
Martin Luther
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As We Said Before, So Say I Now Again. if Any Man Preach Any Other Gospel Unto You Than That Ye Have Received, Let Him Be Accursed.
1JHN 5:39ACT 17:11GAL 1:82TI 4:32PE 3:16Martin Luther passionately emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the true Gospel and vehemently condemns any false teachings that distort the message he preached. He adamantly declares that any deviation from the Gospel he delivered should be accursed, regardless of who the messenger may be. Luther stresses the authority of the Scriptures above all else, asserting that even he, along with all preachers and angels, must submit to the Word of God as the ultimate truth.
Martin Luther's 95 Theses (1517)
0MAT 4:17MAT 16:24ACT 2:38EPH 2:81JN 1:9Martin Luther's 95 Theses, written in 1517, challenges the practices of the Catholic Church regarding indulgences, emphasizing the importance of true repentance and contrition over the buying of pardons. Luther questions the authority of the Pope to grant remission of sins and highlights the need for genuine penance and love for God over monetary contributions. He criticizes the Church's focus on indulgences rather than the Gospel and the true teachings of Christ, urging Christians to follow Christ through trials and tribulations rather than seeking false assurances of peace.
Who Gave Himself for Our Sins.
0ROM 5:8GAL 1:4EPH 1:71PE 2:241JN 2:2Martin Luther emphasizes the central theme of Paul's epistle, focusing on the purpose of Christ's sacrifice for our sins. Luther highlights the futility of self-merit and the necessity of Christ's atonement for the forgiveness of sins, challenging the idea that our own efforts can remove sin. He underscores the greatness of Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing the vicious nature of sin and the need for complete reliance on Jesus for redemption. Luther encourages believers to embrace the truth that Christ died for all sins, even the most ingrained and stubborn ones, offering eternal life through faith in Him.
Enemies of the Cross of Christ
0LUK 18:11ROM 3:27ROM 4:21CO 15:42PHP 3:17PHP 4:8Martin Luther preaches about the enemies of the cross of Christ and the righteousness of faith in Christ. He emphasizes the dangers of relying on human righteousness, which leads to pride, idolatry, and ultimately condemnation, contrasting it with the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ alone. Luther urges believers to focus on heavenly citizenship, awaiting the Savior who will transform their lowly bodies into glorious ones, by the power of Christ who is able to subject all things to Himself.
Christ Our Great High Priest
0LEV 16:14JHN 14:3ROM 12:1HEB 9:14Martin Luther preaches on the priesthood of Christ as a spiritual one, contrasting it with the material priesthood of the Old Covenant. He emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice was spiritual, offered through the Holy Spirit, purifying our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Luther explains that the blessings of Christ are not temporal but spiritual and eternal, obtained through his own blood for eternal redemption. He highlights Christ as the mediator of a new covenant, freeing our conscience from sin and offering the promise of the Spirit to those called as heirs of eternal life.
The Twofold Use of the Law & Gospel: "Letter" & "Spirit"
0MAT 17:2JHN 1:16JHN 3:36ACT 13:38ROM 5:171CO 4:42CO 3:6GAL 3:10Martin Luther preaches about the contrast between the Law and the Gospel, emphasizing how the Law, represented by Moses, brings death and condemnation, while the Gospel, represented by Christ, brings life and salvation. Luther highlights the inadequacy of relying on works and the Law for righteousness, pointing out that the true glory lies in the Gospel message that reveals God's grace and mercy through faith in Christ. He stresses the importance of understanding the transformative power of the Gospel, which comforts and renews the heart, surpassing the glory of the Law and leading to eternal life.
Paul, an Apostle, (Not of Men, Neither by Man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, Who Raised Him From the Dead).
0GAL 1:8Martin Luther preaches about the conflict in the Galatian churches where Jewish-Christian fanatics distorted Paul's Gospel of justification by faith in Christ, leading to a grudge against the Gospel for condemning worldly religious wisdom. Despite offering salvation and blessings, the Gospel is abhorred by the world. These false apostles undermined Paul's authority by boasting of their credentials and questioning his ministry, a tactic also used by the papacy to deceive believers. In response, Paul boldly defends his apostolic authority and the Gospel he received directly from the Lord Jesus Christ, warning against any deviation from the true Gospel.
