Spirituality and Religion

True Christianity (Annotated)

Enriched Edition. A Treatise on Sincere Repentence, True Faith, the Holy Walk of the True Christian, EtcBy Johann Arndt

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Johann Arndt's True Christianity is a foundational work of Lutheran devotional theology, concerned less with doctrinal controversy than with the inward renewal of the believer. Written in a meditative, scripturally saturated style, it joins Reformation teaching on faith with older traditions of mystical and ascetic piety, urging repentance, humility, prayer, imitation of Christ, and the restoration of the divine image in the soul. Its literary power lies in its fusion of pastoral exhortation, biblical commentary, and spiritual diagnosis. Arndt (1555–1621), a German Lutheran pastor and theologian, wrote amid the confessional tensions following the Reformation, when orthodoxy could harden into mere intellectual assent. Educated in theology, medicine, and natural philosophy, and deeply influenced by figures such as Bernard of Clairvaux, Tauler, and the Theologia Germanica, he sought to recover a living Christianity in which doctrine bore visible fruit in sanctified life. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in Protestant spirituality, early modern devotion, and the history of pietism. It remains a searching guide for anyone who wishes to understand Christianity not merely as belief, but as transformation of the whole person before God. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Audiobook details

GenreSpirituality and Religion

Length32 hrs 49 mins

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateNov 29, 2023

LanguageEnglish

1Introduction

195Chapter XXXIX.

2Introduction

196The Conversation Of A Believing Soul With God.

3Synopsis

197Chapter XL.

4Historical Context

198A Conversation Between Faith And The Mercy Of God.

5Introduction By The American Editor.

199Chapter XLI.

Show all chapters

6Book I.

200The Great Benefits, And The Great Efficacy Of Praise. Offered To God.

7Wherein True Christianity, Sincere Sorrow For Sin, Repentance,. Faith, And The Holy Life Of The True. Christian, Are Considered.

201Chapter XLII.

8The Author&#x27;s Preface To The First Book.

202The Reasons For Which We Ought Daily To Offer Praises To God.

9Chapter I.

203Chapter XLIII.

10Showing What The Image Of God In Man Is.

204To Praise God Is The Highest And Most Honorable. Employment Of Men.

11Chapter II.

205Chapter XLIV.

12Of The Fall Of Adam.

206Of Patience, Which Triumphantly Endures The Cross, And Waits For The. Promised Glory.

13Chapter III.

207Chapter XLV.

14Showing How Man Is Renewed In Christ Unto Eternal Life.

208Divine Consolation Produces Patience Under Afflictions.

15Chapter IV.

209Chapter XLVI.

16Of True Repentance, And The True Yoke And Cross Of Christ.

210Motives To Patience; And, The Benefits Of The Cross.

17Chapter V.

211Chapter XLVII.

18Wherein Does True Faith Consist?

212Sentences, And Examples Of Patience And Consolation.

19Chapter VI.

213I. Some Sentences And Testimonies. Of Scripture.

20Showing How The Vital Power Of The Word Of God Should Be. Manifested In Man Through Faith.

214II. Examples Of Patience.

21Chapter VII.

215III. Consolations.

22The Law Of God, Written In The Hearts Of All Men, Convinces Them That. On The Day Of Judgment They Will Be Without Excuse.

216Chapter XLVIII.

23Chapter VIII.

217There Is No Affliction For Which God Has Not Provided. Appropriate Consolation. The Consolation Which He Affords Is Always Greater Than. Our Misery; This Consideration Should Sustain And Confirm Our Patience.

24No One Can Find Comfort In Christ And His Merits, Who Does Not Truly. Repent.

218Chapter XLIX.

25Chapter IX.

219The Truth Of God And The Certainty Of His Promises, Ought To Dispose. Us To Patience.

26The Unchristian Walk Of Many Persons In Our Day, Is A Cause Of The. Rejection Of Christ And Of The True Faith.

220Chapter L.

27Chapter X.

221Showing How Hope Is Tested In Seasons Of Adversity; It Maketh Not. Ashamed.

28The Children Of The World Are Against Christ, And, Consequently,. Their Life And Their Christianity Are Both Alike False.

