 |
| Luther is not for sissies - that is why the graduates of Mequon, Bethany, and the Concordias seldom read or quote Luther. |
The Learned Are the Most
Perverted
13.
Hence it is very foolish for the councils to wish to determine and establish
what a man must believe, when there is often not a single man present who ever
tasted the least of the divine Spirit. So it was in the Council of Nice, when
they undertook to enact laws for the spiritual orders that they should not
marry, which was all false because it has no foundation in the Word of God.
Then a single man arose, by the name of Paphnutius, and overthrew the whole
affair and said: Not so, that is not Christian. Then the entire council, in
which undoubtedly were many distinguished and learned individuals, were
compelled to drop the resolution, and give. way to this simple and honest man.
For God is a great enemy to high titles and human wisdom, hence he allows them
at times to be handled roughly, and puts them to shame in their speculations,
that the truth of the proverb may appear: The learned are the most perverted.
Eighth
Sunday after Trinity
A
Man Has Said This – Building on Sand
Even
here so many holy fathers have erred like Gregory, Augustine and others, in
that they take from us this right of judgment, for this torment and misery
began far back in history, that we must believe the Pope and the councils.
Hence you must be able to say: God said this, and that God has not said. As
soon as you say: A man has said this, or the councils have determined that,
then you are building on sand.
15.
Hence there is no judge upon the earth in spiritual things concerning Christian
doctrine, except the person who has in his heart the true faith, whether it be
a man or woman, young or old, maid or servant, learned or unlearned. For God is
no respecter of persons, since all are alike precious to him, who live
according to his commandments, Acts 10:34, hence they alone have the right to
judge.
Eighth
Sunday after Trinity
Begin
with Faith, No Sin on Earth Except Unbelief
28.
Thus we must begin with faith. But the Pope begins with works, and commands
persons to do good works that they may become good. Just as if I should say to
the tree: If you want to be a good tree, then begin and bear apples. Just as
though I could bear apples before I was an apple tree. But I must say: If you
want to bear apples, then begin and be an apple tree. Hence the tree must be
there before it can produce fruit.
29. From all this it follows now that there is no sin on earth except unbelief, as Christ says in John 16:8-9: “And the Holy Ghost, when he is come, will convict the world in respect of sin; because they believe not on me.”
Eighth
Sunday after Trinity
Why
Give the Soul to the Devil?
12.
Here and there throughout the whole Scriptures we see how greatly it offends
God, who regards it as the greatest sin when his Word is despised; which is so
dear and precious, that it cost him the blood of his own dear Son, and we cast
it to the wind as though it were of little importance. For this reason he sends
us the severest calamities, which cannot be compared to the present calamity
now going on in the world, that during and after the peasants’ war so many have
been slain, of which there seems to be no end, for who knows when it will
cease? Yet all this is but playwork in comparison to the misfortune when men
are hardened, blinded and misled by false prophets, by which heaven is closed
against them and hell opens to receive them, and everlasting life is lost
forever. What does it matter, as die we must at any rate, if we are killed by
the sword? But that the soul should be forever given to the devil, this is an
eternal calamity, an everlasting misfortune and torment.
13. I would gladly prevent it, if I could, by preaching, praying and writing.
13. I would gladly prevent it, if I could, by preaching, praying and writing.
Eighth
Sunday after Trinity, Second Sermon
The
Bible Is a Book for Rogues and Heretics
23.
Therefore it is true as men say, the holy Bible is a book for heretics, that
is, it is a book that heretics dare to claim for themselves most of all.
For there is no other book which they so wickedly misuse, than just this very book. And there never was a heresy so bad or gross, that they did not try to patch up or cover with the Scriptures. Just as men say, God is the God of rogues, because they, who are the largest crowd in the world, claim for themselves the name of God, not that God is to blame, but the rogues, who thus take the holy name of God in vain. Thus the holy Bible must be a book for heretics, not that the holy Bible is to blame, but the rogues, who so shamefully misuse it. Should I for this reason neglect the Bible and not read it? By no means! As men are accustomed to say in the proverb: “In God’s name all misfortune begins,” which is true. Well then, I will not use the name of God at all, and guard myself against misfortune. But what talk is this? What blame can attach to a name, which is given us in order that we might be saved? God will surely punish such rogues and knaves. Thus the Bible is a book for heretics, but I will not for this reason cast it away, but so much the more study and learn it, because these rogues oppose it.
For there is no other book which they so wickedly misuse, than just this very book. And there never was a heresy so bad or gross, that they did not try to patch up or cover with the Scriptures. Just as men say, God is the God of rogues, because they, who are the largest crowd in the world, claim for themselves the name of God, not that God is to blame, but the rogues, who thus take the holy name of God in vain. Thus the holy Bible must be a book for heretics, not that the holy Bible is to blame, but the rogues, who so shamefully misuse it. Should I for this reason neglect the Bible and not read it? By no means! As men are accustomed to say in the proverb: “In God’s name all misfortune begins,” which is true. Well then, I will not use the name of God at all, and guard myself against misfortune. But what talk is this? What blame can attach to a name, which is given us in order that we might be saved? God will surely punish such rogues and knaves. Thus the Bible is a book for heretics, but I will not for this reason cast it away, but so much the more study and learn it, because these rogues oppose it.
Eighth
Sunday after Trinity, Second Sermon
Take
Away the Heretic’s Weapon and Smite Him
24.
Therefore let now every person be thus well prepared and thoroughly equipped,
that he may not so easily be led astray by their showy life, although they even
attempt to quote Scripture to you, for ravening wolves are most certainly back
of it. And although they think they feed and satisfy you, they actually rend
you, destroy and devour you. However, without spiritual eyes no one will be
able so soon to decide or judge of this matter. The crowd and common people
will not do it; the largest crowd despises the Gospel and are unthankful, while
only the smallest flock accept it and can appreciate it. I have often said, and
will always say it, that the greatest and most difficult contest is, for a
person to contend with the Scriptures against the Scriptures; to strike aside
another man’s sword and wrench it out of his fist, to slay him with his own
sword; to take from him his weapon, and with it strike him again. This no one
can accomplish, except he who is enlightened by the Holy Spirit, so as to be
able to recognize these rogues.
Eighth
Sunday after Trinity, Second Sermon
Against
WELS and the Objective Justification Stormtroopers
30.
Now, take heed rightly to distinguish works from one another. In all their
works you will not find a single spark of love. You will indeed find that they
are friendly within their own sect, calling one another Christians and
brethren; but there is nothing in them but the very poison of the devil. They
have neither mercy nor patience, nor friendship for anyone who is not of their
sect. For if they could destroy us body and soul in an hour or a moment they
would do it. This fruit flesh and blood do not see, but in the meantime they
wear gray gowns and belong to a quiet order, and observe the same rule and
habit.
Eighth
Sunday after Trinity, Second Sermon
