Gerhard and Walther

[God] gave us a rational soul, so that we could know, love, possess, and eternal receive Him as the only Highest Good.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis III:104.

We must understand that true faith cannot be mere imagination and powerless conviction that can result from understanding the truth of the Gospel. Instead, it must be something living, powerful, always active and busy. It is something that changes and renews our hearts and minds, making us into totally new people.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 472.