222Chapter LI.

29Chapter XI.

223Comfort For Those That Are Weak In Faith.

30Showing That He Does Not Truly Repent, Is Not A Christian, And Not A. Child Of God, Who Does Not, In His Life And Conduct , Follow Christ;. Also, Wherein The New Birth And The Yoke Of Christ Consist.

224Chapter LII.

31Chapter XII.

225Comforting Instructions For Those That Are Laboring Under Great. Temptations In Spirit.

32The True Christian Dies Unto Himself And The. World, And Lives In Christ.

226Chapter LIII.

33Chapter XIII.

227Consolations For Those Who Labor Under Great Spiritual. Temptations.

34The Christian Ought Willingly To Die Unto Himself And The World, For. The Sake Of The Love Of Christ, And For The Sake Of That Future. And Eternal Glory, For Which We Were Created And Redeemed.

228Chapter LIV.

35Chapter XIV.

229Comforts Under Secret And Spiritual Temptations Of The Devil.

36The True Christian, Who Imitates Christ, Hates His Own Life In This. World, And Forsakes The World.

230Chapter LV.

37Chapter XV.

231The Reasons For Which God Sometimes Delays His Comfort And. Assistance.

38Showing How The “ Old Man ” Daily Dies, And The “ New Man ” Is Daily Renewed, In A True Christian; Also, Wherein Self-Denial Consists, And. What Is Meant By The Christian&#x27;s Cross.

232Chapter LVI.

39Chapter XVI.

233Showing That In Seasons Of Trial The Consideration Of The Exalted. Patience Of Christ, And Of The Future And Eternal Glory, Will Alleviate The. Burden Of The Cross.

40A Conflict Is Constantly Maintained In The. Christian Between The Spirit And The Flesh.

234Chapter LVII.

41Chapter XVII.

235Consolations Against The Fears Of Death.

42The Inheritance And Possessions Of Christians Are Not Of This World;. They Should, Therefore, Regard Themselves As Strangers In It, While. They Make Use Of Earthly Things.

236Conclusion Of The Second Book.

43Chapter XVIII.

237Book III.

44Showing How Greatly God Is Offended, When Man Prefers Things That Are. Temporal To Those That Are Eternal; And How Great The Evil Is, When. Our Affections Cleave To The Creature And Not To The Creator.

238Preface To The Third Book.

45Chapter XIX.

239Chapter I.

46He Who Is Most Of All Conscious Of His Misery, Is. Most Of All Acceptable. To God; And His Christian Knowledge Of His Misery, Urges Him. To Seek The Grace Of God.

240Of The Great Internal Treasure Of An Enlightened Believer.

47Chapter XX.

241Chapter II.

48A Truly Christian Sorrow For Sin Promotes The Daily Amendment Of. The Life Of Man, Makes Him Meet For The Kingdom Of God, And Fits. Him, In An Increasing Degree, For Eternal Life.

242True Faith, And Converse With The Soul, The Only Means Of Attaining. To This Inward Treasure.

49Chapter XXI.

243Chapter III.

50Of The True Worship Of God.

244The Whole Treasure Of The Inner Man Depends On Faith, Namely, God,. Christ, The Holy Spirit, And The Kingdom Of God.

51Chapter XXII.

245Chapter IV.

52A True Christian Is Known Primarily By Love, And By A Daily. Amendment Of Life.

246The Believing Soul Seeks God Internally, In Itself; Its Beauty And. Blessedness When It Is United With God.

53Chapter XXIII.

247Chapter V.

54He Who, In Christ, Desires To Grow In Grace, Is Often Compelled To. Withdraw From Worldly Society.

248Showing How A Man May Be Drawn To God; Also, Wherein Spiritual. Poverty Consists; And, What The Degrees Of Humility Are.

55Chapter XXIV.

249Chapter VI.

56Of The Love Of God And Our Neighbor.

250The Seat Of God In The Soul.

57Chapter XXV.

251Chapter VII.

58The Love Of Our Neighbor, More Particularly Considered.

252Of The Dignity Of The Soul; Of True Repentance; And, Of Divine. Mercy.

59Chapter XXVI.

253Chapter VIII.

60Wherefore Our Neighbor Is To Be Loved.

254The Calling Of God Is Earnest And Sincere, And. Directs Us To Come To Him.

61Chapter XXVII.

255Chapter IX.

62Wherefore Our Enemies Are To Be Loved.

256The Purifying Influence Of True Faith.

63Chapter XXVIII.

257Chapter X.

64Showing How The Love Of The Creator Should Be Preferred To That Of. All Creatures; And How Our Neighbor Is To Be Loved In God.

258Showing How The Natural Light In Us Must Disappear, And The Light. Of Grace Shine Forth.

65Chapter XXIX.

259Chapter XI.

66Of That Reconciliation To Our Neighbor, Without Which God Withdraws. His Grace.

260God, The Light Of The Soul, Directing Us Not To Judge Our. Neighbors.

67Chapter XXX.

261Chapter XII.

68Of The Fruits Of Love.

262The Christian Ought Daily, Once At Least, Wholly To Abstract Himself. From All External Objects, And Retire Into His Own Soul; The Advantages. Of This Course.

69Chapter XXXI.

263Chapter XIII.

70Pride And Self-Love Corrupt And Destroy Even The Best And Noblest. Gifts.

264Showing How The Love Of God Enters Into The Soul,. When It Is Empty Of The Love Of The Creatures.

71Chapter XXXII.

265Chapter XIV.

72Great Gifts Do Not Demonstrate A Man To Be A Christian, But Faith. That Works By Love.

266Of The Exercise Of Patience And Love.

73Chapter XXXIII.

267Chapter XV.

74God Has No Respect To The Works Of Any One; But Judges Of Works. According To The Heart.

268Showing How Christ, The Eternal Word Of The Father, Perfects His Work. In The Hearts Of The Faithful, By Love And Humility.

75Chapter XXXIV.

269Chapter XVI.

76Showing That God Alone, Without Any Human Aid, Is The Author Of Our. Salvation, And That We Are To Submit Unreservedly To His Grace;. Also, That Christ&#x27;s Merit Is Not Imputed To The Impenitent.

270Showing How The Holy Spirit Operates In Our Souls.

77Chapter XXXV.

271Chapter XVII.

78All Wisdom, Arts, And Sciences, Yea, Even The Knowledge Of The Whole. Scripture, Are Vain, Without A Holy And Christian Life.

272Signs Of The Presence Of The Holy Spirit In Us.

79Chapter XXXVI.

273Chapter XVIII.

80He Who Does Not Live In Christ, But Gives His Heart To The World, Has. Only The Outward Letter Of The Scriptures, But He Does Not Experience. Their Power, Or Eat Of The Hidden Manna.

274Showing How Worldly Pleasures Drive Away The Holy Spirit.

81Chapter XXXVII.

275Chapter XIX.

82He Who Does Not Follow Christ In Faith, Holiness, And Continued. Repentance, Cannot Be Delivered From The Blindness Of His Heart, But. Must Abide In Eternal Darkness; And He Cannot Have A True Knowledge. Of Christ, Or Fellowship With Him.

276Of Inward Prayer, And Of The True Use Of The Lord&#x27;s Prayer.

83Chapter XXXVIII.

277Chapter XX.

84Showing That An Unchristian Life Leads To False Doctrine,. Hardness Of Heart, And Blindness; Also, Treating Of The Eternal Election Of. Grace.

278Showing That Humility Must First Be Laid As A Foundation In The Heart,. And All Our Works Must Rest On It; Its Blessed Influences.

85Chapter XXXIX.

279Chapter XXI.

86Showing That The Purity Of The Doctrine. Of The Divine Word Is Maintained. Not Only By Discussions And Publications, But Also By True. Repentance And Holiness Of Life.

280Showing That A Man Ought To Rest In God Alone, And Not In His Gifts;. And That He Must Deny Himself.

87Chapter XL.

281Chapter XXII.

88Sundry Rules For Leading A Holy Life.

282Showing How Our Works May Be Rendered Acceptable To God.

89Chapter XLI.

283Chapter XXIII.

90The Whole Of Christianity Consists In The Restoration Of The Image Of. God In Man, And The Destruction Of The Image Of Satan.

284Of The Mystery Of The Cross, By Which We Are Drawn To God.

91Chapter XLII.

285Book IV.

92In This Concluding Chapter The Reasons For Adopting The Method. Observed In Book I. Are Explained; The Duty Of Guarding Against. Spiritual Pride Is Described, And The Truth Is Set Forth That True. Spiritual Gifts Cannot Be Obtained Without Prayer.

286Preface To The Fourth Book.

93Book II.

287All Creatures Are Messengers Of God, Intended To Lead Us To God.

94Preface To The Second Book.

288Part I.

95Chapter I.

289Treating Of The Works Of The Six Days Of Creation, In General.

96Jesus Christ, The Son Of God, Is Given To Us By Our Heavenly Father. As Our Help Against The Damnable And Deadly Poison Of Original. Sin, And The Pernicious Fruits Thereof, As Well As A Protector. Against All The Calamities And Evils Both Of The Body And The. Soul.

290Chapter I.

97Chapter II.

291Of Light, The Work Of The First Day.

98The Manner In Which The Christian Should Apply And Appropriate To. Himself The Consolation Noticed In Chapter I.

292Chapter II.

99Chapter III.

293Of Heaven, The Work Of The Second Day.

100Our Righteousness Before God, Consists Solely In The Perfect Obedience. And Merit Of Christ Jesus, And In The Remission Of Sin Apprehended. By Faith.

294Chapter III.

101Chapter IV.

295Of The Separation Of The Waters From The Dry Land, The Work Of The. Third Day.

102Showing That Saving Faith In The True Christian Produces Manifold. Fruits Of Righteousness, And That These Must Proceed From The. Depth Of The Heart; Also, That The Character Of Our Outward. Works, Depends, In The Judgment Of God, Upon The State Of The. Heart.

296Chapter IV.

103Chapter V.

297Of The Sun, Moon, And Stars, The Work Of The Fourth Day.

104Showing That The Evidence Of True Christianity Does Not Consist In. The Knowledge And The Hearing Of God&#x27;s Word, But That He Is A. Christian, In Whose Life God&#x27;s Word Is Manifested, And Who Beseeches. God In Sincerity That This Word, As A Divine Seed, May Be. Quickened In Him, And Bear Fruit.

298Chapter V.

105Chapter VI.

299Of The Waters, And Their Productions, The Work Of The Fifth Day.

106The Perfection And Salvation Of Men Depend On Union With Christ By. Faith; But To This They Can Contribute Nothing, Whereas They. Rather Interfere With The Grace Of God By Their Perverse Will;. But Christ, And He Alone, Accomplishes The Work In Us.

300Chapter VI.

107Chapter VII.

301Of The Living Creatures, The Work Of The Sixth Day.

108Showing That In Order To Understand The True Nature Of Repentance,. We Must Necessarily Know The Distinction Between The Old And The. New Man; Or, How In Us Adam Must Die, And Christ Live; Or, How In. Us The Old Man Must Die, And The New Man Live.

302Part II.

109Chapter VIII.

303Treating Specially Of Man.

110Showing How Graciously God Invites Us To Repentance, And How Necessary. It Is That It Should Not Be Delayed.

304Chapter I.

111Chapter IX.

305God, An Infinite And Eternal Being.

112Showing What Repentance Is, And The Manner In Which The Sinner Truly. Repents; Also, How The Goodness Of God Leads Us To Repentance.

306Chapter II.

113Chapter X.

307God, The Supreme Good.

114The Four Properties Of True Repentance.

308Chapter III.

115Chapter XI.

309Man, The Most Noble Of All Creatures, And Made For The Service Of. God.

116Showing That The Fruit Of Conversion Is The New Creature; Also, That. The Christian Is, By Faith, A Lord Over All, And, By Love, A Servant. Of All; And, That The Life Of Christ Is A Mirror For Us.

310Chapter IV.

117Chapter XII.

311God Made Man In His Own Image, In Order That He Might Delight In. Him.

118Showing That Christ Is The Only Way And End Of True Godliness; And. That Man Goes Astray, When God Does Not Guide And Direct Him.

312Chapter V.

119Chapter XIII.

