Written by Johann Gerhard as a young man, the author delves deeply into the truth and paradox of Christian faith and life. Each devotion a powerful journey into the revelation of God to the human race, Johann Gerhard's meditations immerse the reader in Christ, bringing him or her through trial to glory, through anguish to peace, through doubt to certainty, through confession to absolution, through cross to resurrection. This classic work of Lutheran spirituality reminds us all that the Word of God is living and breathing, changing not only how we think or live, but even who we are.

In the second volume of this great devotional work, Gerhard builds on the foundation established int he first volume: "In the first volume of this treatise I have related in an orderly way the main, important, and motivational reasons which should generally encourage and awaken every person toward godliness. Now, additionally, follows that we provide a sure form and good directions from the Word of God as to how and in what manner a person should and can practice godliness. It is necessary for us to know both, for God has prescribed both for us in His Word." Rev. Dr. Elmer Hohle's translation...

Begun the same year he started work on his renowned dogmatics, the Loci Theologici, Gerhard's A Comprehensive Explanation... is a masterpiece in its own right. In 67 chapters (31 for Baptism, 36 for the Lord's Supper), Gerhard examines issues which are of vital importance today: Who may officiate at a Baptism, or celebrate the Lord's Supper? May substances other than bread and wine be used in the Lord's Supper? What is the proper preparation for receiving holy communion? May Baptism be repeated? Is immersion necessary for a valid Baptism? All these questions (and many more) are answered by...

In the third volume of this five volume work, Gerhard applies the understanding of 'godliness' which he has explicated in the first two volumes to an examination of the First Table of the Law; that is, the first three of the Ten Commandments.

Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) is widely acknowledged as the most scholarly and insightful theologian of the Lutheran Church in the seventeenth century. Not only Gerhard's writings in the realm of dogmatic theology, but also his devotional works, have had a powerful influence on the Church for four centuries.
Gerhard wrote his "Tractatus de legitima Scripturae Sacrae Interpretatione" (1610) to serve as a corrective for flawed Roman Catholic and Reformed methodologies which he was concerned were imperiling the faith of Christians by detracting from the authority of Sacred Scripture. Gerhard's...