God opens hearts to final decision. In this decision we can make way for the light; we can lay aside all that is obscure as hated darkness; we can recognize and leave behind all dismal entanglement in guilt. All this we do in order to be renewed in the light of Jesus Christ to the life of His Church.
- Eberhard Arnold
- Eberhard Arnold, January 1920 From an EssayJustice and love demand that everyone take part in simple practical work with a spade, hatchet, or rake. Everyone should be ready to devote a few hours every day to this practical work; those who have done purely mental work till now will feel its humanizing effect especially. In this way it will be possible for each person’s unique gifts to be kindled. The light that flickers within each heart will then exhibit its once-hidden glow in scholarly research or in music, in expressive words, or in the craftsman’s art in wood, stone, or paint…such work will reveal the joy in life that is in each person. Only death knows idleness and tedium. Where there is life, the mind’s creative will remains alert and comes to expression in the service of the whole.
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In Christ’s death, Christians die to wrath and its grim commands. A Christian is one who has died with Christ to all the elements of wrath. In Christ’s Spirit, which is the love of God’s heart, he is born a new man who lives in that different justice of loving patience.
- Eberhard Arnold
The mystery of the Church is Christ shining in her. He reveals His presence in the pure fire of the Holy Spirit. The clarity of His light tolerates no defilement. The mystery of the Church is the pure expectation of the coming of God’s majesty in glory.
- Eberhard Arnold