23 July 2020

Luther and Lewis

And if a man has fallen into sin, he should think most intensely of his baptism, of God there has promised to forgive all his sin, if he would fight against it until death.—Martin Luther, Sermon on Baptism, 1519

Where men are forbidden to honour the king, they honour millionaires, athlethes or film stars instead: even famous prostitutes and gangsters. For spiritual nature, like bodily nature, will be served; deny it food and it will gobble poison.—C. S. Lewis, Business of Heaven, p. 188


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Luther writes:
“God there has promised to forgive all his sin, if he would fight against it until death.”
First, this sounds like synergism; the forgiveness of our sins depends on our fighting against them. Secondly, does that mean God does not forgive any of our sins until we die? Otherwise, there is no telling if he fought “against it until death.”
All the best to you and yours Will.
Peace and Joy!
George A. Marquart

William Weedon said...

Dear George,

I was thinking of you just the other day in my walk, hoping you were well, and remembering the little visit we had some years ago. I’m happy to know you’re still reading here. The writing was 1519; and that always has a bearing. As Dr. Nagel would say: the Gospel had not yet come clear to him by then.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Will. I think of that little visit quite often, with a great deal of pleasure and delight.
Peace and Joy!
George