Forgiveness Quote by Martin Luther
““Ascribe both to God alone, and look upon the person administering it as simply the vicarious instrument of God, by which the Lord sitting in heaven thrusts you under the water with his own hands, and promises you forgiveness of your sins, speaking to you upon earth with a human voice by the mouth of his minister.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: 1520s Reformation preaching, Germany
Faith is mediated through human ministers, but ultimate authority and forgiveness come from God alone.
In simple terms: God alone forgives; ministers are his tools.
Key Takeaway
Trust divine forgiveness, not human mediators.
Themes
faith
divine authority
humility
Mood
reflective
reverent
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- church services
- personal confession
- spiritual guidance
Key Concepts
theology
reformation
mediation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern divine will versus human interpretation?
- What role should human leaders play in spiritual matters?
A Different Perspective
Human fallibility can distort divine messages.
