Gerhard and Walther

By faith Sarah in her old age received strength to bear Isaac, her son; so by faith, though spiritually dead, we receive strength to bring forth Christ. For as Christ was once conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary, so is He daily born in the faithful soul that keeps itself pure and free from worldly defilement.—Johann Gerhard, Sacred Meditation XII

Instruction for a pious and virtuous life is the central teaching of every religion except Christianity. But in the kingdom established by Christ, the main thing is the forgiveness of sins. In order for all people to obtain this forgiveness, the Son of God became man and died on the cross. This was the real purpose of His entire great work on earth.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 789.