Faith, the Ring Holding the Jewel

Here it is to be noted that these three -- faith, Christ, and our acceptance or recognition by God -- are tied together in present possession, embracing Him as a ring grasps a jewel. And God considers him just who is found to have apprehended Christ with this confidence of heart. This is the manner and the merit by which we arrive at forgiveness of sins and righteousness. Because you believe on me, says God, and your faith apprehends Christ, whom I have given to be your Mediator and High Priest, therefore you are just.

Source: Quoted in Ewald M. Plass, What Luther Says, A Practical In-home Theology for the Active Christian. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House. 1959 Edition, 10th Printing (1994), p. 490