Between Two Worlds

Packer on lessons we can learn from Luther:

1. The necessity of reformation when the church's outward form and life contradict the gospel, whether doctrinally or practically.
2. The nature of reformation as spiritual renewal, wrought from within by the Word of God.
3. The pastoral purpose that must govern church reorganization. Good church order is not an end in itself, but must be thought of as a means to the good of souls by inducing fellowship, edification, and holiness.
4. The primacy of preaching and teaching the Word as the means to reformation. All Luther's emphasis was laid on teaching, by catechisms, sermons, books, and schools. This emphasis on Christian instruction was itself epoch-making.
5. Piecemeal improvement is better than none: and it is better to carry out innovation in a slow and piecemeal fashion than to outstrip weak consciences and make them stumble.
6. Patience is need by those who seek reformation: having set ourselves to teach the Word, we must wait for it to do its own God-appointed work. Only God can build up Zion, and he is not always in such a hurry as we are.

"Martin Luther," in Packer, Honouring the People of God, p. 12