In Martin Luther -- Heretic...
Illustration
In Martin Luther -- Heretic, a dramatic film presentation of the life of the Lutheran reformer, there is a scene where Luther is teaching his students at Wittenberg University. Luther himself had just discovered the essence of the Gospel in the unmerited love of God through Jesus Christ. He was teaching his students to trust in Christ, who himself has done all that is necessary for our salvation; good works add nothing to salvation. One of the students commented, "Then, I may do as I please." Luther's pointed response: "Yes, you may do as you please. Now, tell me, what pleases you?" He goes on to explain that if we are made good in Christ as a gift from God, then we will be good for Christ's sake. It is like a good fruit tree which produces good fruit. The fruit does not make the tree good; it is the healthy tree which produces the healthy fruit. Paul describes the fruits of the Spirit, which have already been given to the believer, as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the things that the Christian is pleased to do, enlightened by God's love through Jesus.
-- Molldrem
-- Molldrem
