Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate.  Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.  For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.

 
 
 

Going to Jesus

Daily Thoughts

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Thought for the Evening
9-24

MARTIN LUTHER

An inquiry from the internet

Dear John,

Have you read the teachings of Martin Luther and do you believe his teachings to be the truth?

Thanks,

Mr. Jones

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Hi Mr. Jones:

Thanks for writing.

I have read several of the things Martin Luther is said to have written, in addition to studying the history of his time and a couple of his biographies, but it has been some years ago since I have done so. He certainly saw the foolishness of some of the absurd rituals and gross covetousness of the Catholic clergy of his day. Of course, he did not intend to leave the Catholic religion in the beginning; he merely desired that his Catholic superiors should reform and renounce some of their worst errors.

In summary of his teachings against Catholic Christianity, Martin Luther purportedly made a famous statement at one of his trials to the effect that salvation is accomplished “by faith alone”. I suppose this is the fundamental basis of Martin Luther’s theology, and I do not believe that is true, at least as it is understood and taught today by Christians. It certainly is not Biblical (see James 2:24).

If you have heard my teaching series on “What Must I Do To Be Saved?”, then you understand why it is wrong to think that salvation is “by faith alone” (or by anything else “alone”). Salvation is not even by Jesus “alone”, because that leaves out the Father, which makes a person “antichrist” (1Jn. 2:22).

If you had any other particular issue in mind concerning Martin Luther please feel free to ask me.

Yours,

Pastor John

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