The church, according to Luther, is the church that suffers, because it is the body of Christ. The church is truly in danger if there is no suffering, no persecution, and no pressure from the Devil: “Nowadays, the Devil brings the church into peril with the greatest imaginable persecution, namely, that the church without persecution can live relaxed and in surety. Woe to us, who would become so blinded by satisfaction and prosperity so that the Devil leads us into a trap.” The church is visible, according to Luther, where the Word is brought, the sacraments are celebrated, and suffering is sustained.
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