This is an adaptation of the introduction from “In Defense of Martin Luther” written by John Warwick Montgomery (1517 Publishing, 2017). Used with permission.

It’s easy to slip into thinking about forgiveness solely in terms of our authority over it.

Jesus will strengthen and encourage us because he is true life, and life has defeated death.

We now stand holy and blameless before our Heavenly Father as his own dear children, and we are set free to serve our neighbor in love.

Satan and the old Adam don't want Jesus to bear our crosses for us because that means we can't claim that we've done anything to merit God's mercy and salvation.