Michael Reeves

The act of sin has its roots in the heart of sin. and reveals that something other than God has become the true object of the heart's desire and adoration. And when played out in real life, the difference between those two visions becomes very obvious. See, if right behavior is the goal, and if that's a goal that everyone can achieve if they simply exert themselves properly,

The act of sin has its roots in the heart of sin. and reveals that something other than God has become the true object of the heart's desire and adoration. And when played out in real life, the difference between those two visions becomes very obvious. See, if right behavior is the goal, and if that's a goal that everyone can achieve if they simply exert themselves properly,

well then the church can run just like an army. Pastors can serve as the sergeant majors, drilling their troops into line. Because after all, as Erasmus believed, everyone is capable of getting into line. Why aren't the people more holy? Because they're not trying hard enough. But,

well then the church can run just like an army. Pastors can serve as the sergeant majors, drilling their troops into line. Because after all, as Erasmus believed, everyone is capable of getting into line. Why aren't the people more holy? Because they're not trying hard enough. But,

If, as Luther saw, we're made for a deeper purpose, to love, to glorify, to enjoy God, and if we cannot naturally love Him because we're enslaved to sin, then merely to order people to do what they can't is cruel. In other words, anyone who holds to Luther's deep view of sin must find their compassion swell and build. Because people are not just naturally lazy, they are helpless.

If, as Luther saw, we're made for a deeper purpose, to love, to glorify, to enjoy God, and if we cannot naturally love Him because we're enslaved to sin, then merely to order people to do what they can't is cruel. In other words, anyone who holds to Luther's deep view of sin must find their compassion swell and build. Because people are not just naturally lazy, they are helpless.

They need their very hearts to be dealt with, not simply their performance. Above all, they need the one thing with the power to turn and liberate their hearts. The gospel. Luther asked, how shall a work please God if it comes from a reluctant, resisting heart?

They need their very hearts to be dealt with, not simply their performance. Above all, they need the one thing with the power to turn and liberate their hearts. The gospel. Luther asked, how shall a work please God if it comes from a reluctant, resisting heart?

If hearts are enslaved to the charming lies of sin, if they're to be won to God, then the glory of God in the face of Christ must be made known to them. Christ must be shown to be better, more desirable than sin. And that was how Luther would minister to people. And so compare Erasmus' stern counsel of try harder with this from Luther.

If hearts are enslaved to the charming lies of sin, if they're to be won to God, then the glory of God in the face of Christ must be made known to them. Christ must be shown to be better, more desirable than sin. And that was how Luther would minister to people. And so compare Erasmus' stern counsel of try harder with this from Luther.

Luther wrote, I could not have faith in God if I did not think he wanted to be favorable and kind to me. This in turn makes me feel kindly disposed towards God personally. And I'm moved to trust him with all my heart and look to him for all good things. He goes on, look here, this is how you must cultivate Christ in yourself.

Luther wrote, I could not have faith in God if I did not think he wanted to be favorable and kind to me. This in turn makes me feel kindly disposed towards God personally. And I'm moved to trust him with all my heart and look to him for all good things. He goes on, look here, this is how you must cultivate Christ in yourself.

Faith must spring up and flow from the blood and wounds and death of Christ. If you see in these God is so kindly disposed towards you, he even gives his son for you, then your heart in turn will grow sweet and disposed towards God. He saw because sin is a slavery, an addiction, Luther saw he couldn't simply hector or order people out of it.

Faith must spring up and flow from the blood and wounds and death of Christ. If you see in these God is so kindly disposed towards you, he even gives his son for you, then your heart in turn will grow sweet and disposed towards God. He saw because sin is a slavery, an addiction, Luther saw he couldn't simply hector or order people out of it.

That might bring about such a bullying pastor could bring about behavioral change. You can enforce that somehow, but that will only reinforce a deeper self-dependence. No, ears need to be opened. to the message of Christ and Him crucified. Eyes need to be opened to the unfathomable kindness and glory of the living God, and only in that gospel light can true humility, goodness, and charity grow.

That might bring about such a bullying pastor could bring about behavioral change. You can enforce that somehow, but that will only reinforce a deeper self-dependence. No, ears need to be opened. to the message of Christ and Him crucified. Eyes need to be opened to the unfathomable kindness and glory of the living God, and only in that gospel light can true humility, goodness, and charity grow.

You see, the Reformation's deep view of sin goes all the way down into the hearts, enslaving us. It looks initially unattractive. But if sin is not much of a problem, Christ is not much of a saviour. And we don't need much grace. Only if I see my plight is so bad I cannot fix it myself, only then will I turn to Christ and depend on Him instead of myself.

You see, the Reformation's deep view of sin goes all the way down into the hearts, enslaving us. It looks initially unattractive. But if sin is not much of a problem, Christ is not much of a saviour. And we don't need much grace. Only if I see my plight is so bad I cannot fix it myself, only then will I turn to Christ and depend on Him instead of myself.

Only then will I despair of my efforts and look outside myself for hope. And that's what we see in the Gospels, isn't it? In the Gospels, it's the one with the great debt cancelled who loves most. In Luke 7, it's the forgiven prostitutes and tax collectors who weep with joy, give away their wealth and love Jesus. It's the Pharisees, those who think they are something in themselves.

Only then will I despair of my efforts and look outside myself for hope. And that's what we see in the Gospels, isn't it? In the Gospels, it's the one with the great debt cancelled who loves most. In Luke 7, it's the forgiven prostitutes and tax collectors who weep with joy, give away their wealth and love Jesus. It's the Pharisees, those who think they are something in themselves.