Preface.

of Christ in these present and future terrible times of wrath The author refers to "Zorn-Zeiten," likely reflecting the social and religious upheavals of the era which were often interpreted as signs of God's displeasure or the end times. / may no longer be tossed about by all kinds of winds of doctrine A reference to Ephesians 4:14, a common biblical warning against being easily swayed by new or false religious ideas. / and sneakily deceived and led astray by the trickery of Satan’s angels / but rather might be sought out again / healed / tended / cared for / and set upon a certain foundation / Ezekiel 34 A biblical chapter where God promises to personally shepherd his people who have been scattered by bad leaders.. For their and my own comfort and restoration / I have set forth the comforting doctrine of the certainty of our salvation original: 'Gewißheit unser Seeligkeit.' This was a crucial point of debate in the 17th century—whether a person could truly "know" they were saved or if they must live in humble uncertainty. / with brief and immovable grounds / because therein lies the kernel of the entire Gospel original: 'Evangelii' / the summary of the whole Holy Scripture / the most powerful comfort for confused consciences and weary souls / and the only firm, immovable foundation / against all future storms and temptations original: 'Anfechtungen'—a term famously used by Martin Luther to describe deep spiritual crises where one feels abandoned by God or attacked by the Devil. of Satan. For the firm foundation of God alone will stand in these and future times / which is known by God and