LUTHER KNEW JESUS

I have been in the mind of a genius. Martin Luther, of whose writings I have read very little, knew Jesus, like no one I have ever met. I have just begun reading a book called Martin Luther -Selections from His Writings. Here is a brief excerpt from Luther's preface to the New Testament.

If he have faith, the believer cannot be restrained. He betrays himself. He breaks out. He confesses and teaches this gospel to the people at the risk of life itself. His whole life and all his effort are directed towards the benefit of his neighbor, and this not just in order to help him (that neighbor) attain the same grace; but he employs his strength, uses his goods, and stakes his reputation, as he sees Christ did for him, and therefore follows His example. Christ never gave any other commandment than that of love, because He intended that commandment to be the test of His disciples and of true believers. For if good works and love do not blossom forth, it is not genuine faith, the gospel has not yet gained a foothold, and Christ is not yet rightly known. Watch that you apply yourself to the books of the New Testament so that you may learn to read then in this way.

This writing of Luther's is around 482 years old, and yet, it bears the same message to us today, as it did to those who read it in Luther's day. I wonder.... Do we see the gospel, and Christ in a similar manner today? What do you think?

Luther went on to explain that not only do the four "gospels" speak the gospel, but also that the entire New Testament is the gospel. He says, "The gospel may be proclaimed in few words or many; one writer may describe it briefly and another at length. If at length, then many of the works and words of Christ will be set down, as in the case of the four evangelists. Those who write it briefly, like Peter or Paul, say nothing of Christ's works, but tell succinctly how He conquered sin, death, and hell by His own death and resurrection on behalf of those who believe in Him."

I guess the question is, do these words of Luther ring true today? Or are we beyond Luther's amazing relationship with God? Tell me what you think of what Luther has to say about the gospel, works, and faith. Thank you.