Same, but Different

But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite My statutes or take My covenant on your lips? For you hate discipline, and you cast My words behind you."
PSALM 50:16-17
+
Same, but Different
They call themselves Christians, believers, the church, and boast of having God and His Word, etc. We do the same thing. Both of us use the same words. Here we are in agreement. But when it comes to substance and understanding, we are as far apart as possible. . .. One must look to see where the doctrine of the Gospel concerning faith in Christ, without additions and supplements, is taught in the right manner and is accompanied by its fruits and true good works in accordance with this Word. On the other hand, one must look to see where the opposite takes place, where the Gospel and faith are mentioned only with the mouth, and other things, with which faith and Christ are denied, are put forth in opposition; where, because of a false trust, self-devised works are valued more highly than true good works, as is also shown by the fruits, since there is a determination to defend this against the true doctrine and faith with excommunication, murder, etc.

From Sermons on the Gospel of John, Chapters 14-16 (Luther's Works 24:330-31)
Posted in

Recent

Archive

Categories

Tags