The Temptation of False Doctrine
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
1 TIMOTHY 1:15
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The Temptation of False Doctrine
To those who are afraid and have already been terrified by the burden of their sins Christ the Savior and the gift should be announced, not Christ the example and the lawgiver. . .. Therefore let every Christian learn to be able to shake off the false idea of Christ that Satan urges upon him in his terror and affliction, and to say: "Satan, why are you debating with me now about deeds? I am already frightened and troubled enough because of my deeds and my sins. Indeed, since I am already troubled and burdened, let me hear, not you with your accusation and condemnation but Christ, the Savior of the human race, who says that He came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), to comfort the despairing, And to proclaim release to the captives (Luke 4:18). This is the real Christ in the most precise sense of the word . . .. I shall listen to Christ, of whom the Father has said (Matthew 17:5): 'This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.' " Let us learn to encourage ourselves with faith this way amid the temptation and persuasion of false doctrine; otherwise the devil will either lead us astray through his agents or kill us with his flaming darts (Ephesians 6:16).
From Lectures on Galatians (1535) (Luther's Works 27:35)
1 TIMOTHY 1:15
+
The Temptation of False Doctrine
To those who are afraid and have already been terrified by the burden of their sins Christ the Savior and the gift should be announced, not Christ the example and the lawgiver. . .. Therefore let every Christian learn to be able to shake off the false idea of Christ that Satan urges upon him in his terror and affliction, and to say: "Satan, why are you debating with me now about deeds? I am already frightened and troubled enough because of my deeds and my sins. Indeed, since I am already troubled and burdened, let me hear, not you with your accusation and condemnation but Christ, the Savior of the human race, who says that He came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), to comfort the despairing, And to proclaim release to the captives (Luke 4:18). This is the real Christ in the most precise sense of the word . . .. I shall listen to Christ, of whom the Father has said (Matthew 17:5): 'This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.' " Let us learn to encourage ourselves with faith this way amid the temptation and persuasion of false doctrine; otherwise the devil will either lead us astray through his agents or kill us with his flaming darts (Ephesians 6:16).
From Lectures on Galatians (1535) (Luther's Works 27:35)
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