Quotes about Martin Luther

These words are like so many thunderclaps of protest from heaven against every kind and type of self-merit.

The vicious character of sin is brought out by the words "who gave himself for our sins." So vicious is sin that only the sacrifice of Christ could atone for sin.

He says "firm place" because spiritual goods do not persist in themselves but in God, from whom they gush forth without ceasing.

It is not our business to terrify any godless person.

He is wonderful in His Holy One because He brings Him into tribulation and thus crowns Him.

Hence it is great wisdom to know that we are nothing but sin, so that we do not think of sin as lightly as do the pope's theologians, who define sin as "anything said, done, or thought against the Law of God." Define sin, rather, on the basis of this psalm, as all that is born of father and mother, before a man is old enough to say, do, or think anything.

Unless a sharp distinction is maintained between the purpose and function of the Law and the Gospel, the Christian doctrine cannot be kept free from error.

For such unjust acts of robbery lead automatically to vengeance and punishments, as Augustine's statement bears out. "Gain in the coffer," he says, "harm in the conscience." 55 No unjust gain is without most unjust harm.

O how many follow them today, people full of envy and the gall of vengefulness who fashion I do not know what kind of idol of jealousy for themselves and lie about the severity of righteousness as they seek the most obstinate lie!

Who can love Him if He wants to deal with sinners according to righteousness? Therefore remember that the righteousness of God is that by which we are justified, or the gift of the forgiveness of sins.

May the Lord, whose cause this is, enlighten you and make you a vessel to honour and glory. Amen.

For repentance comes from the law of God, but faith or grace from the promises of God, as it is said, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God