313That God By His Love Bestows Himself Upon Us.

120Showing That Jesus Christ Is The True Book Of Life, And That His. Poverty Teaches Us To Despise The Glory Of The World.

314Chapter VI.

121Chapter XIV.

315Showing How Much Man Is Indebted To God For His Everlasting Love.

122Showing How Christ, By The Shame And Contempt Which He Endured, And. By His Self-Denial, Teaches Us To Despise The Honor And Glory Of. The World.

316Chapter VII.

123Chapter XV.

317Of The Things That Instruct And Comfort The Soul.

124Showing How We Should, Through Christ, Bear And Overcome The Trials. And Contempt Of The World.

318Chapter VIII.

125Chapter XVI.

319Of The Obligations Under Which Men Lie To God.

126Showing How Christians Are To Seek And Obtain Favor And Glory. Through Christ, In Heaven.

320Chapter IX.

127Chapter XVII.

321Man Even More Indebted To God For Inward, Than For Outward. Blessings.

128Showing How We May Through Christ, And After The Example Of All. The Saints, Overcome The Calumnies Of Men.

322Chapter X.

129Chapter XVIII.

323Of The Wisdom Which God Has Shown In The Formation Of Man.

130Showing How The Sorrows And Pains Of Christ Should Teach Us To. Subdue The Lusts Of The Flesh.

324Chapter XI.

131Chapter XIX.

325Of The Obligations Man Lies Under Towards God.

132Showing How We Should Behold In The Crucified Christ, As In The Book. Of Life, Both Our Sins, And Also The Displeasure, The Love, Justice,. And Wisdom Of God.

326Chapter XII.

133Chapter XX.

327Of Answering The Obligations Which Man Lies Under To God.

134Of The Power And Necessity Of Prayer, In These Holy. Contemplations.

328Chapter XIII.

135Chapter XXI.

329Showing That God&#x27;s Love Appears In All His Works, Even In His. Chastisements.

136Of The Power Of The Noble Virtue Of Humility.

330Chapter XIV.

137Chapter XXII.

331Showing How, And On What Account, Man Is Obliged To Love God.

138All The Works Of A True Christian Must Be Done In Humility, Or They. Will, Otherwise, Become An Abomination And Idolatry.

332Chapter XV.

139Chapter XXIII.

333Showing That All The Creatures Continually Remind Us Of The Love. Which We Owe To God.

140A Man Who Does Not Perceive His Own Emptiness, And Does Not Give. All The Honor To God, Commits The Greatest Of Sins, And Falls Like. Satan.

334Chapter XVI.

141Chapter XXIV.

335A General Rule, Teaching Us How To Answer Our Obligations To God.

142Of The Noble Virtue Of Love, And Of Its Power, Soundness,. And Purity.

336Chapter XVII.

143Chapter XXV.

337Showing That The Christian Who Loves Not God Is Without Excuse.

144Sundry Signs By Which We May Ascertain Whether We Truly Love. Christ.

338Chapter XVIII.

145Chapter XXVI.

339Showing That Our Duty To God Tends To Promote Our Own Happiness.

146Five Kinds Of Works Of Love, In Which The Grace And Goodness Of God. Are Especially Revealed.

340Chapter XIX.

147Chapter XXVII.

341The Service Which The Creatures Render To Man, Compared With That. Which Man Renders To God.

148Showing How The Lord Jesus Manifests Himself To The Loving Soul As. The Highest Love And The Highest Good.

342Chapter XX.

149Chapter XXVIII.

343All Things Are Preserved By The Hand Of God.

150Showing How The Highest Good Is Perceived And Tasted In. The Soul.

344Chapter XXI.

151Chapter XXIX.

345Showing That From The Service Of Man And The Creatures, A Union. Takes Place Between The Visible World, Man, And God.

152Showing How The Loving Soul Considers God In His Benefits As The Most. Liberal Bountifulness.

346Chapter XXII.

153Chapter XXX.

347From The Love Which We Owe To God, Proceeds That Which We Owe To Our. Neighbor.

154Showing How God Manifests Himself To The Loving Soul, As The Supreme. Beauty.

348Chapter XXIII.

