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If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong (sin boldly), but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2. Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign.

Martin Luther#4

FaithReligionEthicsSpiritualityGraceSin

About this quote

What does it mean?
Luther argues that true faith involves acknowledging sin while trusting completely in grace.
In plain terms
Be honest about your faults but trust in God even more.
What can you take from it?
Authentic faith requires honest self-assessment and deep trust.

Where it applies

  • spiritual guidance
  • personal reflection
  • pastoral care

Putting it to work

  • practice honesty
  • cultivate trust

Questions to consider

  • What is the role of sin in faith?
  • How does trust overcome fear?

Another view

The phrase sin boldly can be misinterpreted as permission to sin intentionally.

More from Martin Luther

  1. Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge…

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. What does it mean to have a god? or, what is God? Answer: A god means that from which we are to expect all good and to which we are to take refuge in all distr…

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. By God's grace, I know Satan very well. If Satan can turn God's Word upside down and pervert the Scriptures, what will he do with my words -- or the words of o…

    Permalink to quote #2

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