He who masters the art of exact distinction between the Law and the Gospel should be called a real theologian. These two must be kept apart. The function of the Law is to frighten men and drive them to despair, especially the coarse and secure sinners, until they realize their inability to meet the demands of the Law or to obtain grace. They will never obtain mercy, but must despair. Dr. Staupitz told me once: I lied to God more than a thousand times, promising that I would become pious. I never kept the promise. Therefore I shall no longer form that resolve; for I see very well that I am unable to keep my promise, and I never again want to tell a lie. I myself had the same experience. In the papacy I was zealously given to piety. But how long did it last? Only until I read Mass. After an hour I was worse than before. In the end one becomes weary and feels impelled to say: I will lay piety, Moses, and the Law aside and cling to another Person, who says (Matt. 11:28): ‘Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.’ Cherish these words: Come to Me. This Preacher does not teach you that you can love God, nor does He prescribe what you are to do and how you are to live. But He does tell you that even if you cannot keep the Law, you can still be a pious man and be saved. His message differs from the teaching of Moses’ Law, which deals only with works. The Law says: You must not sin! Make it your concern to be pious! Do this and do that! But Christ says: Accept this from Me. You lack piety, but I have kept the Law for you. Your sins are forgiven. ” Martin Luther Luthers Works, AE 23:271, Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, John 7:37
Posted on: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 09:18:25 +0000
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