When the devil throws our sins up to us and declares that we deserve death and hell, we ought to speak thus: “I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? Does this mean that I shall be sentenced to eternal damnation? By no means! For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction in my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God. Where He is, there I shall be also!”
— Martin Luther, "Letter to Jerome Weller", in Letters of Spiritual Counsel, ed. and trans. Theodore G. Tappert (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960), p86-87
Month: February 2014
Great stuff from Nim Clemo:
What gospel truths do you use to excuse your sin?
- “Jesus died to forgive my sins”
- “I’m saved by grace, not works”
- “I mustn’t be legalistic about holiness”
But when I look in the mirror of God’s word – alongside the challenging words of John Owen – I can’t help but see the ugly realities of my heart:
- “Holiness and obedience aren’t my top priorities”
- “I’m too lazy to deal with sin”
- “I don’t want to fast and battle in prayer”
- “I don’t believe my sin is dangerous to me”
Wow. Told you it’s ugly. How greatly we need Jesus!
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Feeling very proud of my parents right about now: