What of it?

One of my favorite movies is the 2003 "Luther," starring Joseph Fiennes. One of my favorite lines from the movie comes from Luther preaching in the Wittenburg church. I had assumed that the makers of the film may have taken some artisitic license in creating this sermon. But it turns out that some of the words come directly from a letter written by Martin Luther to his friend, Jerome Weller, in 1530. Here is the excellent quote for your edification:

When the devil throws our sins up to us and declares we deserve death and hell, we ought to speak thus: 

“I admit that I deserve death and hell. 

What of it? 

Does this mean that I shall be sentenced to eternal damnation? 

By no means. 

For I know One who suffered and made a satisfaction in my behalf. 

His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

Where he is, there I shall be also.”

-Martin Luther, h/t Justin Taylor

Impressive

Kevin DeYoung: Following up on the Jesus/Religion Video

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
-Psalm 133:1

Chrysostom on Epiphany: Magi Saved by Grace through Faith

The Magi, teachers of a false faith, could never have come to know Christ Our Lord, had they not been illumined by the grace of this divine condescension. Indeed the grace of God overflowed at the Birth of Christ, so that each single soul might be enlightened by His Truth. The Magi are enlightened so that the goodness of God may be made manifest: so that no one need despair, doubting that salvation through faith will be given to him, seeing He bestowed it on the Magi. The Magi therefore were the first from the Gentiles chosen for salvation, so that through them a door might be opened to all the Gentiles.

-St. John Chrysostom (347-407) from an Epiphany sermon