Posted on by Kurt Bodling

Martin Luther not the last word

“This is my opinion, and doubtless Christ will further enlighten and guide you within your own hearts through his Holy Spirit as to just how you should act at all times and specifically in this matter.” (page 165)

Luther, Martin. “A Letter of Consolation to the Christians at Halle” (1527) Luther’s Works Vol. 43. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969.

In his letter of consolation, Luther offers his thoughts and guidance, and ends by saying he is well aware that he isn’t the last word in these matters. The Holy Spirit will surely guide people in ways that Luther can’t yet imagine. You and I should have the same kind of humility when we offer our advice and thoughts to others.

Posted on by Kurt Bodling

the Holy Spirit is given in faith

“Faith creates godliness and drives out all sin, grants strength in sickness, enlightens in all blindness, heals all evil inclinations, guards against sin, and performs every good deed. In brief, the fruit of such faith is that never can there remain any frailty; for in faith the Holy Spirit is given, and thereby a man loves God because of the abundant goodness received from him. A man becomes cheerful and glad to do all that is good without the compulsion of the law and command.”  (page 175)

Luther, Martin. “Sermon on the Worthy Reception of the Sacrament” (1521) Luther’s Works Vol. 42. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969.

Posted on by Kurt Bodling

what the Church is and does, part 3

“I believe that there is forgiveness of sin nowhere else than in this community and that beyond it nothing can help to gain it–no good deeds, no matter how many or how great they might be; and that within this community nothing can invalidate this forgiveness of sin–no matter how gravely and often one may sin; and that such forgiveness continues as long as this one community exists. To this [community] Christ gave the power of the keys, saying in Matthew 18 [:18 ], ‘Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.’ He said the same to Peter as an individual, representing and taking the place of one and only one church.”

Luther, Martin. “Personal Prayer Book” (1522) Luther’s Works Vol. 43. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1968, page 29.

Posted on by Kurt Bodling

what the Church is and does, part 2

“I believe no one can be saved who is not in this gathering or community, harmoniously sharing the same faith with it, the same word, sacraments, hope, and love. And that no Jew, heretic, pagan, or sinner can be saved along with this community unless he becomes reconciled with it and unites with it in full agreement in all things.”

Luther, Martin. “Personal Prayer Book” (1522) Luther’s Works Vol. 43. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1968, page 28.

Posted on by Kurt Bodling

what the Church is and does, part 1

“I believe that throughout the whole wide world there is only one holy, universal, Christian church, which is nothing other than the gathering or congregation of saints–pious believers on earth. This church is gathered, preserved, and governed by the same Holy Spirit and is given daily increase by means of the sacraments and the word of God.”

(Luther, Martin. “Personal Prayer Book” (1522) Luther’s Works Vol. 43. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1968, page 28)