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)
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 Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Faith Comes By HearingAll Day LongThe Lord Keeps for HimselfSalvation Has ComeGrafted InStand Fast By FaithKindness and SeverityThe MysteryMercy on AllUnsearchableLiving SacrificesGiftsGenuine LoveThe Meaning of LifeGod EstablishedThe Summary of the Law is LoveThe Armor of LightMade to StandLiving to the LordEvery Knee Shall BowStumbling BlockTrue FreedomServant of the ChurchOur ExampleFellow WorkersAbound in HopeA Good TeacherGod’s WorkTravel PlansThe Fullness of His BlessingStrive TogetherWelcomeGreet One AnotherWatch Out
February
GreetingsAble to StrengthenAuthorityBlessed BeRedemption in His BloodSpiritual BlessingsGive ThanksDead Men WalkingBy GraceImmeasurable RichesBy GraceGod's WorkmanshipSeparatedBrought NearNo More HostilityTotal AccessFellow CitizensFor This ReasonMystery RevealedLeast of AllEternal PurposeFaith in HimSpiritual StrengthAbundant GiftWalk in LoveChrist's MeasureGifts to MenUnity of the FaithTo and Fro
March
Truth in LoveWalking a New PathA New SelfPut Away FalsehoodNew LifeImitators of GodSons of DisobedienceChildren of LightThe Will of the LordOne FleshFilled with the SpiritThe Church SubmitsChrist LovesProfound MysteryChildren of PromiseBring Them UpBondservants of ChristYour MasterStrong in the LordThe Whole Armor of GodStand FirmLove IncorruptibleGrace and PeaceHope Laid UpRedemptionThe Fullness of GodReconciledThe Hope of GloryToilGreat StruggleRooted in Christ