155Chapter XXXI.

349Man Is Made In The Image Of God.

156Showing How God Manifests Himself To The Loving Soul As The Infinite. Omnipotence.

350Chapter XXIV.

157Chapter XXXII.

351That Man Is Obliged To Love His Neighbor As Himself.

158Showing How The Loving Soul Knows God As The Highest Righteousness. And Holiness.

352Chapter XXV.

159Chapter XXXIII.

353All Mankind Are To Be Considered As One Man, Or As Being Many. Members Of One Great Body.

160Showing How The Loving Soul Considers God As The Eternal. Wisdom.

354Chapter XXVI.

161Chapter XXXIV.

355Charity, The Foundation Of The Greatest Strength.

162Showing How A Man Should Seek The Wisdom Of God By Prayer; Containing. Also A Useful Treatise On Prayer, Wherein The Reader Is. Taught How The Heart Is To Be Moved Unto Prayer, And Brought. Into A Quiet Sabbath, So That Prayer May Be Wrought In Us By The. Lord; The Whole Being Set Forth In Twelve Sections.

356Chapter XXVII.

163Section I.

357Of The Nature, Properties, And Fruits Of Love.

164All That We Have Lost In Adam We. Recover Fully And Completely In. Christ.

358Chapter XXVIII.

165Section II.

359Love Unites Him Who Loves With The Person Loved, And Transforms Into. The Same Nature.

166The Evils That Follow The Neglect Of. Prayer.

360Chapter XXIX.

167Section III.

361Nothing Is Worthy Of Our Love, But That Which Can Make Us More. Noble And Pure.

168The Benefits Of Continual Prayer.

362Chapter XXX.

169Section IV.

363Our Chief Love Is Due To God, As The First And Last, The Beginning And. The End Of All Things.

170The True Christian Chooses The Narrow. Way In Christ, Rather Than The. Broad Way In Adam.

364Chapter XXXI.

171Section V.

365He Who Principally Loves Himself, Actually Sets Up Himself In God&#x27;s. Stead.

172Considerations Which Should Move The. Heart To Commune With God In. Prayer.

366Chapter XXXII.

173Section VI.

367Love To God, The Source Of All That Is Good; Self-Love, The Source Of. All Evil.

174The Omniscient God Knows What We. Stand In Need Of, Before We Ask Him.

368Chapter XXXIII.

175Section VII.

369Of The Love Of God, And The Love Of Self.

176That God Invites And Engages All Men. To The Exercise Of Prayer, And Promises. To Hear Their Petitions.

370Chapter XXXIV.

177Section VIII.

371Love To God, The Only Source Of Peace And Unity.

178God Is No Respecter Of Persons, But Has. An Impartial Love For All His Creatures.

372Chapter XXXV.

179Section IX.

373Showing How We Ought To Love God.

180Showing That It Is Equally Sinful To. Pray To God Upon The Presumption Of. Our Own Merit, And To Forbear On. Account Of Our Unworthiness.

374Chapter XXXVI.

181Section X.

375Divine Joy, The Fruit Of Divine Love.

182The True Worshipper Ought Not To Seek. After God In Any Particular Place;. For He Finds Him Everywhere In. Spirit And In Truth.

376Chapter XXXVII.

183Section XI.

377Of The Evil Fruits Of Self-Love.

184The Worshipper Is Not Restricted To. Certain Times Of Prayer, But May At. Any Hour Address God In Prayer, Provided. That He Does Not Hinder Himself.

378Chapter XXXVIII.

185Section XII.

379Everlasting Sorrow And Death, The End Of Self-Love And Carnal Joy.

186The Considerations Stated Above, Not. Only Dispose The Heart To True Prayer,. But Also Furnish Various Useful Lessons.

380Chapter XXXIX.

187Chapter XXXV.

381All That We Have Must Be Offered And Consecrated To God.

188Prayer Is The Sign Of A True Christian, That. Is, Of One Who Is Anointed Of The Lord.

382Chapter XL.

189Chapter XXXVI.

383He Can Never Praise And Glorify God, Who Seeks His Own Glory.

190On The Benefits And Power Of Prayer, And On Its True Ground Or. Foundation.