Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.
Martin LutherRead
There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which the fruits of new obedience do not grow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True forgiveness and faith require a transformation and commitment to a renewed life.
In this quote, Martin Luther emphasizes the interconnectedness of justification, forgiveness, and the renewal of life in the context of faith. He suggests that for one to genuinely forgive, there must be an underlying sanctifying process, and authentic faith naturally leads to a life of new obedience and good works. Thus, faith is not merely a belief but an active, transforming force in a person's life.
Themes
JustificationForgivenessRenewalFaithObedience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a sermon on the importance of faith and transformation in forgiveness.
More from Martin Luther
All quotes βNow 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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