Ability Quote by Martin Luther
“Does it follow from: 'turn ye' that therefore you can turn? Does it follow from "'Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart' (Deut 6.5) that therefore you can love with all your heart? What do arguments of this kind prove, but the 'free-will' does not need the grace of God, but can do all things by its own power…But it does not follow from this that man is converted by his own power, nor do the words say so; they simply say: "if thou wilt turn,telling man what he should do. When he knows it, and sees that he cannot do it, he will ask whence he may find ability to do it..." 164”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Deformation of Free Will, 1525
The passage argues that moral ability cannot be derived solely from divine command; human effort alone cannot achieve true conversion without divine grace.
In simple terms: Human effort alone cannot achieve true conversion without divine grace.
Key Takeaway
Recognize dependence on divine grace for genuine change.
Themes
theology
free will
grace
human limitation
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- religious conversion
- personal moral growth
- spiritual teaching
Key Concepts
Divine sovereignty
human agency
obedience
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance personal responsibility with reliance on divine help?
- What role does grace play in moral decision making?
A Different Perspective
Human effort alone cannot guarantee transformation; divine grace is essential.
