[Dr. Eckleburg]

If we are all sinners and have no assurance of God's mercy when we die, then somehow, we have merited God's mercy. IOW, our works are salvific, hopefully, if God is pleased enough with them and if we have become Christ-like "enough" for his liking. This is unbiblical.

Amen.

"I listened and heard, but they do not speak aright. No man repented of his wickedness, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turned to his own course, as the horse rushes into the battle." -- Jeremiah 8:6

"The ultimate proof of the sinner is that he does not know his own sin." -- Martin Luther

[kosta50]

"The ultimate proof of the sinner is that he does not know his own sin." -- Martin Luther

And the Lord said "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they do."

That throws out the whole theory of guilt and the need for punihsment out the window. Rather mercy and forgiveness is what God's justice is all about: mercy triumphs over judgment.

PS I just find it very funny that Luther would say something like that, then turn around and say pecca fortiter...