Luther’s Works, Volume 16

by Helmut T. Lehmann; Martin Luther; Hilton C. Oswald; Jaroslav Pelikan

Publisher:

Concordia Publishing House

, 1969

Overview

Luther treats Isaiah and his message as one still relevant for modern times, in fact for all time. The lesson is that God in Jesus Christ comes to the rescue of God’s people in God’s own good time, just as God did to the nation and government of the Jews in Isaiah’s time. Meanwhile, God’s people are to await God’s help in complete confidence and not rely on self-help and on alliances with other men. The great danger then and now, however, lies in humankind’s rebellion against God’s way, for humankind is naturally impatient about waiting for God to do all things well. To God’s invitation that humankind find strength “in quietness and in trust,” humankind is always under temptation to respond: “No, we will speed upon horses!” Luther bids us learn from Isaiah that we are helped and protected by God as the people of Israel were and that we are also chastened like them when this is necessary.

Contents

Top Highlights

“But this is Scripture’s way: first to terrify, to reveal sins, to bring on the recognition of oneself, to humble hearts. Then, when they have been driven to despair, its second office follows, namely, the buoying up and consolation of consciences, the promises. This is how the Holy Spirit teaches. Satan, on the other hand, worms his way in by means of sweet speeches and flattering words until he infects innocent hearts. Then he leaves behind horrible terror and despair without consolation.” (Volume 16, Page 6)

“For by faith, says Peter (Acts 15:9), the hearts are cleansed, not by works or merits. Therefore saintly Isaiah, too, even to the extent that he taught the Law for the purpose of touching consciences, is defiled and dies as a defiled man. Hence the vision has this purpose, that the righteousness of the people may be condemned and they may aspire to the glory which the prophet saw, that is, move from Law to grace.” (Volume 16, Page 72)

“The government of Christ are we, whom He carries on His shoulders. Other kings are carried like rods by their subjects. All kingdoms of the world are carried and are burdens on our neck, and they reduce bodies and possessions to slavery. Therefore in the manner of ruling in the kingdom of the world and in that of Christ there is a difference. In the kingdom of the world the prince or king alone is free, all others are servants. But in Christ’s kingdom Christ alone is a servant, and we are free.” (Volume 16, Page 100)

“This is what he called Christ, and such is the beginning of the rising spiritual kingdom. It is obviously different from that of an earthly kingdom, where an assembly of people is provided with a king. In this case the King is born first, and then He gathers a people for Himself. At first there will be a single Sprout risen out of the root, from the old and hopeless trunk, which is nevertheless watered with a divine strength.” (Volume 16, Page 117)

Product Details

• Title: Luther’s Works, Volume 16
• Authors: Helmut T. Lehmann, Martin Luther, Hilton C. Oswald, Jaroslav Pelikan
• Series: Luther’s Works
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Print Publication Date: 1969
• Logos Release Date: 2001
• Era: era:reformation
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Criticism, interpretation, etc.--History; Bible. O.T. Isaiah › Commentaries; Lutheran Church; Theology › Early works to 1800
• Resource ID: LLS:42.110.116
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-08T18:15:24Z