HKB
2 passages · search this phrase →
Often appears with: scripture and its interpretation · spirit and intercession · scripture and preaching · scriptural authority · religious persecution and toleration · prayer without forms · prayer and worship · outward word and sacraments · justice as a virtue · enthusiasm critique · conversion and faith
Usually: argument (2) · censure (1) · exhortation (1) · indignation (1) · skepticism (1)
Luther insists God deals through outward Word and sacraments, condemning “enthusiasts” who claim the Spirit without scripture or preaching, and argues even faith before baptism comes from prior hearing of God’s promise.
of his heart, and whatever he decides and commands with [in] his church is spirit and right, even though it is above and contrary to Scripture and the spoken Word. All this is the old devil and old serpent, who also converted Adam and Eve into enthusiasts, and led them from the outward Word of God to spiritualizing and self-conceit, and nevertheless he accomplished this through other outward words. Just as also our …
Bunyan argues that prayer and faith require the Spirit’s inner work, not merely spoken forms; he challenges the justices to show Scripture commanding the Common Prayer Book and ends by answering accusations with biblical claims about the Spirit.
Prayer-Book teacheth us how to pray, but the Spirit. And it is *the Spirit that helpeth our infirmities*, saith the apostle; he doth not say it is the Common Prayer-Book. And as to the Lord’s prayer, although it be an easy thing to say, _Our Father_, etc., with the mouth; yet there is very few that can, in the Spirit, say the two first words in that prayer; that is, that can call God their Father, as knowing what it…