The force and power of sin is amplified by these words: “Who gave Himself for our sins.” We are indifferent, and we regard sin as something trivial, a mere nothing. Although it brings with it the sting and remorse of conscience, still we suppose that it has so little weight and force that some little work or merit of ours will remove it. But we should note here the infinite greatness of the price paid for it. Then it will be evident that its power is so great that it could not be removed by any means except that the Son of God be given for it. Anyone who considers this carefully will understand that this one word “sin” includes the eternal wrath of God and the entire kingdom of Satan, and that sin is no trifle.

Therefore this text concludes that all men are the captives and slaves of sin and, as Paul says, are “sold under sin” (Rom. 7:14); and that sin is a very cruel and powerful tyrant over all men throughout the world, a tyrant who cannot be overthrown and expelled by the power of any creatures, whether angels or men, but only by the infinite and sovereign power of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was given for it.

– Luther’s Commentary on Galatians 1:4