A Mirthful and Insightful Word from Martin Luther

This is from a devotional book I frequently use and would certainly recommend. It is available in print and as an e-book.

ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19 Suppose you’re a homeowner and something in your home is damaged. You become angry about it but soon discover that “No One” did it. Even though nobody admits to it, the damage remains, and it bothers you. Every so often, a servant is caught in the act of damaging property but still denies doing it. If only the servant would confess, the master could easily forgive the servant.

The devil and death have brought “No One” into the world. People today are so bad, evil, and full of sin that they place their own guilt on other people’s shoulders. If only they would admit their sin, they could be forgiven and would find that God is merciful. God wouldn’t deny us anything if only we would crawl to his cross. But we don’t do it, and in the process we pile seven other sins on top of one sin. Yes, we multiply our sins to no end and beyond all measure!

The devil does the same. He denies everything and makes many sins out of one sin. If a child were to say, “O Father, I have done wrong. Forgive me,” she would be forgiven. But the child stubbornly says no and refuses to admit any wrongdoing. She adds a lie to the sin and to the damage she has already caused. Once again, more sins spring from the first sin. On the other hand, if she were to confess the sin and say, “I have done it,” she would remain in the light and would be like an angel.

November 5

Luther, Martin. Faith Alone (pp. 315-316). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.