Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Romans 4:16-18 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."
GRACE, INCOMPREHENSIBLE AND HARD TO BELIEVE
No nobler message exists than that of grace and the forgiveness of sin. Yet we are such wretched folk that if anyone has once heard or read this message, he knows it and is soon master and doctor. Thereupon he looks for something higher, as though he had finished all that, and creates new sects and schisms.
I have now studied these subjects for many years and have concerned myself with them with all diligence (more than any of those who imagine they know it all) in preaching, writing, reading, etc. Nevertheless, I cannot glory in my mastery and must be glad to remain a pupil with those who are just beginning to learn. Therefore I must admonish and warn all who desire to be Christians, both teachers and pupils, to guard themselves against this shameful notion and satiety. And let them know that it (to appreciate grace) is the supreme and most difficult art one can find on earth, so that even St. Paul must confess and say that it is an unspeakable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15), which one cannot so picture to people in words that they regard it as noble and precious as it is in itself.
--Martin Luther
By grace! This ground of faith is certain;
As long as God is true, it stands.
What saints have penned by inspiration,
What in His Word our God commands,
Our faith in what our God has done
Depends on grace--grace through His Son.
(Lutheran Service Book, 566:4)
