Classic Luther

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One of my favorite quotes from Martin Luther:

If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong (sin boldly), but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2. Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign. (from Letter 99, Paragraph 13. Erika Bullmann Flores, Tr. from: Dr. Martin Luther's Saemmtliche Schriften Dr. Johann Georg Walch Ed. (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, N.D.), Vol. 15, cols. 2585-2590.)

Are we daring enough to live  this? 

Comments

Steve said…
That quote has caused more trouble for and by those who misunderstand it.

They (many) say Luther is advocating sinning. Nothing could be further from the truth.

He is saying understand that you ARE a REAL SINNER. Don't pussyfoot around or tap dance around a strong understanding of the law.
And know what a great Savior you have in Christ Jesus.

Thanks for reminding me of that one, J.K..
October 03, 2009
J. K. Jones said…
Right on, Steve.

Luther is describing things as they are, not as they should be. He is describing the present Christian experience and not the future, glorified state.

Luther never let's us 'wiggle out from under' the laws demands by minimizing our sin or minimizing the requirements. Here he tells those of us with tender hearts to not despair. We have a great savior!

JK
October 03, 2009
Steve said…
"Here he tells those of us with tender hearts to not despair. We have a great savior!'

Right on, J.K.!
October 03, 2009
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