Martin Chemnitz Quotes

Powerful Martin Chemnitz for Daily Growth

About Martin Chemnitz

Martin Chemnitz (1522-1586) was a prominent German Lutheran theologian and hymnwriter, notable for his contributions to systematic theology during the Reformation era. Born in Eilenburg, Saxony on February 17, 1522, he studied at the Universities of Wittenberg, Leipzig, and Jena before becoming a close associate of Philipp Melanchthon. Influenced by Melanchthon's philosophy and theological teachings, Chemnitz co-authored with Johann Gerhard "The Examination of the Council of Trent" (1565), a refutation of the Roman Catholic Church's Counter-Reformation doctrines. This work solidified his reputation as a formidable defender of Lutheran orthodoxy. Chemnitz is best known for his seminal work, "Examination of the Council of Trent" (1565), and "The Explanation of the Apostles' Creed" (1535-1542). The latter, a comprehensive explanation of each article of the creed, remains an essential text in Lutheran theology. Not only was Chemnitz a prolific writer but also a gifted hymnwriter. He penned several popular hymns, including "Now Thank We All Our God," which is still sung today as a thanksgiving hymn in many Christian churches. Chemnitz served as the superintendent of Misnia and was an influential member of the Lutheran Orthodoxy movement, promoting a return to the teachings of Martin Luther. He died on November 18, 1586, leaving behind a substantial legacy that continues to shape Lutheran theology today. His life and works remain a testament to his profound influence on Lutheranism during the Reformation era and beyond.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"God Himself is a Spirit, and therefore has no body, but exists without body, and is incorporeal."

This quote by Martin Chemnitz emphasizes that God, being a spirit, does not possess a physical body or form, but instead exists as an immaterial, incorporeal entity. This underscores the fundamental Christian belief in a transcendent deity, separate from the material world and beyond our human comprehension of physical existence.

"For God wills nothing else than what is good, and consequently is always to be loved with all the heart, with all the soul, and with all the strength."

Martin Chemnitz's quote emphasizes that God desires only goodness, making Him eternally worthy of love with our whole being - heart, soul, and strength. This suggests that faith in God is not merely a intellectual exercise but an emotional and practical commitment to His virtues and will, which encompass all aspects of our lives.

"Christ alone is the mediator between God and man, and there is no salvation in any other."

Martin Chemnitz's quote underscores the unique role of Jesus Christ as the intermediary between humanity and God. In this statement, he emphasizes that salvation can only be found through Christ, and no other person or belief system can provide it. This perspective is rooted in Christian theology, where Jesus is viewed as the Savior who bridges the gap created by human sin, allowing for reconciliation between God and mankind. The quote underscores the exclusivity of Christ's role in achieving salvation, a core tenet in many Christian denominations.

"The Word of God cannot return void; it must accomplish its purpose."

Martin Chemnitz's quote, "The Word of God cannot return void; it must accomplish its purpose," emphasizes the power and efficacy of the Bible. The phrase "Word of God" refers to the Scriptures as the divine revelation of God's will. This quote suggests that when the Word of God is shared or read, it will not fail to have an impact—it will always fulfill its intended purpose, whether that be to convict, inspire, comfort, or guide those who encounter it. The implication is that the Bible has transformative power, and that when we engage with it sincerely, we cannot help but be changed by it.

"True faith rests solely on the promise of God and trusts that He will do all things as He has promised."

This quote by Martin Chemnitz emphasizes the fundamental nature of true faith, which relies entirely on God's promises rather than personal assumptions or worldly evidence. It signifies an unwavering trust in God to fulfill His word, implying that believers should rest assured knowing that God will deliver on His promises as He has consistently done throughout history. This perspective encourages a profound reliance on God and the understanding that divine truth transcends human comprehension or control.

I am calling attention just to the main points of these tremendously important matters, which can be understood better by pious meditation than explained by human language.

- Martin Chemnitz

Which, Important Matters, Explained

As however the ancients say that in case of necessity any Christian lay person can administer the sacrament of Baptism, so Luther says the same thing about absolution in case of necessity, where no priest is present.

- Martin Chemnitz

Same Thing, However, Lay, Luther

For we can affirm with a good conscience that we have, after reading the Holy Scripture, applied ourselves and yet daily apply ourselves to the extent that the grace of the Lord permits to inquiry into and investigation of the consensus of the true and purer antiquity.

- Martin Chemnitz

Conscience, Holy, Extent, Affirm

Some had the custom of receiving the Eucharist daily, some twice a week, some on the Lord's day, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, some only on the Lord's Day.

- Martin Chemnitz

Week, Some, Saturday, Wednesday

Thus first of all in His own person He sanctified, restored, and blessed human nature.

- Martin Chemnitz

Nature, Thus, Sanctified, First Of All

In the first place, our faith ought to lay hold on Christ as God and man in that nature by which He has been made our neighbor, kinsman, and brother.

- Martin Chemnitz

Christ, Been, Which, Ought

Therefore we examine with considerable diligence the consensus of the true, learned, and purer antiquity, and we love and praise the testimonies of the fathers which agree with the Scripture.

- Martin Chemnitz

Love, Which, Fathers, Purer

This doctrine of Christ and of the apostles, from which the true faith of the primitive church was received, the apostles at first delivered orally, without writing, but later, not by any human counsel but by the will of God, they handed it on in the Scriptures.

- Martin Chemnitz

Faith, Church, Primitive, Doctrine

And there is a difference between the essence of a Sacrament and its use.

- Martin Chemnitz

Difference, Essence, Use, Sacrament

Nevertheless the meaning is not that the blessed bread which is divided, which is offered, and which the apostles received from the hand of Christ was not the body of Christ but becomes the body of Christ when the eating of it is begun.

- Martin Chemnitz

Bread, Christ, Which, Nevertheless

For Christ, both God and man, must lay hold on us in order that there may be a union between Him and us.

- Martin Chemnitz

Christ, May, Lay, Union

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