10 March
This most certainly is a true and precious, trustworthy statement, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15.
So remember now to arm yourself with diligence, so that you at all times are equipped, not just only when you apart from the external challenges or tribulations are at peace with your conscience, rather also when amidst highest distress and danger you have to fight with death, when your conscience reminds you of and terrifies you with your past sins and Satan with great might goes about under your eyes and reminds you about the great burden of your sins in order to overcome you like with a great flood, to scare and chase you away from Christ, to bring you into doubt or despair; I tell you, immediately remind yourself that Christ gave Himself up not for dreamt up or drawn or painted sins, rather for actual sins, not just for little insignificant sins, rather for overall huge and gruesome sins, not for one or two, rather for all sins, not for conquered and expunged sins, rather for unconquerable and strong, powerful sins.
Well Luther, I kept your one sentence also into my English translation. And Satan, you couldn’t stop me from finishing this one – despite my physical pains and only 3 typing fingers. Dear reader, this one has a comforting verse and concluding phrase.
One of the saved sinners,
Elmer H.
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