C. F. W. Walther

From the lectures of C. F. W. Walther September 12, 1884 through November 6, 1885 on 'The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel.' (quotes and paraphrases)

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

The apostles presuppose that their members, spite of their weaknesses and blemishes, are dear, beloved children of God. #Lect38

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Nowhere in Scripture do we find the apostles treating members of their congregations as if their standing with God was uncertain. #Lect38

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

To confirm your claim in the achievement of redemption, here is a precious pledge, namely the body and blood of Christ. #Lect38

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Administering Holy Communion to a person means nothing else than saying in the name of Jesus, "You, too, share in redemption!" #Lect38

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Administering absolution means nothing else than saying by the command and in the place of Christ, "Your sins are forgiven." #Lect38

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Baptizing a person means nothing else than taking him out of the world of lost sinners, giving him assurance that he is God's child. #Lect38

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Living and genuine faith of the heart means nothing else than the divine assurance of the forgiveness of sins, and heaven is open. #Lect38

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

The principal matter is for the hearers to attain full assurance of their state of grace and salvation. #Lect38

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Rousing hearers from carnal security is a preparatory stage, not the matter of chief importance nor the chief aim of a minister. #Lect38

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

When you exhibit the Law in its spiritual meaning, you sink your hearers into despair, but do not make them willing to serve God. #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

A person who has a real understanding of the love of God in Christ Jesus is astonished at its fire which melts anything on earth. #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Enforcers of laws are not concerned about the condition of the hearts of people with whom they must deal, only enforcing obedience. #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

You rejoice over a gift only when it is given from love. Even the most beautiful present is loathed when given under constraint. #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Only those works are good works which a person does freely from the heart. #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

When good works are forced from people by threats or even by the promises of the Law, they are not good works. #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

It is shocking to see a preacher do all he can to produce dead works and turn the members of his congregation into hypocrites. #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

If people are not melted and dissolved in the fire of heavenly love and grace, how can they be softened by laws and threats? #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Even the most corrupt congregation can be improved by nothing else than the preaching of the Gospel in all its sweetness. #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Preachers who have abolished certain evils by the preaching of the Law must not think that they have achieved something great. #Lect37

[C. F. W. Walther @CFW_Quotes]

Confounding of Law and Gospel often occurs when ministers feel their Gospel-preaching is useless because gross sins still occur. #Lect37