Some time ago I literally stumbled over this idea in
Martin Luther’s writings.
9
I have made some sections bold for emphasis.
If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an
imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore
bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only
imaginary sinners.
Be a sinner, and let your sins be
strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ
who is the victor over sin, death, and the world.
We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is
not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2 Peter 3:13)
are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will
reign.
It suffices that through God's glory we have recognized
the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. No sin can separate us from
Him, even if we were to kill or commit adultery thousands of times each
day. Do you think such an exalted Lamb paid
merely a small price with a meager sacrifice for our sins?
Pray hard for you are quite a sinner.