05 February 2021

Gerhard and Walther

The rebirth is performed once and immediately completed, but the renewal extends itself throughout an entire lifetime, and will be totally completed in eternal life.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis I:185.

In the New Testament, where the types have ceased, grace is still greater. The signs of the Old Testament were connected with the promise, but the New Testament signs are accompanied by heavenly goods. The Holy Spirit is richly poured out at the Baptism of one who believes he is born again and renewed to eternal life. Whoever received the blessed bread and the blessed cup in the holy Supper is also fed with Christ’s true body and blood.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 297.

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