Here is the second post of three consisting of a copy of my notes from a conference I recently had the privilege of speaking at concerning Martin Luther and the Reformation.
Introduction: Luther was a preacher. Between 1510 and 1546 Luther preached about 3,000 sermons. For example, in 1528, he preached almost 200 times. In one four year period, he averaged a sermon every two and a half days. He dealt in a serious and scholarly way with the texts of Scripture. In this session, we want to look at one of its messages. Keep in mind that we would not agree with all of his theology. I would disagree with Luther, for example, on his view of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In the sermon we will be looking at, we will actually focus on just a few of his main points. Then we will make some comments as we seek to apply them to our day.
The sermon is titled “How to Contemplate Christ’s Holy Sufferings.” He preached it in 1519 during a time when much initial controversy was swirling around him. It was very popular. Nineteen separate pamphlet editions were published of this sermon in the very year that he preached it. Luther’s sermons, like many of his writings, are not difficult to read. This one is fairly short and to the point. He begins by giving a few false ways to view Christ’s sufferings. Then he proceeds with many proper ways to contemplate them. He concludes with several points concerning the comfort of Christ’s sufferings. So, first we are going to look at just some of his points on a proper view of Christ’s sufferings. Then, we are going to see if we should apply one of these views to our own life.
I. Some Proper Ways To View Christ’s Suffering According to Luther
A. To become terror-stricken as one contemplates the severe wrath of God in regard to sin and sinners. Luther says one is viewing the cross correctly if he understands that this is God’s eternal Son bearing this wrath. He says that the more one reflects, the deeper should be this impression. He quotes Isaiah 53:8 which reminds us that Jesus was stricken for the transgressions the people.
B. To never doubt that it was one’s own sins that put Christ on the cross. He quotes Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:36,37 where Peter says, “This Jesus whom you crucified.” This is when Peter’s hearers were cut to the heart and asked what they should do.
C. To come to a true knowledge about ourselves. To think deeply and come to a profound realization of our sins.
D. We do not stay in despair as we contemplate Christ’s suffering; we finally set our conscience free by realizing that our sins are upon Him; that he makes satisfaction for them; that he triumphs over them in resurrection; that He secures our peace.
E. We finally see His heart is full of love toward us—the very love that constrained Him to bear the load of the cross; we look to Christ’s love and see the love of the Father who sent Him to redeem us; we find strength and comfort thus to move forward as Christians knowing that we now belong to Christ. Toward the end of the sermon, Luther quotes Galatians 5:24 – And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
II. Should We Take Luther’s Viewpoint and Contemplate Our Own Sinfulness?
A. This idea of seeing our sinfulness in the cross is not unique to Luther; nor is the idea of beholding our own vileness unique to Luther
1. Consider the Puritan prayer “The Precious Blood” from The Valley of Vision:
Blessed Lord Jesus,
Before thy cross I kneel and see
the heinousness of my sin,
my iniquity that caused thee to be
‘made a curse’,
the evil that excites the severity
of divine wrath.
Show me the enormity of my guilt by
the crown of thorns,
the pierced hands and feet,
the bruised body,
the dying cries.
Thy blood is the blood of incarnate God,
its worth infinite, its value beyond all thought.
Infinite must be the evil and guilt
that demands such a price.
Sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper,
born in my birth,
alive in my life,
strong in my character,
dominating my faculties,
following me as a shadow,
intermingling with my every thought,
my chain that holds me captive in the
empire of my soul.
Sinner that I am, why should the sun give me light,
the air supply breath,
the earth bear my tread,
its fruits nourish me,
its creatures subserve my ends?
Yet thy compassions yearn over me,
thy heart hastens to my rescue,
thy love endured my curse,
thy mercy bore my deserved stripes.
Let me walk humbly in the lowest depths
of humiliation,
bathed in thy blood,
tender of conscience,
triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation.
2. Consider this quote from the 19th century pastor Charles Simeon: “There are two objects that I have ever desired for these forty years to behold; the one, is my own vileness; and the other is, the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ: and I have always thought that they should be viewed together; just as Aaron confessed all the sins of Israel whilst he put them on the head of the scapegoat. The disease did not keep him from applying to the remedy, not did the remedy keep him from feeling the disease. By this I seek to be, not only humble and thankful but humbled in thankfulness, before my God and Savior continually.”
B. Let’s then answer the question with a resounding “yes!” – let me make six points on this “yes”
1. Yes, but not so as to lead you to despair but so as to lead you to the cross and God’s amazing grace! (Romans 7:24,25)
2. Yes, but not in isolation from God’s work of redeeming grace. As Simeon indicates, don’t let the disease keep you from applying the remedy, and don’t let the remedy keep you from feeling the disease. Feel your sin. See God’s amazing work of redemption. The more you understand your sinfulness, the more amazing His work of redemption will be seen. (Luke 7:47)
3. Yes, in order to prevent any self-righteousness springing up inside our hearts. Our sinful nature is wired for pride and autonomy. God is glorified by our humble dependence upon Him. (I Corinthians 1:28-31)
4. Yes, because the “poor in spirit” are blessed not the “proud in spirit.” (Matthew 5:3)
5. Yes, to prevent a judgmental attitude toward all those wicked people out there. Those wicked people out there that we are so prone to condemn are just like us minus God’s saving grace! (Titus 3:2,3)
6. Yes, so that God’s greatness and glory may be praised as they are worthy of being praised. (Ephesians 1:5,6)
Conclusion: May we know the spiritual health of contemplating the gospel continually. It is the power of salvation. Let’s glory in the cross of Christ, seeing God’s great work of redemption for His glory alone!
