Johann Arndt

Johann Arndt (1555-1621) labored in obscurity in a small church in Germany. When his book True Christianity was published, he became something of a celebrity. His book was widely circulated throughout Europe, and some reformed colleagues became jealous of his fame. They accused him of trying to undermine the essential Reformation belief in justification by faith alone. During the unrest, a church in another town invited Johann to become its pastor, given the unexpected death of its previous minister. In those days, a Lutheran pastor was required to seek dismissal from his current pastoral duties before accepting a new call. He appeared before the city council and was asked, “Tell us, have you taken any steps whatsoever to obtain this call?” “Not a single step.” Johann answered, “The whole is altogether and exclusively a work of God.” Soon thereafter, Johann began to tremble, covered his eyes with his hands, and cried out, “Gentlemen, I have borne false witness. I really did do something to obtain the call.” His chief questionnaire smiled, thinking he had exposed an opening to demonstrate his prowess as an examiner. “You did?” he said, “Pray, tell us what it was.” Johann confessed, “I prayed to the blessed Lord with tears that he would assign me to some other spot in his vineyard, no matter how insignificant, if only I could preach his word there in peace.” “And that was all?” His questionnaire asked, now deflated. “That was all,” Johann answered. His integrity completely disarmed the council and silenced his critics. Johann’s fellow reformers had placed so much emphasis on Christ’s death for us that they had lost sight of Christ’s death in us. True Christianity is meant to be lived, not only believed. Faith that truly justifies is living faith, not mere assent to orthodox creeds and church dogma. Johann’s prayer for kindness and charity is so needed in a time of so much discord and conflict: