Such is the case to this day with respect to the true brazen serpent, the Lord Jesus Christ. All men are of the opinion that if they are to be helped, it must not be done by "looking" or faith. Whoever does good works and commits no sin, has all the more advantage before God. Therefore no matter what one may preach, it is of no avail. One resorts to this, another to that; "for all men have not faith." They thus want to find another way to health than by "looking," that is, faith in Christ. But learn this: It is decided, that the devil has so poisoned you through sin, that death has you by the throat, and you cannot escape, but must absolutely submit. But if you are to be saved from this poison and death, by all means don't think of any other medicine than this "looking"; namely, that you rightly look upon Christ on the cross as the One who died for you, offered up His life, atoned for your sins with His death, and thus has reconciled you to God. If you believe this and are baptized, then you are truly born again through the Holy Ghost unto the kingdom of God; and do not doubt it in the least. For you have heard above that this new birth takes place in no other way than through the "sound," that is, the Word. Cling to this and believe what it tells you, that it is yea and Amen.
From Luther's House Postil. Sermon for the Second Sunday After Trinity.
