Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.
Martin LutherRead
For from the error of not knowing, or understanding, what sin is, there necessarily arises another error, that people cannot know or understand what grace is.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding sin is essential to comprehend grace.
Martin Luther's quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of sin and grace in moral and theological thought. He argues that without a proper understanding of what sin is, people will similarly struggle to grasp the concept of grace, which is seen as the unmerited favor of God towards humanity. This highlights the importance of education and knowledge in spiritual matters, suggesting that clear definitions and comprehension are crucial for spiritual growth and understanding.
Themes
SinGraceUnderstandingPhilosophyTheology
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon on forgiveness, this quote could be used to discuss the relationship between sin and grace.
More from Martin Luther
All quotes βNow if I believe in God's Son and remember that He became man, all creatures will appear a hundred times more beautiful to me than before. Then I will properly appreciate the sun, the moon, the stars, trees, apples, as I reflect that he is Lord over all things. ...God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.
Martin LutherRead
It is the part of a Christian to take care of his own body for the very purpose that, by its soundness and wellbeing, he may be enabled to labour, and to acquire and preserve property, for the aid of those who are in want, that thus the stronger member may serve the weaker member, and we may be children of God, and busy for one another, bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfiling the law of Christ.
Martin LutherRead
Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but more frequently than not struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God.
Martin LutherRead
We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands.
Martin LutherRead
In a mouse we admire God's creation and craft work. The same may be said about flies.
Martin LutherRead
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