The Certainty of Our Calling
0ROM 11:131CO 1:312CO 5:202CO 10:8COL 1:28Martin Luther emphasizes the importance for ministers to recognize and exalt their calling as messengers of God, comparing it to an ambassador who is honored for his position, not his personal attributes. By magnifying their office, ministers can gain authority and credibility in sharing the Gospel. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, exemplifies this by taking pride in his ministry as an apostle of the Gentiles, not for self-glory but to glorify God and draw people to the message of grace and mercy.
Paul, an Apostle, (Not of Men, etc.)
0ACT 1:24ROM 1:11CO 12:28GAL 1:11TI 5:22Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of a divine call to the ministry, distinguishing between those called by men, by man, and directly by Jesus Christ like the apostles. He highlights the necessity for ministers to be properly called by God to ensure their work is blessed and edifying. Luther stresses the opposition and challenges that come with a divine call, serving as a means of fortification against the attacks of the devil and the world.
And God the Father, Who Raised Him From the Dead.
0ROM 1:11CO 15:57Martin Luther emphasizes the righteousness of faith in contrast to the righteousness of works, highlighting the significance of Christ's resurrection by God the Father as the foundation of our victory over sin, death, and all evil. He addresses the opposition faced from those who distort the righteousness of Christ and emphasizes that through Christ's resurrection, we have been granted His victory over all enemies. Luther's focus on the resurrection of Christ underscores the assurance of our righteousness and victory through Him.
And All the Brethren Which Are With Me.
0GAL 1:8Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of discerning false apostles by highlighting Paul's defense of his ministry against those who seek to discredit it. Paul asserts that his doctrine is divinely true and is supported by the unity of belief among all the brethren with him, even though they are not apostles. This unity in teaching and writing reinforces the authenticity of Paul's message and serves as a powerful rebuttal against the false apostles' accusations.
Unto the Churches of Galatia.
01CO 1:181CO 15:582TI 3:121PE 4:12Martin Luther preaches about the challenges faced by God's ministers in dealing with opposition from both the wicked world and religious fanatics who quickly undo years of patient indoctrination. He highlights the importance of enduring persecution and mistreatment, finding comfort and glory in the promise of everlasting life for those called by God. Luther emphasizes that despite the presence of false brethren and those who stray from the Gospel, the means of grace such as baptism and the Word of God remain divine and uncontaminated, signifying the presence of the Holy Church.
Grace Be to You, and Peace, From God the Father, and From Our Lord Jesus Christ.
0JHN 14:27ROM 5:1GAL 5:1EPH 2:81PE 5:7Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of understanding and constantly reminding ourselves of the article of justification due to our human frailty. He explains how grace and peace, received from God, are essential in Christianity as they bring forgiveness of sins and tranquility to the conscience. Luther contrasts the worldly belief in good works and free will for salvation with the truth that only God's grace can truly remove sin and grant peace. He warns against seeking peace through human efforts or religious exercises, highlighting that true rest and assurance come from clinging to God's grace alone.
Men Should Not Speculate About the Nature of God
0Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ as the Mediator between God and man, cautioning against delving too deeply into the nature of God which can lead to losing sight of the essential role of Christ in salvation. True Christian theology centers on God's purpose and will in Christ, who came to earth, suffered, and died for our sins, providing a clear focal point for our faith. Luther warns against speculating on God's incomprehensible nature when dealing with sin and righteousness, urging believers to embrace Christ as the only means to access the Father and receive grace and peace.
Small Catechism
0MAT 6:9Martin Luther presents Luther's Little Instruction Book, also known as The Small Catechism, which outlines the importance of understanding and following the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar. Luther emphasizes the significance of fearing, loving, and trusting God above all else, seeking forgiveness, and living a righteous life in accordance with God's Word. He stresses the power of God's grace, the necessity of repentance, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
That He Might Deliver Us From This Present Evil World.
0JHN 1:12JHN 14:6GAL 1:4EPH 2:81JN 4:10Martin Luther preaches about the evil nature of this present world, controlled by the devil, where ignorance, contempt, hatred, and disobedience of God prevail. He emphasizes that without Christ, all talents and virtues are futile and even hinder the acceptance of the Gospel. Luther stresses the need for deliverance from the devil's kingdom, which can only be achieved through Christ, not by human efforts or wisdom. He highlights the contrast between the devil's kingdom of iniquity and despair and Christ's kingdom of grace, peace, and everlasting life, emphasizing that we are saved by God's mercy and love, not by our own works or will.
To Whom Be Glory for Ever and Ever. Amen.
