Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.
Martin LutherRead
The Christian gospel is a two-way road. On the one hand, it seeks to change the souls of men, and thereby unite them with God; on the other hand, it seeks to change the environmental conditions of men so the soul will have a chance after it is changed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the dual role of the Christian gospel in transforming both individuals and their external circumstances.
Martin Luther's quote reflects the comprehensive approach of the Christian gospel, which is not only concerned with the spiritual elevation of individuals but also with improving their living conditions. It suggests that genuine transformation involves a holistic view, where spiritual renewal and social justice work hand in hand to create a better world.
Themes
GospelTransformationSpiritualitySocial JusticeFaith
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a sermon to illustrate the holistic nature of faith and action.
More from Martin Luther
All quotes →Now if I believe in God's Son and remember that He became man, all creatures will appear a hundred times more beautiful to me than before. Then I will properly appreciate the sun, the moon, the stars, trees, apples, as I reflect that he is Lord over all things. ...God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.
Martin LutherRead
It is the part of a Christian to take care of his own body for the very purpose that, by its soundness and wellbeing, he may be enabled to labour, and to acquire and preserve property, for the aid of those who are in want, that thus the stronger member may serve the weaker member, and we may be children of God, and busy for one another, bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfiling the law of Christ.
Martin LutherRead
Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but more frequently than not struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God.
Martin LutherRead
We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands.
Martin LutherRead
In a mouse we admire God's creation and craft work. The same may be said about flies.
Martin LutherRead
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