But be that as it may, whether we sinned or did right, we must for all of that be undaunted and unafraid. For just as we do not boast of our good deeds, neither do we despond in our sins. Bather do we thank God that our faith transcends both good deeds and sins. For the Father of all mercy has granted us faith, not in a wooden but in a living Christ, who is Lord over sin and over innocence, who can support and preserve us even if we fell into many thousands of sins every hour. Of this I have not the slightest doubt. And even if Satan would tempt us still more sorely and severely, he will not weary us, unless he succeeds in tearing Christ from the right hand of God. But so long as Christ remains enthroned there, we will also remain lords and masters over sin, death, devil, and everything. Nothing can undo that.  (Luther’s Works, v.43, p.65)

Picture:  Art. IIII  Das wir ohne unser verdinst durch den glaubë Gerechfertiget werdë. 
“That without our merit, through faith we are justified.”
Rom.  3, v. 24 ; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Gal. 2, v. 16 ; Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law : for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

[All of the pictures for this year’s posts are from an etching entitled “Augsburg Confession” by Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) and found in the Royal Collection Trust.]

Alas, I ask myself if this is not happening in punishment of some of my chief patrons and of me. Of my patrons, because, though they believe that Christ is risen, they still wander about in the Garden [looking] for him along with Magdalene, and he has not yet ascended to the Father for them [John 20:17]. Of me, because, as a concession to good friends, I was so subdued at Worms lest I appear stubborn, and so did not make a more explicit and a bolder confession before the tyrants, although since that time these unbelieving heathen have accused me of replying arrogantly. They judge as heathen (that is what they are), who have never sensed a bit of the spirit of faith. I have often regretted my humility and deference.  (Luther’s Works, v.43, p.65)

Picture:  Art. III  Das Christu Gott und Mensch anser Erlöser und Heÿland seÿ. 
“That Christ God is our Savior and Redeemer of men.”
Jere. 23, v. 6 ;  “In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely : and this is his name whereby he shall be called.  THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”
1 Tim. 2, v. 5 ; “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

[All of the pictures for this year’s posts are from an etching entitled “Augsburg Confession” by Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) and found in the Royal Collection Trust.]

Recently our faith was put to a still harder test. Satan, who always mingles with the children of God [Job 1:6], has made fine sport of us, mainly of me, in Wittenberg.  He has permitted our adversaries to indulge their hatred against us. He opened his mouth wide to vilify the gospel. All my foes, including all devils, no matter how viciously they (often) attacked me, have never hit me as hard as our own people did now. I must confess that the smoke sorely smarts my eyes and makes me heartsick. Here, the devil thought, “I will depress Luther’s courage and break his strong spirit. He will neither understand nor overcome what is done.”  (Luther’s Works, v.43, p.64-65)

Picture:  Revelation 14:6-7, “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.’”

[All of the pictures for this year’s posts are from an etching entitled “Augsburg Confession” by Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) and found in the Royal Collection Trust.]