0PSA 100:4PHP 4:6COL 3:171TH 5:18HEB 13:15Martin Luther emphasizes the intertwining of Hebrew writing with expressions of praise and gratitude, a pattern evident in the apostolic writings, especially in the works of Paul. He underscores the importance of mentioning the name of the Lord with profound reverence and thanksgiving, reflecting the deep respect and gratitude believers should have towards God.
I Marvel.
0GAL 5:10Martin Luther preaches on Paul's patient and loving approach towards the seduced Galatians, excusing their error like a father and reproving them with motherly affection. He expresses his anger towards the seducers who led the Galatians astray, condemning them with strong words and curses. Despite his disappointment, Paul's gentle words aim to bring the Galatians back to the Gospel, following the principle of restoring the fallen with meekness. Luther contrasts the compassionate approach towards the misled with the need for strict condemnation of false teachers, emphasizing the importance of seeking salvation over destruction.
That Ye Are So Soon.
0MAT 13:25GAL 1:61TI 4:11PE 5:8Martin Luther emphasizes the fragility of faith and the constant threat of false teachings that can quickly undo years of hard work in establishing a Christian church. He warns against ignorance and arrogance in assuming knowledge of the Word without true understanding or spiritual experience. Luther urges vigilance against the devil's schemes to infiltrate and disrupt the church, as seen in the churches of Galatia falling into confusion after his departure due to false apostles.
I Marvel That Ye Are So Soon Removed.
01CO 15:58GAL 1:6GAL 5:7HEB 2:1JAS 1:22Martin Luther addresses the Galatians with gentleness, expressing his surprise at how quickly they have strayed from the true Gospel. He condemns those who led them astray while gently reproving the Galatians for allowing themselves to be swayed. Luther implies that if they had a firmer grasp on the Word, they would not have been so easily influenced. He draws parallels between the Galatians and the Germans, noting a lack of constancy in both groups when it comes to faith and zeal for the Gospel.
From Him That Called You Into the Grace of Christ.
0JHN 3:19ROM 6:14GAL 1:6GAL 5:1EPH 6:12Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of clinging to the grace of Christ, highlighting the benefits of Christ and the dangers of turning away from Him. He laments the world's rejection of the Gospel and its blessings, attributing it to the world being under the influence of the devil. Luther urges the Galatians to remain steadfast in the doctrine of grace and liberty in Christ, warning against being swayed by the demands of the law.
Unto Another Gospel.
02CO 11:14GAL 1:6EPH 6:121TI 4:11PE 5:8Martin Luther warns about the resourcefulness of the devil in disguising his deceitful schemes as light and truth, using false apostles and heretics to distort the Gospel of Christ. He highlights how the devil manipulates people by presenting his poison as God's Word, leading many astray. Luther emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the true Word of Christ amidst the cunning tactics of the enemy, recognizing the spiritual battle against dark forces and wickedness in high places.
Which Is Not Another; but There Be Some That Trouble You.
0Martin Luther passionately defends himself against false apostles who were troubling the Galatians by condemning him as an imperfect apostle and preacher. He highlights the ongoing warfare of condemnation in the church, with the papists and fanatics opposing his doctrine while Luther condemns their teachings. Luther asserts that every teacher of work-righteousness is a trouble-maker, emphasizing that the papists and the whole synagogue of Satan are worse than false apostles for omitting faith and promoting self-devised traditions. The false apostles accused Paul of disregarding the Law of God and sought to undermine his credibility among the Galatians.
And Would Pervert the Gospel of Christ.
0ROM 11:6GAL 1:7GAL 2:21EPH 2:8Martin Luther emphasizes the danger of false apostles who distort the Gospel by mixing Law and Gospel, leading to the elimination of Christ's grace. He highlights the impossibility of coexisting grace and law in the conscience, stressing that it is either one or the other. Luther warns against the severe consequences of blending faith and works, as it obscures the true knowledge of grace and removes Christ from the equation.
Christ Is God by Nature
0JHN 1:1ACT 10:36ROM 3:24EPH 2:14COL 1:191JN 1:9Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of confirming our faith in Christ as very God, as Satan relentlessly attacks our faith knowing it is the victory that overcomes him and the world. Paul attributes divine powers to Christ, such as the ability to dispense grace and peace, which only God can create. By acknowledging Christ's ability to create and give blessings like grace, peace, everlasting life, righteousness, and forgiveness of sins, it becomes clear that Christ is truly God.