reformation day

The photo above is of the Luther Monument in Worms, Germany.  Learn more about it here. 

In celebration of Reformation Day, here are a few quotes from Martin Luther (apologies for some lacking source citation): 

"Faith is a living, unshakeable confidence in God's grace; it is so certain, that someone would die a thousand times for it. This kind of trust in and knowledge of God's grace makes a person joyful, confident, and happy with regard to God and all creatures. This is what the Holy Spirit does by faith. Through faith, a person will do good to everyone without coercion, willingly and happily; he will serve everyone, suffer everything for the love and praise of God, who has shown him such grace. It is as impossible to separate works from faith as burning and shining from fire." (Introduction to the Commentary on Romans)

"We find no rest for our weary bones unless we cling to the word of grace." (Commentary on Galatians)

“He who believes God, recognizes Him as true and faithful, and himself as a liar; for he mistrusts his own thinking as false, and trusts the Word of God as being true, though it absolutely contradicts his own reasoning.”  (Commentary on Romans)

"We must learn that forgiveness of sins, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, are freely granted to us at the preaching of faith, in spite of our sinfulness. We are not to waste time thinking how unworthy we are of the blessings of God. We are to know that it pleased God to freely give us His unspeakable gifts. If He offers His gifts free of charge, why not take them? Why worry about our lack of worthiness? Why not accept gifts with joy and thanksgiving?”  (Commentary on Galatians) 

[On Galatians 1:4...] "Christ was given up to death not for our righteousness or holiness, but for our sins, which are true sins, great ones, infinitely many, and invincible. So do not think they are small and such as may be gotten rid of by your own works; and do not despair because of their greatness if you feel oppressed by them, either in life or in death. Rather, learn from Paul to believe that Christ was given, not for pretend sins, nor for small sins, but for great and huge sins; not for one or two, but for all of them; not for vanquished sins (for no one— not even any angel— is able to overcome the least sin that there is), but for invincible sins."  (Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians)

"There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage." (Table Talk)

"Peace if possible, truth at all costs." 

“I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals. I have within me the great pope, Self.”

"Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of his willingness."

"We are beggars: this is true." ("The Last Written Words of Luther," Table Talk)