On the other hand, when we seriously ponder the Word [of God], hear it, and put it to use, such is its power that it never departs without fruit. It always awakens new understanding, pleasure, and devotion, and it constantly creates clean hearts and minds. For this Word is not idle or dead, but effective and living. [Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord : The confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (399). Minneapolis: Fortress Press.]

C.F.W.Walther quotes Johann Gerhard: “The more purely and soundly the word of God is preached in the church, the closer the preaching and teaching comes to the norm of Holy Scripture, the purer and sounder the church will be; but the farther it recedes from the rule of the Word, the more impure and corrupt will be the state of the church.” [The true visible Church etc 2005, CPH St.Louis: Pg.18]