On Becoming a Christian
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.
PHILIPPIANS 3:12
+
On Becoming a Christian
For there is really nothing more destructive to the believer than this presumptuousness, as if he had already taken hold of it and there were no need to seek it. It is from this that many slide backward and wither away in their security and laziness. . . Therefore, whoever has begun to be a Christian, this is what remains: to consider that he has not yet become a Christian and to seek to become a Christian . . .. For a Christian is not in having become, but in becoming . . .. Therefore whoever is a Christian is not a Christian; that is, whoever thinks that he has already become a Christian when he is only becoming a Christian is nothing. For we are headed toward heaven; we are not yet in heaven. And just as he who thinks he is already in heaven will never enter heaven, so he who is headed to heaven is already in heaven since God reckons him as if he were in heaven already. . .. That is how wondrous the works of this kingdom are.
From Annotations on Matthew (Luther's Works 67:212-13)
PHILIPPIANS 3:12
+
On Becoming a Christian
For there is really nothing more destructive to the believer than this presumptuousness, as if he had already taken hold of it and there were no need to seek it. It is from this that many slide backward and wither away in their security and laziness. . . Therefore, whoever has begun to be a Christian, this is what remains: to consider that he has not yet become a Christian and to seek to become a Christian . . .. For a Christian is not in having become, but in becoming . . .. Therefore whoever is a Christian is not a Christian; that is, whoever thinks that he has already become a Christian when he is only becoming a Christian is nothing. For we are headed toward heaven; we are not yet in heaven. And just as he who thinks he is already in heaven will never enter heaven, so he who is headed to heaven is already in heaven since God reckons him as if he were in heaven already. . .. That is how wondrous the works of this kingdom are.
From Annotations on Matthew (Luther's Works 67:212-13)
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2022
January
In One SpiritHe is ComingA Light for the NationsDepart in PeaceThe BenedictionWise Men SeeTrusting in the EmptinessWilted BlossomsConceiving TroubleWhat Comfort?SolaceWorn OutTorn With WrathLike a WarriorA Pure PrayerHeavenly WitnessA Ready GraveA Pledge for YouA Byword of the PeoplesHold OnNight into DayWhere is My Hope?
2021
January
The Arm of GodSigns and PromisesThe Calling in Your HeartOur Active GodAmazing HelpThe Purpose of BaptismHave Courage to BelieveToo Soon ForgottenThe Unexpected ChangeSustained by TrustHe Who Bears All SinsA Wonderful VictoryWhen God SpeaksOur Faithful ShepherdThe Purpose of ScriptureOne Little WordThe Supreme ConsolationA Thorn in the FleshNever Doubt RedemptionThis Is the VictoryLet Your Faith Be FirmA Pure Dwelling PlaceBuilding an Eternal HouseGlorious PromisesNoble and Necessary ChastisementOur New MotivationGod Will Preserve His ChurchGod's Will, Christ's PurposeOur Savior DefinedFalse Saintliness
February
The True Center of SalvationThe Purpose of GovernmentWhat Is a Good Work?The Chief DoctrineA Simple ExplanationJoyful NewsHarmless NoiseIn God's HandsTreasure in Weak VesselsThe Pure, Clear WordWas It Better Before?Responsibility to OthersTrue EqualityA Broad InterpretationThe Flesh Is WeakWhen Pity Is WrongNo Sin AllowedTake the High RoadGod Is TrueSetting an ExampleThe Spirit Giveth LifeThe Christian LawBeware of False ShepherdsThe Lofty and the LowlyIn the Hour at HandLearning to CallWhen the Wicked SucceedTake up Your Cross
March
On Godly BehaviorThe Sheep of ChristThe Calm after the StormOn Becoming a ChristianEternal FoodConcerning Knowledge and PowerFight PowerfullyThe Yoke of ChristThe Obedient ChristThe Fulfillment of the LawDivine RighteousnessThe Gospel Is PublicTo Live as a ChristianThe Promise of GodlinessWhy Is Christ Punished?Blind Human NatureHave Faith Like ChildrenThe Spirit of TruthWaiting for GodTo Know God