Luther’s Works, Volume 4
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
In this volume, Luther ends his biography of Abraham (begun in Volume 2) and begins his focus on the later patriarchal narratives. Written, it is believed, during an outbreak of the plague in 1539, this section of the Genesis lectures includes Luther's moving study of the Abraham and Isaac story in which he compares Isaac's obedience to that of Christ.
Top Highlights
“But when God commands that Abraham’s son should be taken away, He leaves no hope but simply confronts Abraham with a contradiction. And God, who formerly seemed to be his best friend, now appears to have become an enemy and a tyrant.” (Volume 4, Page 94)
“Therefore one should hold fast to this comfort, that what God has once declared, this He does not change. You were baptized, and in Baptism the kingdom of God was promised you. You should know that this is His unchangeable Word, and you should not permit yourself to be drawn away from it. For although it can happen—as with those who were on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:28)—that He pretends to want to go farther and seems to be dealing with us as though He had forgotten His promises, faith in the Word must nevertheless be retained, and the promise must be stressed—namely, that it is true and dependable—even if the manner, time, occasion, place, and other particulars are unknown. For the fact that God cannot lie is sure and dependable.” (Volume 4, Pages 96–97)
“The whole world has nothing better, more precious, or nobler than the church, in which the voice of God is heard and God is worshiped with true forms of worship, that is, with faith, invocation, patience, obedience, etc. Yet the church is so hidden from view by the cross, by afflictions, by dishonor, and by contempt that the world concludes that nothing is more detestable and baneful.” (Volume 4, Page 6)
“Therefore the prophet (Is. 45:15) calls Him ‘God who hides Himself.’7 For under the curse a blessing lies hidden; under the consciousness of sin, righteousness; under death, life; and under affliction, comfort. But one must look at the Word, for those who do not have the Word follow their own feeling and remain without comfort in their tears and sorrow.” (Volume 4, Page 7)
- Title: Luther’s Works, Volume 4
- Authors: Helmut T. Lehmann, Martin Luther, Hilton C. Oswald, Jaroslav Pelikan
- Series: Luther’s Works
- Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
- Print Publication Date: 1964
- Logos Release Date: 2001
- Era: era:reformation
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible › Criticism, interpretation, etc.--History; Bible. O.T. Genesis › Commentaries; Lutheran Church; Theology › Early works to 1800
- Resource ID: LLS:42.110.104
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-10-07T22:15:46Z