One of the most serious problems facing the orthodox Christian church today is the problem of legalism. One of the most serious problems facing the church in Paul’s day was the problem of legalism. In every day it is the same. Legalism wrenches the joy of the Lord from the Christian believer, and with the joy of the Lord goes His power for vital worship and vibrant service. Nothing is left but cramped, somber, dull, and listless profession. The truth is betrayed, and the glorious name of the Lord becomes a synonym for a gloomy kill-joy. The Christian under the law is a miserable parody of the real thing.

— S. Lewis Johnson (1915–2004), Theologe, Neutestamentler und Pastor

Topics: Peace & Rest, Grace & Redemption, Faith & Trust

Occasions: For Reflection

S. Lewis Johnson

S. Lewis Johnson war ein US-amerikanischer Neutestamentler, Theologe und Pastor, der im 20. Jahrhundert vor allem am Dallas Theological Seminary sowie in Dallas als Gemeindelehrer wirkte. Er verband eine detaillierte Exegese der biblischen Ursprachen mit einer calvinistischen Erlösungslehre und dispensationalistischen Ansätzen, womit er sich im Spannungsfeld zwischen reformierter Theologie und klassischem Dispensationalismus bewegte. Für Bibelleser heute sind insbesondere seine digital dokumentierten Auslegungspredigten und Vorlesungen als quellengenaue Textanalysen von Bedeutung.

All quotes by S. Lewis Johnson (6)

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You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

Augustine of Hippo

You have enough time to do everything God wants you to do.

Craig Groeschel

And when this cup of silence now spreads deep around us, let us hear that full sound of the world, which invisibly widens around us, the exalted song of praise of all Your children.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

O Lord, make me an instrument of your peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness, joy.

Francis of Assisi

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things pass away. God never changes. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.

Teresa of Ávila

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Reinhold Niebuhr

Darkness cannot be overcome with more darkness, only with light. Violence cannot be overcome with more violence, only with peace.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Security in the ultimate gives serenity in the penultimate.

Romano Guardini

All quotes · lumen.bible