Gerhard and Walther

The obedience toward God is the main well-spring of all good works. That’s why it is also praised so highly.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis III:243.

If a person becomes a true Christian, he does more than lay aside vices and take on virtues. He becomes a totally new person in his heart and in his mind. A true Christian is a child of God, born anew by the Holy Ghost.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 556.