that Saint Paul strongly encourages us to look to Christ, rather to our good works. (Hebrews 12:1b-2a, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith)
As hard as we brothers in the faith may try, we always fall short of the good works which we are commanded to do and strive to do. As Saint Paul says in Romans 7:14-19:
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
That was a bit long to fit on a shirt, but we did include Romans 4:5 on the back, which is a little more succinct:
And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness
We hope you enjoy the tongue-in-cheek humor of this simple shirt, as well as the many conversations you are sure to have about the Gospel because of it.
These high-quality t-shirts are constructed from 6.1-ounce heavyweight 100% cotton, an amazing value in a shirt that works hard to please.
