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Historical Theology Martin Luther Spirituality

Martin Luther on Suffering and Freedom

Reading through Martin Luther’s classic On the Freedom of a Christian, this passage struck me:

This is a spiritual power, which rules in the midst of enemies, and is powerful in the midst of distress.  And this is nothing else than that strength is made perfect in my weakness, and that I can turn all things to the profit of my salvation; so that even the cross and death are compelled to serve me and to work together for my salvation.  This is a lofty and eminent dignity, a true and mighty dominion, a spiritual empire, in which there is nothing so good, nothing so bad, as not to work together for my good, if only I believe.  And yet there is nothing of which I have need — for faith alone suffices for my salvation — unless that, in it, faith may exercise the power and empire of its liberty.  This is the inestimable power and liberty of Christians.

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Epistemology Historical Theology Law and Policy Martin Luther Theology

Martin Luther: Freedom

“A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one.”

— Martin Luther, “The Freedom of a Christian”