Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses…

First, some instructions…

“We rightly honor the saints when we recognize that they are held up before us as a mirror of the grace and mercy of God.” — Martin Luther (Instructions for the Visitors of Parish Pastors)

“Our churches teach that the remembrance of saints may be commended to us so that we may imitate their faith and good works according to our calling… But the Scripture do not teach the invocation of saints or to ask help of saints, since it sets before us the one Christ as the Mediator, Propitiation, High Priest, and Intercessor. He is to be prayed to, and has promised that He will hear our prayer; and this worship He approves above all, to wit, that in all afflictions He be called upon, 1 John 2:1: “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, etc.” — Article 21, Augsburg Confession (1530)

“We believe, teach, and confess that the sole rule and standard according to which all dogmas together with all teachers should be estimated and judged are the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures of the Old and of the New Testament alone, as it is written Ps. 119:105: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” And St. Paul: “Though an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you, let him be accursed,” Gal. 1:8.

Other writings, however, of ancient or modern teachers, whatever name they bear, must not be regarded as equal to the Holy Scriptures, but all of them together be subjected to them, and should not be received otherwise or further than as witnesses, [which are to show] in what manner after the time of the apostles, and at what places, this [pure] doctrine of the prophets and apostles was preserved.” — Summary, Rule and Norm, Formula of Concord (1579)

… and next some Resources

Luther 500 (2017)

  • (coming soon)

Paul Gerhardt 400 (2007)

  • Paul Gerhardt, Lutheran Hymn-writer and theologian (coming soon)
  • DW Film on Paul Gerhardt, Lutheran Hymn-writer and theologian, for the 400th anniversary year (2007)