German Theology

The ladder of salvation: Faith, Virtue.

produces virtue: that is, the fortitude and strength to perform those things which you believe must be done according to God’s teaching. For example: Christ commanded that we love our enemies and do good to those who do us harm. There are some who do not believe this is possible; therefore, they hate their enemies and do them harm. Others believe that, by God's help, it can be done; therefore, they do good to their enemies. Consider individual sects or individual men: you will find that those who believe these things are possible actually do them; and from the same Christ, by whom they were gifted with faith, they are also gifted with the strength to carry out the commandments. For it was not said in vain, all things are possible to the one who believes original: "omnia esse possibilia credenti"; see Mark 9:23.. And I say the same thing generally regarding the rest of Christ's commandments: Let it be done for you, he says, just as you have believed original: "Fiat tibi sicut credidisti"; see Matthew 8:13.. This must be understood universally: as much faith as a person has, so much virtue Virtue (uirtus): in this theological context, the author specifically defines it as "fortitude and strength" (fortitudinem et uires) to act, rather than just abstract moral excellence. he also possesses.

Knowledge.

Virtue produces knowledge. For true knowledge consists in experience: