On the Two Kinds of Righteousness

Martin Luther's sermon 'On the Two Kinds of Righteousness' articulates a foundational Lutheran distinction between righteousness before God (passive, imputed) and righteousness toward neighbors (active, operative).

Luther develops this to defend the doctrine of justification by faith while affirming the necessity and goodness of good works.

The sermon influenced later Lutheran scholastic and confessional treatments of justification, sanctification, vocation, and the role of the law.

Its themes recur throughout Luther's writings, including his Galatians commentary and On Christian Liberty, shaping Protestant understanding of faith and works.