I always get to thinking about Marin Luther this time of year because this October 31 marks 509th anniversary of his Ninety-five Theses. According to tradition Pope Leo X remarked on reading the Theses, “Luther is a drunken German. He will feel different when he is sober.” There is a good deal of speculation about the attitude of the current Pope, Leo XIV, toward Luther since both men had been members of the Order of Saint Augustine. Will their common rooting in the teachings of Augustine open a bridge between Lutherans and Roman Catholics? Time will tell.

Fundamental to Luther’s theology (and Augustine’s) is the belief that we can’t earn the grace of God. Luther stated in the 1518 Heidelberg Disputation: “The person who believes that he can obtain grace by doing what is in him adds sin to sin so that he becomes doubly guilty. . . .  What then shall we do? . . . [You should]  fall down and pray for grace and place your hope in Christ in whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection. For this reason we are so instructed-for this reason the law makes us aware of sin so that, having recognized our sin, we may seek and receive grace.”

Does recognizing our sin and praying for grace speak to modern people? I don’t know. It speaks to me, but I am steeped in Luther’s way of thinking. I realize I am a sinner and am grateful and humbled beyond measure that God loves me anyway.

Does this talk of sin and grace say anything to you?

Read Hebrews 4:16  and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne