Scripture teaches that we cannot be saved by our own works, but through hearing and believing by the power of his Spirit that Jesus is the Christ .
More
Everyone who believes in Christ overcomes the world through faith. There is no need to leave the world in order to do so. There is no need for us to go to additional lengths in order to be forgiven.
More
There is a great Day coming when we will be raised bodily from the dead, but in the meantime, we are being raised spiritually into a better existence.
More
Jesus saw Matthew, a tax collector, and told him to follow: to be his disciple. How would there have been perfection if Matthew continued to sit there?
More
Christ cannot remain in death — although he may suffer death by reason of his human nature — yet he must of his own power rise from the dead.
More
Are you willing to follow Jesus? If it means you would lose the civil right to buy and sell, to make a living, to provide for your family, would you still follow Jesus?
More
The world, seeing no wrong with itself, does not receive one part of Christ's word, reproval, and so, seeing no need of it, cannot receive his grace.
More
Having no bank account does not aid the spirit, though it may destroy the spirit if one takes pride in the so-called accomplishment of giving up money and property.
More.jpg)
Easter 4B
More
Christ is the righteousness of Christians before God, going to the Father, that is, suffering and rising for us, and thereby reconciling us to the Father.
More
I have known people who refused to work on Sunday. Some employers understood; others did not. I heard of one man who would not work on the Lord’s Day and as a result, lost his job.
More
The role of the pastor or shepherd is to feed the sheep, and to protect them from all evil, which begins and ends with proper feeding from the Word.
More
God does not command certain pietistic practices of giving up property, friends, family, food, and clothing. Indeed, Jesus tells us to not be anxious about such things.
More
Be careful that what you hear from the pulpit is the sure Word of God instead of those doctrines that suit a pastor's or denomination's agenda.
More
We must not forsake the gospel, even if it means loss of property, family, or even life. What is it that keeps you from following Jesus?
More
We are not to trifle with the Scriptures, else there would then be no reliable and permanent foundation whereon the conscience may rely.
More
God’s commandments forbid the forsaking of parents. Yet in this teaching of Jesus about leaving one’s family — even children — for him, it is clear that Jesus is using hyperbole to make his point.
More
A Bible study about the revelation of the Son of Man and his letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor
More
A nine-session Bible study of the Beatitudes of Jesus
More
Only devout, childlike people may grasp and understand the Bible, those who say by God's grace that because he has said it, then they do believe it.
More
Does our virtuous lifestyle add anything to faith? To be sure, we are to furnish our faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, and brotherly and godly love.
More
It is not enough to know the historical fact of Jesus, but to also know that he calls us dear brothers, infusing his own righteousness and glory into us who believe.
More
We are not justified before God because of a particular lifestyle, no matter how holy or special it may seem. God is able to make a child holy while that child, as yet, has no occupation.
More
It is comforting to hear Jesus tell us that his Father is also our Father, for as Jesus returns to him, we too, will one day ascend to our God in heaven.
More
It is comforting to hear Jesus tell us that his Father is also our Father, for as Jesus returns to him, we too, will one day ascend to our God in heaven.
More
As we are not made impure by physical things that enter us from the outside, so we do not purge our impurity by doing physical things.
More
How may a person of faith be found on that Day “without spot or blemish”? Even more, how may one be certain that their life is so blameless that they are at peace with God?
More
Christ lay in the tomb for a part of three days, rising on the third, but what we should note is not so much the number but the fact that he truly died.
More
How much faith is enough? Is there an admittance fee to heaven, but then you have to pay for any extras? Does a little more get you more once you get inside?
More
Jesus calls us his brothers, not because of anything we have done to merit this inclusion in his family, but because we believe on him for salvation.
More
Where is your confidence, your trust? Is it your bank account or perhaps, your pension? Maybe it is the government, its promise to protect you while lowering taxes and providing new jobs.
More
God's Word and works in the Sacraments are not idle, but instead set people free from sin, death, the devil, and every sort of fear.
More
What a joy it is to realize that God’s forgiveness and eternal life are gifts. Now, we all understand that one does not work for a gift; otherwise it is not a gift at all. Instead of a gift, it has become something we earned.
More
You may be a birthright Jew, or a birthright Quaker, but without being born again, a salvation through the Word of Christ, there can be no salvation.
More
Those who who do not believe in salvation for Christ’s sake, in other words, because of what God has done through his Son, are not only blind and witless, they have refused grace.
More
When we receive Holy Communion, we should be careful to increase love, to find our neighbor who is in need and reach out to him in Christ's name.
More
Does Jesus mean that dishonoring parents and dismissing the fourth commandment are of such great virtue that they merit eternal life? How absurd.
More
If you would be a Christian, then you must not be terribly alarmed or impatient at the the torments of the world and of the devil.
More
I take a bit of exception to Melancthon’s verb choice—although I agree with him if I understand what he intended to say. I do not wish, however, to put my words in his mouth.
More
We have the clear Word of God as testimony for us who believe, that Christ gave himself as a grace to be received in the bread and wine of his table.
More
We easily see that Paul, himself of the pharisaic tradition, taught that Christians leave the faith when they devote themselves to legal requirements such as those under consideration.
More
May you be a fresh lump with whom Christ Jesus being worked in, that the grace and power of the Spirit may continue to work out your salvation.
More
The most important commandment is greater than people are capable of apprehending in thought, let alone action. It is the height of theology.
More
The one who desires Holy Communion should receive all of it, not the bread alone but the cup of the New Covenant in Christ's blood as well.
More
There are good religious traditions, and those that are no good at all. The good ones found and construct you in the faith. These traditions are learned in the pure Word of God.
More
"The baptized Christian is born a citizen of heaven through baptism. We should be mindful of this fact and walk here as if native there."
More
Adiaphora are matters in which we should look for neither sin nor righteousness. They are non-essentials, things that have nothing to do with one’s standing before God. These non-essentials are typically traditions or customs.
More
We may know the Lord's presence everywhere through the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the blessed Sacraments.
More
The “power belongs to God.” We are incapable of securing our own forgiveness and salvation. Imagine the person who looks in the mirror and declares, “I forgive you of your sins.”
More
May you have faith in God, believing the unbelievable, that sin and death are overcome for you, not because you earned it, but for Christ's sake.
More
Before the advent of radio, television, and internet, news traveled slowly. In some circles, it travels more slowly today.
More
We aim to believe in what is written in the words of Scripture, so that we may have a faith like Enoch, faith in the God who takes up his people to himself.
More
Scripture is clear: those who try to justify their sin by their works have fallen from grace. We cannot balance the scales by placing good works against bad works. It is not a matter of weights and measures.
More
We are left to believe the Word, the word of Christ, and his works that follow after us. not in our own works, but by faith in the word of the cross.
More
Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Paul then said, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
More
The Christian life is not a matter of outward appearance but of living by the Word and through faith in and under the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord.
More
If our religion is one that earns forgiveness of sin and eternal life through religious devotion, services, and other good works, then we slander faith in Christ, just as the religious authorities in Jerusalem spurned Christ himself.
More
Faith must be of a character that excludes all works, personal devotion, piety, or holiness as the reason for salvation, and trusts in Christ alone — that through his death, resurrection, and ascension we are saved from sin and death.
More
Years ago, my Dad took me to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game. On the way, we ate at a restaurant he liked. Over his protests, I bought my meal...
More
God demands admission or confession of sin, and that people everywhere repent of their sins, turning away from self to God through his Savior.
More
What does God want? What does he want more than anything? What does God want from us “above all things”? He wants us. He wants our hearts, our trust, so that he may bless us.
More
When anxiety, distress, or other trials come your way, hold fast to the Word, keep the faith, you will see Christ clearly there, and he will again bring you joy.
More
Instead of “circumcision,” one might as well say “vows” or any other legalism — the idea is the same. Neither vows nor a lack of vows counts for anything. Only faith matters.
More
We confess that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
More
What a trial the Lutheran Reformers faced; we can hardly imagine such an issue in our modern culture. Back and forth the arguments went, first being written out, edited by peers, then written again and again until all could be in agreement with the document before sending it on to Rome.
More
The old saying that confession is good for the soul is not sufficiently correct; it is the absolute forgiveness of sins that is good for the souls of sinners.
More
So-called evangelical perfection is the keeping of all God’s commands. Let us consider three points in this regard. First, being in a monastic order does not equal “evangelical perfection” any more than does membership in a particular denomination.
More
One finds in Jesus strength and comfort against all vice and bad habits, as true Christians incorporate the life and name of Christ into their own lives.
More
It is an easy enough trap to fall into. One imagines he is being religious but his religion is based on human traditions. Anything can happen now—and will, as was evidenced by Christians being slaughtered at the hands of the Church.
More
Do not try to work yourself up to a feeling of being forgiven and loved by God, but ask him for the faith to know Christ crucified, and the assurance of salvation.
More
Greed always ends in activity that is unfitting for Christians and harmful to the Church. What begins in the heart seeps out into character and behavior.
More
No one but Christ Jesus has suffered for the sins of others, yet his passion, his suffering and death, avail for the salvation of every sinner who believes on him.
More
There are abuses in churches because there are people in churches. Sinners bring their problems and opinions with them and share them with everyone present. Of course, we should speak against certain abuses, using Scripture to reason with folks.
More
Whoever disregards the life of Christ on earth, wishing to find eternal life in some other way than he accomplished for us, fails to find salvation.
More.jpg)
It is a tightrope. We are taught to be patient and gentle, loving one another with humility and forgiveness. At the same time, we are to admonish one another from the Scripture.
More
In order to keep our focus on God, instead of on self, we are sometimes given a gift: an affliction of the flesh that makes us rely upon God.
More
The righteousness of faith is a most blessed, gracious gift of God. Through this righteousness, we honor him and possess a constant comfort against sin and death.
More
It is the sin of all who have ever lived — including you and me — that sent Christ Jesus to the cross to pay the ransom for of a whole world of sinners.
More
If you think that salvation is earned by the works you do, you either have become your own god or you have followed another false god. If you are able to save yourself from judgment by doing certain works...you have become your own god.
More
Life is sometimes difficult, so we must hold firmly in faith to the word and promises of God in Jesus Christ found in the Scriptures, The Holy Bible.
More
Aerius was a fourth century bishop of Sabaste in Pontus (modern day Sivas in the Black Sea area of Turkey). His teachings about offerings for the dead not being part of the Mass labeled his as a heretic by most of the church.
More
This is our hope — our only hope: Christ Jesus — that we might believe in him, and having such faith, come to see him on that great and glorious Day.
More
Worship in the New Testament is done “in spirit and truth.” This kind of worship means that the active agent is the Spirit of God — not us. Our works do not count for anything.
More
Like children imitating their parents, we should imitate God, especially in doing good things for our neighbors so that the Father is glorified in us.
More
The ancients never intended to deliver the patriarch, prophets, and apostles from a so-called purgatory. They only wished to offer up thanks together with them for the blessings that have been given to them and to us,
More
We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things, trusting him through his Word, more than feelings, works, or even his good gifts.
More
Why is Scripture, or the Word of God, so important? Why is its authority paramount? It is the only objective way we have of knowing who God is, and of discerning his will among the countless voices demanding our attention.
More
God will keep his promise that the seed of the woman will bruise the head of the serpent, establishing Seth in that line that would herald the Savior.
More
Using the Sacrament in a way that Christ did not intend, abuses and profanes his Holy Supper. Offering his blessed promises to the dead and to those who do not believe makes it an occasion for sin and judgment.
More
Videos featuring readings from and comments on the Daily Lectionary will be posted daily, Sunday, March 24 – Saturday, March 30, 2024.
More
We are to turn the other cheek, trusting in God above all things — even government, even ourselves — that he will avenge wrongdoing.
More
Ceremonies and rituals are nice. But a ceremony or a ritual is not fine in and of itself. For example, if I go through the motions of living with my wife but do not believe that she loves me, consider the relational benefits alone that are absent to me.
More
Lack of faith is what drives us East of Eden, away from the presence of God, the communion of saints, the church, Christ's kingdom, and eternal life.
More
Ceremonies and rituals are nice. But a ceremony or a ritual is not fine in and of itself. For example, if I go through the motions of living with my wife but do not believe that she loves me, consider the relational benefits alone that are absent to me.
More
God may show mercy even to the unjust so that they may have time to repent and know the full and certain assurance of his love and care.
More
It is obvious that there is no verse of Scripture that would have us celebrate the sacrament in such a way that it promises benefits those who are dead.
More
Nothing would thwart God's plan, not even Adam's and Eve's disobedience — our our own. He has promised a Savior, and delivered on his promise.
More
The word “bodies,” used in nearly every English translation of Romans 12:1, does not mean body in the way we think. The Greek somata means more than the physical.
More
Be careful how you respond to God when he confronts you with your sins, especially when it involves your neighbor, or family, your closest neighbors.
More
The origin and therefore, original meaning of the term “Mass” is widely disputed. That it originates in the Latin word missa is not disputed. That word means “sending” or “dismissal.”
More
There are many fine collections of prayers available. If a person reads those prayers but does not believe in God, are they effective prayers?
More
God has no desire to forget us and so, those who love the Lord will live on in his memory and in another, blessed life so that we may remain in his love.
More
So, we have come to see that the liturgy of the Church is not a sacrifice at all. It is the whole service of worship that is done for the good of all present.
More
Whatever day it is, the promise of the gospel abounds for you, making it the acceptable day for your salvation. Believe! and it will be a brand new day.
More
The sacrifice, or re-sacrifice, of Christ is not to be added to Holy Communion. It cannot be added, since it has already been accomplished. However, we may add our own sacrifice...
More
The office of the ministry will always be disgraced by some, as Christ Jesus himself was dishonored, simply because his Word is proclaimed as truth.
More
Liturgy does not mean sacrifice. It never meant that in secular Greek and in biblical Greek it is a word related to the ministry of the Church. The term “liturgy” means a required, public service that is of benefit to others.
More
The preacher must not present an obstacle to the Word that results from his life, and especially from his doctrine, so they refuse to believe because of him.
More
Though some call it the sacrifice of the Mass, it still would not mean that this service of thanksgiving, or Eucharist, bestows God’s grace upon people whether they have faith in him or not.
More
We are weak in the flesh, yes, but this is all the more reason to strive for purity and to live in holiness since Christ Jesus has made us holy.
More
Faith is the byword of the Lutheran Reformation. The Church could only be reformed, shaped back to what it was meant to be, through faith in God. Each person receives forgiveness when they have faith in the forgiving God.
More.jpg)
In Confession and Absolution, we are to carefully consider our sins. We stare squarely into our souls and see who we truly are, and recognize that we are sinners.
More
There have been and will always be those who would take advantage of your liberty in Christ, insisting you must do this and that to be saved.
More
Do your sins torment you? Go to the forgiver of sin. Do you fear eternal death? Go to the source of life. Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? Then go to the table where the righteousness of another is served.
More
One needs more than purification of the body in order to be at peace with God. The conscience must be cleansed by faith in the shed blood of Jesus.
More
Faith is the very thing that determines the right to eat at the Lord’s table. A person must first examine himself to see whether he has faith to eat and drink.
More
Holy Communion is not effective because of motions and rituals. We are not accomplishing something because we have acted out a tragedy.
More.jpg)
The New Testament teaches that the highest form of worship happens within, spiritually, in the heart. One may do all the outward, religious services but do so with a corrupt heart.
More
There should be a grateful and increasing degree of perfection in the doctrines we have received, perceiving our errors and striving to mend our ways.
More
The Word has been given to reveal God and arouse faith in him. The Sacrament of Holy Communion was instituted so that, in remembering Christ, that faith may be strengthened.
More
Everyone — even old Noah, your pastor, and your child — is a sinner who can do nothing without God's assistance. Admit it, and salvation begins.
More
A husband may buy his wife diamonds, flowers, and many other things, but if his word does not accompany them, it is difficult to believe for long that these are signs of his love.
More
The wastelands of unclean spirits are nothing more than unbelieving hearts, Evil is anxious to return home, so keep believing and exercising your faith.
More
Drawing significance to professions, making divisions among ourselves, is the furthest thing from the focus of the Lord’s Supper. Christ is the emphasis of our communion. Christ is our communion.
More
The law condemns but the gospel takes away all despair, so that, even if one has only some crumbs of faith, she may believe and be a child of God.
More
The human heart, harder than diamonds, is determined to have its own way. Religious matters are not exempt from our hardness of heart.
More
The bare Word of God is what must make the difference for us — not disappointment or glee or any other feeling. Cling to the Word alone!
More
Our sacrifices — on an altar or on the altar of life do not settle the score with God. As we have shown many times, Christ alone is the sacrifice that has reconciled God.
More
All works of love, then, must be directed, as commanded, to our needy neighbors. In these lowly ones we are to find, love, serve, and honor God.
More
The disciples gathered around their Lord, bringing nothing to the table. Christ Jesus brought it all. The disciples did nothing but receive with thankful hearts.
More
Be careful that you are not tempted to believe twisted Scriptures, especially when it concerns false promises for your soul. Christ alone is our Promise.
More
Besides the odious practice of marketing Christ’s body and blood, this commerce is based upon selfish desires, largely the freeing of departed loved ones from a place that does not exist.
More
"The Spiritual Realms," a nine-session Bible study on Heaven and Hell and other places beyond this world
More
We do not live by the nourishment of the body alone. We also need spiritual sustenance, or as Jesus says, "that word that proceeds from the mouth of God"
More
Holy Communion is the privilege of those who truly participate in the body and blood of Christ. This participation is genuine fellowship in the communion of saints, else it is a mockery.
More
What do you want Jesus to do for you? Heal some spiritual blindness? Increase your faith? Hear the gospel and receive God's grace? Ask and you shall receive.
More
There is false security in performing a ritual, or in it being performed for us, expecting that it has some spiritual value just because the ceremony is done. It is not enough to come to the altar to eat and drink a bit of bread and wine.
More
Jesus was able to be patient with his accusers and attackers because he did not entrust himself to their judgment but to him who judges justly.
More
We cannot work our way to God. We cannot do so morally or religiously. Imagine someone saying, I’m good enough now to be forgiven my badness.
More
We should cheerfully suffer want and temptation for the service of God and the good of our neighbor, like Christ did for us.
More
The religious works of others on our behalf can no more kill or mortify us than make us alive again or quickened. The work worked by them, though perhaps very satisfying to the eye and ear, remains the work of a human being.
More
"Reason, flesh and blood, cannot understand, nor grasp that the Scriptures should say how the Son of man must be crucified...to suffer for us."
More
Either Christ is the full and final atonement for the sins of the world, or he is not. In the latter case, two things are true.
More
We are to owe no person anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law and commandments.
More
Paul tells us all that is required to be reconciled to God. All things in heaven and earth are brought peace and consolation through the blood of Christ alone. Through faith...
More
God had a plan — from the beginning. You see it spread before you as early as the book of Genesis. He made a covenant with Abraham in order to bless the nations through the Lion of tribe of Judah.
More
The gifts of God are to be used in service of neighbor so that God receives the glory for our actions. This is accomplished when we serve with love.
More
God had a plan—from the beginning. You see it spread before you as early as the book of Genesis. He made a covenant with Abraham in order to bless the nations through the Lion of tribe of Judah.
More
You just can't win sometimes. Trying to defend yourself does not work; you just get judged all the more. All you can do is entrust yourself to God.
More
Jesus Christ is the only high priest able to stand between you and God. As such, he is called our “great high priest” by the writer of Hebrews. Because Jesus is our high priest, we are able to make the good confession. That confession is that he is the Christ, the one whose sacrifice has made the difference.
More
We are forgiven only if we continue in faith and are occupied with purging out the impurity that remains in us. Life is daily repentance and forgiveness: purging.
More
What is it that proclaims the gospel? That thing belongs in our services of worship. The Sacraments proclaim the gospel on the deepest level. “Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” clearly “speak” the good news of Christ among us.
More
Are you gracious or harsh and demanding of others? We must show mercy and grace to our neighbor, as we have been shown these by Christ.
More
The Lutherans believed (and believe) that we have no need of an intermediary in order to receive the benefits of Holy Communion. Christ is our intermediary. We only need his grace.
More
God can bring life and healing to the lives of others through your faith, as seen in biblical examples like the centurion who had faith for another.
More
We have been saved by God’s grace — not by our good works or offerings of money or service. This salvation happens through faith in Christ. It is that simple.
More
Jesus came to earth to do his Father's will, to die for a world's sin. It was his passion, his Plan A; there was no Plan B.
More.jpg)
Faith in Christ, in what he has done for us, is so important because it always makes us look to the source of forgiveness and salvation. Anything that turns our attention away from him must be avoided altogether.
More
All works are good, so long as they are done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for his glory, as directed by him rather than by one's own ability.
More
Repentance does not mean that we must go and do something to overturn God’s anger. Repetition of prayers and good deeds do not effect God’s forgiveness.
More
The desolating sacrilege that Daniel referred to is not about decorations, ceremony, and other external matters. God is instead, teaching us internal, spiritual matters through Daniel’s prophecy: to keep faith...
More
Peter's and Luther's doctrine of the priesthood of believers is central to Paul's teaching on honoring weaker members of the body of Christ.
More
The good news of Jesus Christ comes to us in preaching. We must hear it; then God gives us faith. But the Word must truly be heard in this proclamation, with all that “hearing” means.
More
The gospel leaves us no room to doubt the Lord's favor, for the first and the last to believe his word will receive his eternal and generous salvation.
More
Whether it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or grace, forgiveness, and eternal life under consideration, God’s gifts are just that: gifts. He gives freely to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
More
When there is but infinite day, we will require faith no more, nor hope. Love is the permanent thing, and therefore, the greatest of the three that now abide.
More
The Lutheran Reformers taught that there are two basic types of kingdoms in the world: the first, spiritual, the second, temporal. The Church at the time of the Reformation held — and wielded — both powers.
More
Come to Christ because you are a sinner, not because you think he must have someone as great and pious as you. Come with faith in him, not in yourself.
More
We should not go through the motions of religious ceremony, for this is vanity and hypocrisy. Ritualism without understanding is foolishness.
More
A Christian does not live life aimlessly. This life is a race to the prize, eternal life in Jesus Christ, and so, must be run with passion and purpose.
More
Look to Abraham. Was his putting the knife to Isaac the sacrifice God desired? No; that was a test, not a real sacrifice. The true sacrifice was Abraham’s faith in God.
More
Seek! Search! Look everywhere else. But you will never find Christ Jesus anywhere else but in the holy Scripture. The Spirit will reveal himself there.
More
In the Old Testament, many things represented things to come; they are lesser types of a greater future. What was concealed in the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament.
More
Take the Word of God "as it stands," as it is written, and be transformed by the Holy Spirit who works through that very Word in all his people.
More
Doctrine must have a sure and clear word of God, not obscure analogies. Nothing in Scripture suggests that a ceremony saves us from sin and death. God has done that for us.
More
A Christian glories in the things of which other men are ashamed — in the cross and in his sufferings. For the world will not long endure the Word.
More
That holy priesthood called the Church is the temple of God through which sacrifices are to be made to him. We do not mean physical sacrifices.
More
As much as you are able, live in peace with all; spend time with those of humble circumstance. Be a blessing to your neighbor.
More
This is the sacrifice that is acceptable to God: our old nature mortified in Christ Jesus. The death of Christ occurred on the cross, while ours happens in baptism where our fleshly nature is slain with Christ.
More
Marriage, because it is God's institution, will be a difficult work, as the flesh will resist and rebel, as it always does against doing God's will.
More
The day is coming when every knee in heaven and on earth will bow at the name of Jesus. This does not come through robotic religion; it happens when hearts are regenerated through the preaching of the gospel.
More
Love desires the best for its neighbor, even when one's neighbor does not desire the best for you, so one must pray for them even when they are not neighborly.
More
The Lord’s name will be made great throughout the earth through the preaching of the gospel. The Spirit produces faith in individuals through the Word.
More
Jesus allowed for believers and unbelievers alike in the church, so that both might be spared, believers from violent uprooting, and unbelievers an opportunity to believe.
More.jpg)
Having been moved to faith, the Spirit of God begins to transform us through the Word, worship, and testing. He gives each believer a gift or gifts of the Spirit that should be used in service for God.
More
Each Christian has been given a calling, and with that calling a particular gift or gifts to fulfill the calling. These do not make her better or happier than another.
More
Works are things that God rewards, to be sure, but something else is more certain. God does not reward our good works with salvation.
More
God permits us to fail in order to make us seek him in his Word. Do not despair when things do not go your way. God is calling you.
More
Do good but do not depend upon your good works. Depend upon God, upon his word and his promises. Though they please him if done from the heart, God does not require your sacrifices.
More
Paul does not put much emphasis on foretelling the future, but on the explanation of the Scriptures, so that there may be faith in the gospel.
More
The Hebrew word for “obey” can also be understood to heed, listen, or hear. For to truly hear is to obey. If you do not obey, you have not really heard.
More
In the New Testament, there is no offering or service or work that merits God’s favor ex opere operato — on account of the work that has been done or the service rendered.
More
Love is virtue pure and precious. It neither utters, nor thinks any evil of its neighbor. It rather covers sin; not one sin, nor two, but a “multitude of sins.”
More
We are to offer sacrifices but the Lutheran Reformers wanted to be clear, not only what those sacrifices are but, what they accomplish. There is no sacrifice that we can offer or that can be offered for us.
More
Our worship and good works are to be done for Christ's sake, not because we think that we earn salvation through our deeds or piety.
More
There is only one work that saves, reconciles, justifies, atones, provides forgiveness of sin. That one work or sacrifice is not something that any human being can do.
More
Good and bad happens to bad and so-called good people alike. The difference is how one responds, and why, and from where their peace comes.
More
After the true sacrifice had been accomplished, all analogous and ceremonial sacrifices should cease. What they pointed toward had already been accomplished in Christ’s cross.
More
If salvation in Christ's light is to be brought about, all other righteousness in ourselves, sought outside of Christ with works, must be rejected.
More
You may sacrifice this thing or another, hoping that God will be appeased and forgive your sins. Or you might do some good work or act of penance, again, hoping that God will remove your guilt.
More
Christians are not to be ruled by their feelings or reasoning, for these are matters of their will. But God's will revealed through his Word transforms them.
More
Baptism “brings about forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.”
More
Simeon was not impressed by appearances and so, could bless Christ Jesus. If appearances are our motivation, we will not bless Jesus.
More
Although there were symbolic types of atoning sacrifice in the Old Testament, true, propitiatory sacrifice was only accomplished by Jesus Christ.
More
Christians are priests, each and every one of them, and as priests, are to offer acceptable sacrifices to God. That sacrifice is self for the honor God.
More
Our concern is what a propitiatory or atoning sacrifice is for Christians. For that matter, what is an atoning sacrifice for anyone during this Christian era? There is just one...
More
Jesus ended the former type of sacrifice, that is, animal sacrifice for the purposes of reconciliation with God and the forgiveness of sin.
More
Christians should not curse—in the sense of wishing evil in a person's life. However, Christians are to censure and reprove evil in the hope of good.
More
Baptism is necessary for salvation. Jesus did not say, Believe and you will be saved. Instead, he adds a work that he does to us through a Sacrament.
More
God allows suffering to guard against presumption, as example to others to repent, and as preparation for finding Christ, and keeping him.
More.jpg)
It is critical to have a right understanding. Our modern English Bible translations use the phrase, "rightly handling the word of truth." The King James puts a finer point on the phrase by following William Tyndale's lead in literally translating the phrase as "rightly dividing the word of truth."
More
Scripture presents Christ as our High Priest, who through his one sacrifice has taken away the sins of the world. Those who believe are justified with God by no merit or works of their own.
More
Having Christ's Spirit within us, we are to love our neighbors so fully through that it seems as though we are indebted to love our them.
More
The common belief was that God’s grace and mercy could be had at a price. Therefore, spiritual benefit could come from the work worked, opus operatum.
More
Love of neighbor does not justify us to God. Faith in God does however, compel us to love our neighbor, and this is evidence of faith, and love of God.
More
Peace comes to us through faith. Faith must come first, since we cannot know peace until we know that somehow we have become righteous before God. Now, any sane person knows that righteousness cannot come by virtue of human works.
More
The light exposes the darkness of human reason, doctrine, and works, and displays our need of the grace and glory of he who is Light from Light, true God from true God.
More
Grace is not merited “from the work worked” (ex opere operato) by humans. It is a gift received through faith in the great work of Christ. Going through religious motions accounts for nothing without faith in God’s word of promise.
More
The magi may not have known who the newborn king truly was, but you and I are called to attend to our vocations, then think only how we may know Christ.
More
I know a man who reads his morning paper, then removes the employment section of the classified ads. He takes that bit of the paper with him on his drive to work. If someone is panhandling on a street corner, he hands them the employment classifieds.
More
The gospel is not the light but the expression of that eternal Light that has risen upon us.
More
The Augsburg Confession, of which this document is a defense against the charges of the Roman Confutation, states that “the Mass is a Sacrament for those gathered.”
More
This video was recorded in 2021, just as I was packing up my old study to move it to St. Paul's in Salisbury, NC.
More.jpg)
One must trust the promise of God, believing with true faith. Yet, as we have said, this cannot be accomplished without the Word. One must actually hear the words of Scripture, not a babbling in another language but real, understandable words.
More
Your beliefs, especially doctrine about Christ, must come from the Scriptures. Rest your faith on Christ as found in the Word alone.
More
More than one person has proclaimed to me, as though to unsettle me, I suppose, that going to church does not make one a Christian. Well, amen to that.
More
Just as little as it lies in one’s power to be born and to receive natural existence, so little does it lie in his power to be without sin or to escape from it. He who created us must take it away.
More
The Reformers would not sit still for the scattered blows of their opponents’ Confutation. Twisting statements into something they are not could not be permitted, if the central focus of the Reformation was to be maintained.
More
Cultural correctness is not an easy thing to buck. It feels like nearly everyone is against you. Yet, it is far better to have the whole world denounce you than have God condemn you.
More
You can't wrap your mind around the Trinity. God is above the world and very different. We cannot imagine. So, God reveals himself and those with faith believe what he says about himself.
More
Only God’s Word will abide. Our idle arguments will wither, our fine words and reasoning fall with the flowers at the end of summer. As they wither and fall, God’s glory will appear in full bloom before us.
More
As stated when writing about the Distinction of Meats, Jovinian was a monk and ascetic in the fourth century who wrote against celibacy and other monastic traditions. He praised the virtues of marriage and was therefore, of course, branded a heretic.
More
You can't wrap your mind around the Trinity. God is above the world and very different. We cannot imagine. So, God reveals himself and those with faith believe what he says about himself.
More
Because God is a righteous judge, things must be eventually different: the godly must have eternal good — and the wicked, on the other hand, must be punished forever. Otherwise, he would not be either righteous or God. So, we must keep faith in him despite wickedness and persecution and other troubles in this life.
More
If one cannot in his own power do what God expects, that is, if he continues to sin, then he should do what God says is the answer. It is foolhardy to do what people say ought to be done when God has provided a different solution.
More
"Whoever believes the Word, does not care who the person is that speaks the Word, and neither will he honor the Word for the sake of the person; but on the contrary, he honors the person because of the Word, and always subordinates the person to the Word."
More
What makes a sinner pure? Flagellations? Fastings? Offerings? Are these the things that King David did in order to be clean after his sin with Bathsheba? King David well understood who did the cleansing.
More
Had you been in Bethlehem on that night, you would have paid as little attention to Christ as they did; but since it is now made known who Christ is, you profess to serve him, but you would hardly have done it before. If you do nothing for the needy now, you would not have done it for Jesus and his family then.
More
This long argument against the demonic dogma of enforced and perpetual celibacy may seem to some as being overdone. Yet these very same problems persist 500 years later.
More
Jesus was a natural man in every respect just as we are — the only difference that he was without a sinful nature. It should be therefore, a great comfort to us that Jesus took upon himself our nature and flesh.
More
The Wittenberg Reformers knew something about peddlers of religion. The hucksters of indulgences plagued the lands, bilking folks out of scarce money. There were other charlatans too, who traded wholesale in religion, exchanging false promises for the blessings of life.
More
What is one to do when all attempts have been made to reason with people who have willfully gone astray? There are people — yes, even in the churches — who willfully ignore Scripture, insisting instead on their own bent reasoning.
More.jpg)
What lovelier and more comforting message can be heard than that our sins are not ours any more, that they no more lie on us, but on the Lamb of God.
More
What lovelier and more comforting message can be heard than that our sins are not ours any more, that they no more lie on us, but on the Lamb of God.
More
The devil’s lies brought sin and death into the world. Knowledge of this should provide godly people with ample courage to stand for the truth. Part of that truth is that God uses both self-discipline and marriage as means of faithfulness.
More
The gospel is the final message of God, that which clearly directs people to Christ. So should we, like John the Baptist, direct people to Christ.
More
A further edition of the Lutheran Confessions adds, “God has now so blinded the world that adultery and fornication are permitted almost without punishment; on the contrary, punishment is inflicted on account of marriage.”
More
"Preparing the way" is a metaphor for confronting people who need to repent. Preparing the way is proclamation of the law so that people do not depend upon themselves and their religion but trust in Christ alone.
More
We do not like to think of a wrathful God. Yet a holy God is by default, angry at times. His anger is stirred by willful disobedience, by those who think they know better than he does.
More
We must first tell the sinners how they can be liberated from their sins and perceive a merciful God. When they have been released from the power of an evil conscience, joy will naturally result.
More
Those who prohibit marriage, enforcing celibacy as a necessary good work, have become a laughingstock. Even their own dare to laugh when others make sport or even scorn their ways. For these ways are not God’s ways; perpetual celibacy is a human invention.
More
It is not enough to put off the works of darkness. One must put on the armor of light by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ.
More
The churches and seminaries should be places where people may safely flee the passions — not run straight into them, and with more abundance and variety than was known elsewhere.
More
The gospel has not the least in common with the self-righteous. They want to become rich in works, but the gospel wills that they are to become poor.
More
We should never place so-called common sense before Holy Scripture. We may imagine that we understand something perfectly well, yet God’s way are not our ways. What once seemed entirely sensible to us looks quite different through the eyes of faith.
More.jpg)
Christ is the Sun, the source of the spiritual day, from whom the gospel brightness shines throughout the world through the apostles' preaching.
More
Marriage should never be considered an obstacle to salvation, nor as a life filled with sins. Quite the opposite is true. The Apostle Paul praises the married life for its unique ability to keep one from sin.
More.jpg)
All is well because of the peace of the cross, the peace of God, the peace of conscience, Christian peace, is the work of God that gives eternal calm.
More
Not only was celibacy not the thing in Rome or in the monasteries, unchastity was on display in these places — as it is now. This hypocrisy was well-known to the people.
More.jpg)
Let no one decide that he will be utterly careless and rest upon God, making no effort, no exertion, not even resorting to prayer. Prayer is trust in God.
More.jpg)
Marriage should never be considered an obstacle to salvation, nor as a life filled with sin. Quite the opposite is true. The Apostle Paul praises the married life for its unique ability to keep one from sin.
More.jpg)
To serve God is nothing else than to serve your neighbor in love, whether enemy or friend, or whether you can help in temporal or spiritual matters.
More
Programs of austerity for the sake of meriting favor with God are useless. Indeed, they are harmful. These things make us think that we are the cause of our own salvation.
More.jpg)
The offense of doctrine may be the most beautiful religious ceremonies, the noblest works, so that only faith through the Spirit recognizes that it is all wrong.
More.jpg)
These false teachings come about by not understanding the principal teaching of the New Testament, the one from which all good doctrine springs, and the central tenet of the Lutherans. That principal belief is that we are saved by God.
More
Do you think that God cannot preserve in his care the souls of men so that they will never know how heaven and earth passed away? You are in God’s hands.
More
Those who enjoy their ease and indolence, without the benefit of the Word of God, and having no regard for it, live their lives without worry or guilt. These conditions brought the most debauched lifestyles upon the Church, just as they do in our times.
More.jpg)
The coming of Christ will not be attended by drums and bugles and the like worldly pomp, but by spiritual power and grace.
More
There must be good order in all things. I once did marriage counseling with a couple whose problems always seemed to come back to talk about sex.
More.jpg)
We are not waiting for a Messiah and Savior yet to come. We are waiting each Advent for the Messiah and Savior who has come and will come again.
More
We neither require nor need any acts of purification. For it is God alone who cleanses hearts. King David knew this to be true. What work of cleansing did he do after his sin with Bathsheba?
More.jpg)
For the sake of gain, we rise from sleep and go to work. How much greater the need for us to awaken from our spiritual sleep, to engage the works of light.
More
The ceremonial code in the law of Moses, those things concerning what is clean or unclean, do not pertain to Christians. Christians are freed from all the ceremonies of Moses, not only from the laws concerning uncleanness.
More.jpg)
There is no one so prepared for the judgment day as he who fears God and longs to be without sin. What do you fear? You are well prepared for that day.
More
On Saturday about Noon, in the midst of running one more household errand, I complained (again) to my wife: “I’m not going to get anything done today!”
More.jpg)
If we are true Christians we will earnestly and heartily join in Christ's prayer, saying "Thy kingdom come." If we do not so pray, we are not yet true Christians.
More
Whether or not we concur with the rhetorical comparisons used by Melancthon, we may understand his point. That is, we cannot earn the favor of God. Rather, because of Christ’s work, those who believe are regarded as righteous by God.
More.jpg)
Let the unbeliever doubt and despise God’s signs and speak of them as simply natural; but let us hold fast to the Word that gives us sufficient warning.
More
Whenever some religious notion enters our heads, making us imagine that we must do one thing or another in order to earn God’s grace, we may confidently declare that thing to be false.
More.jpg)
"People will eat and drink, buy and sell, marry and be given in marriage and wrap themselves up in this present life as if they expected to abide here forever."
More-1200.jpg)
It is the heart that must be changed, not necessarily one’s vocation or position in life. One may think that he must become a pastor in order to be on heaven’s path.
More.jpg)
God sent his own Son into the world to do what humans cannot do by reason or religion. This is who we await in Advent, remembering again God's grace.
More
Nothing is pure, if it is done outside of faith and God’s Word. An unbeliever may practice the most ascetic spiritual disciplines. He may fast, study, meditate, remain celibate, and feed the poor, but none of this is pure if it is exercised without faith.
More.jpg)
We should not think of an earthly kingdom, nor of bodily salvation, but give attention to the promise of a spiritual kingdom and of a redemption.
More
If ever there were a single word that summed up the Lutheran Confessions, it is the word faith. Everything depends upon faith in God, and that depends upon God’s grace.
More
"The nature of faith is that it does not judge nor reason by what it sees, but by what it hears. It depends upon the Word alone and not on vision or sight."
More
But the main point here is that marriage remains a holy estate even if one person is not a believer — not because of the beliefs of the person, but because of the God who ordains marriage.
More
“Your King comes to you” does not mean that you find him, but that he seeks and finds you. Faith and works too, come from him, not from you.
More
Christ himself says here that married people are joined together by God. He is quoting Moses and then adds that it is God who joins them together.
More
Faith brings and gives Christ to you with all his possessions. Love brings and gives you to your neighbor along with all of your possessions.
More
Christ himself says here that married people are joined together by God. He is quoting Moses and then adds that it is God who joins them together.
More
At his coming, Christ will glorify our bodies until they correspond to his own immortal, glorious body, doing all this quite without the help of our works.
More
Before going on with arguments, let us acknowledge that the Holy Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments declare marriage a holy matter, something that God has ordained.
More
Christians should comfort themselves in the confidence that God will not permit the wrongs to his people to be left unpunished and unavenged.
More.jpg)
Is a pastor purer to God if unmarried? Is this what makes people pure under the New Testament? Is it the New Testament in human purity or the New Testament in Christ’s blood?
More.jpg)
The last day will come and people will not expect it, even though that day is at the door. Told that these are signs of the last day, still they will not believe.
More
Regardless of wording, Daniel paints the “king” whom Melancthon infers to be an antichrist as one who exalts himself above all people, all gods, all law.
More
We must know the meaning of Christ’s words: “This is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life.”
More
Contrast the hardness of humans with the mercy of God. Humans invent divorce and laws like celibacy — even forcing divorces upon those already married so that human regulation will be kept, even when it is in open defiance of God’s command.
More
To overcome unrest, discontent, and disgust in one's self, a firm faith in God is necessary, for such a faith faith brings rest, contentment and peace.
More
There are those who are able to truly and consistently practice control of the flesh. But if they are not able, if they have not been empowered with restraint by God, then they should marry. This is God’s plan for us — with good reason.
More
We think we are safe begin to drift when we should fear God, always being concerned for our spiritual condition, so that we pray, "Lord, increase our faith."
More
Do you imagine that you are able to be virtuous in your own strength? Of course, we must rely on God’s strength, not our own. Yet we are not to rely upon his strength alone. We must also depend upon his plan.
More
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
More
God has already provided the answer; and it is a splendid solution. So, if anything, people should pray for common sense. God has blessed men and women with the sweet fellowship of marriage and the comfort and peace of the marriage bed.
More
May the Spirit of Christ move in you so that you might fear, love, and trust his Father and desire to stand before him in heaven in all his glorious majesty.
More
Paul does not say here that he wishes all were celibate. Rather, he speaks of his gifting from God’s Spirit to keep himself under control. He would prefer that all were like himself, self-controlled in matters of sexual appetite.
More
The Holy Spirit moves the heart to begin again to love each day. Christ is full of grace and truth, and through him grace and truth grow in us.
More
Since the fall of Adam, the temptation to sin in general has been difficult but the struggle with lust may be at the top of the list. Self-control is a hard habit to master.
More
The gospel should not be preached in a corner, but before all people, whether or not we feel it effective, for it alone has the power to save.
More
Evidently, the notion of celibacy had been raised with Paul by the Corinthians. The apostle gives a conditional response. There are some who have received special graces from God, so that they may be celibate.
More
When tempted, a wise man is watchful, not relying on human knowledge, reason, or feelings, but he remembers God’s Word, and is guided thereby.
More
Natural love existed between men and women even when their nature was still pure. God told Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply,” which of course, happens in but one manner.
More
The present time is unquestionably good and golden as long as the gospel of Jesus Christ is faithfully preached and received.
More
In the wisdom of God, there are both male and female, the one for the other. He formed man from “the dust of the ground,” then breathing into him “the breath of life.”
More
It was no easy matter to believe that the whole human race was to perish, so the world judged Noah to be a dolt for believing such things and ridiculed him.
More
Eating, drinking, marrying, and other such natural privileges and rights are good; God has blessed these things for our use. Yet a problem occurs when we enjoy (or over-enjoy) these rights without thanks to God.
More
Regarding our neighbor's condition as our own, we should take upon ourselves their burdens, sins, and imperfections, and bear with them and help them to reform.
More
God has built into nature — indeed, into our natures — the union of men and women. But this built-in right points to the glory of the regenerated nature that we have in Christ.
More
The world will not allow that it must stand before judgment, but rages against God. Let us take heed that the wrath of God may not also sweep us away.
More
This is human reason at work again. Scripture says one thing, but we come up with our reasons for not believing what the Word says. Men and women are made for one another...
More
The righteousness of the law cannot provide confidence of mind. What does avail is God’s imputation of righteousness for Christ’s sake through faith.
More
“Reason cannot establish anything sure about God.” But if we rely upon what is written, if we look to Scripture for our answers, we see quite clearly that God created men and women for the purposes of partnership and filling the earth with people.
More
"There is a twofold reason for you to receive the Lord’s Supper. It means gratitude and praise for Christ, and grace and solace for yourself."
More
God provided man a helpmate, a female helper and companion. This is God’s will and plan for his creation — a good and godly arrangement.
More
The one who trusts in God will rejoice even if the whole world should burst upon his head. Such a person would stand unmoved amid the falling ruins.
More
Some people just have to be right — even at the expense of being very wrong. Cultures, whether religious or political, never seem to change in this regard.
More
"We need to cling to God and pray: Merciful God, thou hast permitted me to become a Christian, help me to continue to be one and to increase daily in faith".
More
There it is; this is the problem. When we base our positions on traditions, we end up with opinions. When our beliefs come from God’s Word, how can we do anything but oppose human opinions that are contrary to his Word?
More
If you would change the world, believe, preach, and live the gospel. This is how God has subdued the nations and you, through his Word. Go!
More
It is an irony. One would think that priests would be the ones to marry. After all, Paul tells us that marriage is a symbol of the relationship that Christ has with his Church.
More
The external word or preaching is a means through which we receive God's grace, the forgiveness of sins, and the righteousness of Christ.
More
One cannot put on an alb and cincture, yet live like an unbound infidel, and think that putting on an extra robe will cover the hypocrisy. More laws and traditions are not needed.
More
The entire Scriptures were written for our learning. All Christians should make daily use of this book filled with God's word through which they find comfort.
More
The authors of the Roman Confutation acted as if the shameful lives of so many priests were of little concern compared to the issue of priests being permitted to marry.
More
Pure and strong faith requires one to cast away all feelings, understanding, and reason, to trust in Christ's word, be satisfied with it, and feel secure in it.
More
There have always been and still are priests, popes, pastors, and bishops who will have nothing to do with the commands and law of God. Scripture is not their guide; indeed, they teach the people that some verses of the Bible are true, while others are fairy tales
More
So far as the Holy Supper is a confession before men, the communicant proclaims Christ and teaches faith in him, spreading the kingdom of Christ.
More
I am always impressed by the steady hands of those who pour from a chalice into a small, individual communion cups. I am no less impressed by those who can hold the cup to the lips without spilling, and for those lips to receive without dribbling.
More
God laughs at us, at our attempts to triumph through our works, our politics, our religion. He mocks these human attempts at overcoming the troubles of life.
More
I am always impressed by the steady hands of those who pour from a chalice into a small, individual communion cups. I am no less impressed by those who can hold the cup to the lips without spilling, and for those lips to receive without dribbling.
More.jpg)
The sum of the matter is this, that those persons are saved who place their trust solely in God, not in their works, nor in any creature.
More
The focus of the Lord’s Supper should not be the office of the minister, but Christ alone. With him as our focus, we easily see that there are indeed offices or orders in the Christ’s Church but that we “are all one in Christ Jesus.”
More
Faith is the appropriate attire for the wedding of God and his Bride. No one will be admitted to the marriage feast unless they are clothed in Christ.
More
All of God’s people are to be given both kinds in the Lord’s Supper — both the bread and the wine, his body and his blood. The reason for this usage is simply this: the Lord himself commands this practice for the forgiveness of sins.
More
True service of praise is not established with revenues, laws, and programs. The only true service we all can render him is to praise and to thank him.
More
Just because someone wants it to be a certain way, does not make it so. If someone commands authority, this does not necessarily make his demands right. The dictates of an entire culture do not stamp a matter with divine approval.
More
Do not be terrified of sin but call to mind your baptism. Comfort yourself that God covenanted to forgive your sins and not condemn you for Christ's sake.
More
If we are to seek first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33), what is it that we should desire? The simplest answer is that we should seek Christ.
More
If I gave God all the good works I could, it would be of no use to him; He wants my whole heart; he wants me. This marriage union is accomplished by faith.
More
Who is elevated or remembered in such a distinction between clergy and laity? Is it Christ? Or is it the clergy who are given the greater dignity?
More
Who is elevated or remembered in such a distinction between clergy and laity? Is it Christ? Or is it the clergy who are given the greater dignity?
More
Don't take offense at people's rage against the Lord or his Church. Simply live your life in faith. Luther did the same. Even when those who called themselves Christians attacked, he commended them to God while he lived faithfully, proclaiming the eternal gospel.
More
God leads us, not in the way of sense or reason, but in the way of faith alone, even of that faith that sees in darkness and beholds things that are invisible.
More
When we speak of breaking bread, we mean that we take the time to enjoy a meal. In the Church, this may simply refer to a fellowship meal. Yet, in certain Scriptures it could be understood as being something more than a potluck.
More
"Christ was both David’s true natural son, of his blood and flesh, and also David’s Lord, whom David himself must worship and hold as God."
More-1200.jpg)
In the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus does not mention the bitter herbs or the sweet charoset or other elements of the Passover meal.
More
Christian unity resists sin and everything opposed to the religion of Christ, so the apostle enjoins us to be likeminded according to Christ Jesus.
More
The blood of Christ is “poured out for many.” This word “many” means for the multitude or for the whole gathering. This was the institution of Christ and the practice of the early Church.
More
No sin is more abominable to human nature, and of none is human nature less tolerant than the sin of ingratitude, for returning love and friendship with hatred.
More
Everyone received bread; all received wine. Why? The simple reason Paul gives is, that is the way the Lord established it, so that is what the apostle passed on to the Church.
More
"The devil takes no respite, but whenever the gospel is preached in its purity he mixes with the children of God and sows his tares."
More
Lutherans do no alter Christ’s institution, for in so doing, we would change the very message of the gospel. Christ gave his body and shed his blood for all.
More
The unity of the Church does not consist in similarity of outward forms and customs but because it represents one plain, pure gospel doctrine.
More
Jesus cannot be more clear. One must partake of both his body and blood in order to have new life in Christ. To eat and drink of the Sacrament is a holy communion with Christ himself.
More
This earthly life is not for our own sake but instead, our lives and everything we do, must contribute to the honor and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord.
More
The purpose of government is to maintain God’s will on earth. Specifically, our leaders are to do two things: maintain the faith and protect the people.
More
The apostle implores God that they may increase and persevere in faith. Such is the great value he places upon possessing and holding fast God’s Word.
More.jpg)
The unity of Christ’s Church depends upon the Holy Spirit — not our actions. However, individual congregations can be destroyed by both our deeds and an intolerance of biblical teaching.
More
Blessed are those persons who delight in God's Word, for they will prosper in the Lord's grace. Planted near this stream of truth, their spirits will grow in faith.
More
The promise of the gospel is righteousness, peace, and joy — not religious and dietary laws. More rules and laws provide none of these benefits.
More
The conscience knows its standing with God only through the merits of Christ Jesus. So long as we try to appease God, the conscience is troubled.
More
Without “the words of faith” the Christian Church will cease to be. Traditions and myths bring no peace but the plain teaching of Scripture brings contentment.
More
It is dangerous to live heedlessly, for the devil is likely to take you by surprise. When you think you stand securely, he is ready to strike you down.
More
“Well, I don’t know what art is but I like pink.” That opinion may be fine for my granddaughter but it will not fly at the Guggenheim. It does not work in Christian faith either.
More
"God has promised me through his Son, and confirmed it through my baptism, that he who hears and sees the Son shall be delivered from sin and death."
More
The office that Melancthon refers to is that Christ is our Propitiator and Mediator. Christ alone has atoned for our sin and it is he who stands between sinners and God.
More
"What Paul terms being enriched “in all utterance” ... is having the comfort of faith in Christ and of invocation and prayer ... the Word of God ... Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the Commandments and the Creed."
More
The Scripture is not some pulp fiction, read for shallow thrills on an idle evening. Rather, the word permeates our whole lives, penetrating and informing us who we are before God.
More
"Since Christians, by the grace and Spirit of God, are now renewed in this image of God, they are so to live that soul and spirit are righteous and pleasing to God through faith in Christ..."
More
The mercy of God knows no bounds. He even forgives us when we are unfaithful to him, as we see in his forgiveness of Peter’s denials.
More
"True Christians so live that it is apparent from their lives that they keep God before their eyes and truly believe the gospel."
More
The “Apostolic Fathers” inform us that Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John, and “the angel of the church in Smyrna.” Irenaeus was his disciple and tells of the bishop’s faithful life, teaching, stand against heresy, and martyrdom.
More
We are sufficiently warned in the gospel to follow Christ, not the doctrines of men, so that no excuse will help us if we allow ourselves to be deceived.
More
God has done great things through his people, both in the Church and in the affairs of the world. There are so many examples in the lives of his peculiar people...
More
All Christians may equally call Christ “Lord.” One may be assured he serves Christ if he can call him “Lord,” for only by the Holy Spirit is he enabled to do so.
More
It is a slippery slope. It is one thing to ask someone to pray for you, but quite another to expect that person to mediate between you and God.
More
There is no work or merit in the kingdom, but only the acknowledgment of all our misfortune, and the reception of the gospel upon which faith depends
More.jpg)
Great value was placed on ... what the early theologians and bishops called the Church Fathers taught about the Christian faith from the time of the apostles through the seven ecumenical councils of the Church.
More
"We are not only to be with him, but we are also to come to a clear, bright view of his glory. Here upon earth we have it and recognize it only by faith."
More
The Lord himself is our sure defense. We need cry out to no other, for no one other than the Almighty is able or inclined to save us. This is what the Scriptures teach us.
More
All who have been baptized and who believe in Christ have the authority and power to forgive sins in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
More
All Christians are priests before God. The Church, a “holy priesthood” of believers prays to God through Jesus Christ. God does not require other intercessors who are in his presence.
More
"Let us ... remain on the right road to the kingdom of Christ with the words of the gospel which comfort the conscience: Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven."
More
We cannot stand on our own two feet, let alone lend our works or merits to other people. This is the purview of Christ alone. Christ Jesus imputes his righteousness to us, but we do not ascribe our righteousness to anyone.
More
"We have need of the law, that love may be manifested; but if it cannot be kept without injury to our neighbor, God wants us to suspend it."
More
Because of his sacrificial death for us, Christ alone has satisfied the just requirement of God’s law, something which we nor the saints could ever do. Scripture therefore, calls only Christ our Mediator.
More
Service is displeasing to God when done without the command and word of God. First comes love, then follows the service that will be pleasing to God.
More
Scripture does not tell us that Mary is the victory over sin and death, not does it even hint at such things. Christ conquered death for Mary and for us all.
More
The Christian life does not need much doctrine, nor many books. Indeed, the Christian life is wholly contained in faith and love.
More
The one who died but lives again causes us to live forevermore through faith in him. Jesus tells us that it is his voice that the dead will one day hear when some will be resurrected to eternal life.
More
Faith is everything and saves us, and on this account we are not idle but labor much for the benefit of our neighbor, for we have enough in Christ.
More
No saints are named by Paul (or any other writer in the New Testament) as responsible for the act of cleansing the church. Christ alone has made the church holy.
More
In the end, we will not see a single thing we would like to have. But faith is the principle by which we secure what we do not see. We must fully trust God...
More
No one draws near to a king unless he is commanded to do so. Therefore, if you wish to have the king’s ear, it must be done through one who is already in the king’s presence — and to whom the king will listen.
More
Paul urges us to hold steadily to what we have received by walking as he does; shaping their belief and conduct by the pattern we have received from him.
More
Jesus said that whoever comes to him would never again hunger or thirst. Now that is satisfaction: to never be hungry or thirsty — and to never worry about being filled.
More
Faith in Jesus Christ is nothing but real help and pure grace. God designs to have me as his child in Christ, placed above all things temporal and eternal.
More
Everything that we have comes from God. Both our physical and spiritual lives are gifts. Since all comes from God, why would we think righteousness and eternal life come from another source?
More
Let us guard against everything that makes for only a show, and not reject what does not make a display, so that we do not reject Christ and God.
More
It pleases God to answer our prayers when we pray according to his will. So, just as we are careful to ask that his “will be done” in heaven, we should be as concerned that God’s “will be done on earth.”
More
The witness of the Holy Spirit within you is the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Word, a confirmation being that you have pleasure and delight in God’s Word.
More
Christian prayer must be founded upon both God’s promise and the merits of Christ. We may confidently approach God because he has promised to hear our prayers.
More
You have the power to speak the Word; whoever believes has forgiveness of sins. If they believe not, then what you speak avails nothing though it be God’s Word.
More
God’s law and holiness demands perfect holiness from us. Sadly, we do not act so devoutly. The just punishment for our failure is death. Happily, God sent Christ to become our substitute.
More
God would not have us be overanxious for our life, but labor and commend our anxiety to him, so, he does not allow us to have another Lord besides himself.
More
The rest that Jesus gives is rest despite the work, and further, regardless of the troubles of life. Jesus provides something more than physical rest; he gives spiritual rest, comfort, and peace.
More
"The eternal Son of God was from the beginning with his church and with the people who received the promise of his coming in the form of man."
More
Jesus is teaching us to have confidence in God each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, saying “Our Father.” Who else addresses the Father than his children?
More
The man who lies half dead, wounded and stripped of his clothing, is all mankind. The Samaritan is our Lord Jesus Christ Cling to him, your only help.
More
More than 80 times in the Old and New Testaments, the prophets, apostles, and others indicate the importance of what has been written in the Bible as a test of truth.
More
We must lay hold of the gospel in such a way that we may stand and say: “Not because a certain one taught, do I believe ... the doctrine itself is right."
More
What we are really discussing here is God’s ability to keep his promises. Does he forgive and justify those who have faith in Christ? Or not? We confess that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and does so for Christ’s sake
More
The widow's misfortune is portrayed here so that we might learn that with God nothing is impossible, whether it be misfortune, calamity, anger, or whatever.
More
It is no accident that solus Christus (through Christ alone) was as central a slogan of the Reformation as sola fide (by faith alone). We have bold access to God through Christ alone.
More
Jesus freely gives me his life with all his works, so that I may appropriate them to myself as a possession that is my own but is bestowed upon me as a free gift.
More
“The prayer of faith” is an important dimension in Lutheran Christianity. But like too many other Christians we may have developed a misunderstanding of the prayer of faith.
More
"Human nature alone will never be able to accomplish what God requires in this commandment, namely, that we surrender our will to the will of God..."
More
One cannot invoke the saints of heaven with confident faith because the practice is based on human tradition instead of Scripture. It is based on the word of man, not upon the Word of God.
More
The more misery and death are in us, the more richly we may find comfort and life in Christ Jesus, provided we hold fast to him by faith through his Word.
More
If we teach as command, promise, or an example to be followed that which is not found in Scripture, we run the risk of heresy and worse, pulling others down with us.
More
What would all the riches and nobility of the world be compared with being named and chosen by God himself, called his son, the heir of exalted divine majesty?
More
Why is there so much confusion about this matter, other than that Scripture is ignored, in favor of human traditions? The prayers of saints and angels do not compare to the prayers of Jesus.
More
Christians need not waver, nor stake their affairs on that which is uncertain, vainly caring for the future, but at all times do that which is right.
More
We have already noted two honors that we ought to give to the saints: thanksgiving and the strengthening of faith. Let us be clear what we mean by honor. The honor that we give to “sleeping” saints is not the veneration of their images or praying to them.
More
Do this for the honor of God and for your own benefit: strive after the great and eternal good. If you attain and keep this, the rest will surely take care of itself.
More
Who could be more guilty of sin toward Christ and his Church than Saul of Tarsus, who would become better know as the Apostle Paul? Because of his persecution of Christians, Paul eventually considered himself to be the greatest of all sinners.
More
The preaching of the precious gospel offers God’s grace and mercy in Christ, which is offered to condemned sinners without any merit of their own.
More
To be sure, the Confession is not referring to the invocation of saints. Rather, like Paul, the Lutheran Reformers taught the churches to honor those who have been made holy and called saints because of their faith in Christ.
More
If overcome by wrath and led to rashness, do not continue in it, do not harbor it, but subdue and restrain it, the sooner the better.
More
Let us clarify our terms again. Saints are those who have been made holy by God’s grace; they are not those whom we have declared holy. Indeed, they are those whom God has declared holy for Christ’s sake.
More
To love God with all the mind is to cleave to him who is our chief good, to do nothing against his will, to take nothing except what is pleasing to God.
More
We receive salvation, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit because of God’s grace — not because we deserve these gifts or have earned them. There is no merit in keeping the law, since it cannot save us, even if we could keep it, which we cannot do at any rate.
More
If you would be freed from your sins, do not chastise yourself with them, but seize Christ, the one who has taken your sins upon himself.
More
We do good works for three principal reasons. One, we are to bear good fruit so that God is glorified, and two, to prove that we are real disciples of Jesus. Doing good in Christ’s name not only shows others whom we follow, it also shows us that we are his disciples.
More
"Wherever God’s Word is preached, there is God’s own true house, there God most certainly dwells with his grace. Wherever his gospel is, there..."
More
The Holy Spirit calls us to faith through the Word, and thereby grants us eternal life. The promises of God have already been gifted through belief in the promise. To this we are to add the qualities of faith
More
Love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. Through this craving some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
More
We confess that for salvation, nothing else needs to be added to faith in Christ, or what is also called belief. Much is said in the record of Scripture about doing good works but never so that one would be justified with God by doing those works.
More
The lepers went boldly to meet Jesus, certain that he could heal them. Standing in firmness and sincerity against doubt, they confidently prayed.
More
A promise has been made. All that remains is for us is to believe in God’s commitment to save us from sin. There is no need to do something in order to obtain his promise
More
You need no longer be afraid of condemnation because of your unworthiness for you have the consolation of faith, the assurance of grace.
More.jpg)
Anyone who earnestly reads the Bible will soon observe that the teaching that we obtain the forgiveness of sins by faith freely for Christ’s sake has its foundation everywhere in the Bible.
More
Faith grows out of the Word of God, producing the good fruit of love and mercy and all manner of godly care for one's neighbor.
More
When medicine cannot revive you, and doctors are of no use, and when death is imminent, your good works will give you no solace. You must have a reliable treatment for your condition when the despair of sin and death overwhelm you.
More
"It assuages and comforts the sufferer beyond measure to know that he does not suffer alone, but with a great multitude."
More
We must hold the ground of the gospel and not give an inch. When the choice is between Scripture and tradition, the choice is clear even if it is sometimes difficult.
More
God has opened the treasures of his holy gospel to us, so we may learn his will. Will we believe and know peace or disbelieve and suffer wrath?
More
The Father’s purpose in sending his Son into the world was so that the Christ would bear our sins. Nowhere has God’s plan been that we should bear our own iniquities.
More
"We should therefore despair of ourselves and pray to God for faith as the apostles did. When we have faith we need nothing more..."
More
God, who is faithful and just, forgives us of all sins and cleanses us from unrighteousness. He alone is legally and ethically righteous and honorable to forgive. He is the just justifier.
More
Once we have been baptized into Christ and believe, his will is that we should then live accordingly, obeying God and doing what is commanded.
More
It is hard to believe. But it is true and must be believed. Christ came to save poor sinners — and he does not need our help. Our works are not the way; Christ is. Religion is not the truth; Christ is. Our devotion is not the life; Christ is.
More
"Christ commands the disciples to set the loaves before the multitude, by which he shows that he will administer his work and gifts through the instrumentality of human agencies."
More
The gospel clearly teaches that people are forgiven for Christ’s sake. The Apostle Paul instructs us in no uncertain terms that we are not saved from sin and death because of our works.
More
What would it help the critics of Christ if the gospel was preached twice as clearly as it is? They are so deafened by their own conceits that they can hear nothing else.
More
God did not establish a world where sin existed. He created all good things and all things good. He did not create evil. Nevertheless, it is within his will that we may sin — otherwise, we could do no evil.
More
"When we come before God the Father, Christ will say: Father! Although they have not wholly fulfilled thy law, yet I have done so, let this be to their benefit because they believe in me."
More
The young man in Matthew 19 had been keeping the commandments his whole life, or so he claimed, but still knew something was lacking. So he asked Jesus, “What good deed must I do to inherit eternal life?”
More
"Oh, how heavy and terrible the impending judgment for those who have denied to Christ the Lord, in his thirst, even the cup of cold water."
More
Everyone is able to abide by the laws of the land, else the Scripture would not command us to do so. Furthermore, one may choose to obey the laws of the land or not.
More
Luther uses the this story to illustrate how office of ministry brings the Word to people so that they may hear and be given faith to believe.
More
Faith is a gift from God; it is not something that we can conjure by reason or industry. Do you truly fear, love, and trust God? Then you have been regenerated or born again and faith is at work in you.
More
The Spirit impresses Christ and his works upon the heart, making it a true book which does not consist in tracing mere letters and words, but in true life and action.
More.jpg)
A person who is not enlightened by God’s Holy Spirit — an “unspiritual” or “natural” person — does not, by natural reasoning or abilities, perceive or receive anything pertaining to God’s will and divine gifts.
More
Good works do not make one pious or good. One must first be good and pious at heart. The tree must first be there to bear the fruit.
More
But when one comes to the understanding that he is a sinner, through and through, always has been, and always will be, that person may then have the hope of finally pleasing God.
More
So much of what false teachers' have afflicted the church with in recent decades is easily overcome by exercising judgment through the Word.
More
Without the Spirit, people walk along the natural course of the world. This is the path of sin and death. We cannot do otherwise; we cannot move toward God on our own.
More
No one thinks of saving for posterity, but live as if they rejoice in destroying everything at once. Yet in all this destruction God will nevertheless help us.
More
Without having ever taken a confirmation class, everybody knows that they should honor their parents. Do we need to understand that it is the sixth commandment in order to know we ought to be faithful to our spouses?
More
"All who faithfully cling to the Word of God will be fed by God; for that is the nature and power of faith, which flows alone out of the Word of God."
More
Lutherans reject the Pelagians and others who teach that we are able to love God above all things and keep his commandments by the power of human nature alone, without the grace of the Holy Spirit.
More
Our eternal life, attained through faith in Christ. will be to know God, delight in his wisdom, and enjoy the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
More
Because Jesus rose again from the dead, we confess that on the last day of the world, he will bring with him all who have died in the Lord to be with him forever.
More
"The chief thing that should influence a Christian’s outward walk is the remembrance of his calling and appointment by God."
More
As God has established all civil authorities, he would have us pray for them—whether we like them or not. Christian love demands that we hold them before God in prayer.
More
"To be 'led by the Spirit of God' means to be given a heart which gladly hears God’s Word and believes that in Christ it has grace and the forgiveness of sins."
More
Because Jesus said, “Do not take an oath at all,” we may feel guilty when we do make contractual promises. The issue here is not what we sometimes think it is.
More
"It is natural for us to feel hurt when suffering, injustice, and violence attack us...it becomes necessary to check and restrain the feelings of anger..."
More
It is dangerous to souls for us to concede that anything people do produces perfection. We are only made perfect by God through faith in Christ.
More
"Not until Peter considered himself unworthy did he become really worthy. Just because you are a sinful person you must the more trust in God."
More
It is God who makes us perfect. There is nothing we can do or not do, possess or not possess, that makes us perfect or complete in the eyes of God.
More
"Christians must not seek their own, but look at all alike, whether friend or foe, as our heavenly Father does. Without such mercy, there is no true faith."
More
If someone wrongs you, are you to take matters into your own hands, taking vengeance on the one who has wronged you? No; vengeance is the Lord’s.
More
"There is peace, strength and comfort in the heart, so that the heart cares for no evil, is really bolder and more joyful in its presence than in its absence."
More
When the Lord says that vengeance is his, one way his retribution is felt is through our governments, the political kingdoms in which we live.
More
Noah kept his eye on the majesty of him who gave the command. That was enough for him, even though the command seemed absurd or impossible.
More
The gospel does not give us new laws, nor does it call us to replace existing laws with the old Jewish law code. Instead, we are to obey the laws of the land while also living according to the rule of a higher kingdom, a spiritual kingdom.
More
God performs his miracles along the lines of natural law. Looking for bread from heaven, rather than by human means, tests God and is a sin.
More
Christians have help and strength to resist and mortify sin. and must constantly put to death the flesh lest they be put to death by it.
More
God is the final authority; all authority comes from him. Every governing power exists because of God. This is why Christians may serve in public office or be otherwise employed by governments.
More
It is a glory that every preacher may be able to say with full confidence that he trusts God for teaching and preaching truly the Word of God.
More
I was declined in a congregation’s consideration as a new pastor once, in part, because the church I was serving at the time did not use the Nicene Creed as much as the church in deliberation.
More
Christ keeps aloof from the lazy, unfaithful idlers who will not do as they have been commanded, and will not keep their hands and feet from straying.
More
What difference does it make if you eat so-called unclean foods? Will you go to hell because you ate some rabbit stew? Will God withhold his forgiveness because you had a pork chop?
More
Christ has not come to make you afraid, but to remove your sins and distress from you. “Fear not,” he speaks to your heart, and to the whole world.
More
Start to read through the Bible in a year, and you will probably get behind at some point. Guilt will likely set in, especially if you do not catch up right away.
More
The curse of humanity is they shall never be satisfied and must endure heartache and everlasting destruction through the things they have coveted.
More
It serves us well to discipline these human wills, bringing them in line with the will of God. This the very thing we ask so often, praying, “Thy will be done.”
More
If you only remain under Christ's protection and lie still upon his shoulders, you need not be troubled about sin, death, or hell, for he defends you.
More
Paul exhorts the young pastor to devote himself to three practices in his ministry: being sure that the Scriptures are read in services of worship, and preaching and teaching the Word of God.
More
No life is so difficult as the life of faith, depending only upon the promises of God when the who world seems to say, "God has forgotten all about you."
More
The gospel of God’s grace through Christ was snubbed as something “Lutheran” in the 16th century. In the 21st century, other gospels persist in churches.
More.jpg)
Scripture shows us that in God there are three persons — not three Gods or three kinds of divinity, but the same undivided, divine essence.
More
Holy Communion is not a ritual that is to be performed as though it were a good work done by us. Communion is a means of grace, something done by God for us and for Christ’s sake.
More
We are to cover the shame of our neighbor with our own honor and piety, not cause wounds caused by gossip that we cannot heal.
More
Toward the end of my pastorate in her church, I visited Lucy on a day when she seemed a little upset about something that she could not put into words.
More
"We should rebuke and deal with the sinner in earnest; yet we are not to despise but sincerely to love him."
More
Jesus says, “Hear and understand.” This is important. A person’s righteousness is not earned in the keeping of traditions or rituals or doing good works.
More
"The tongue of a minister — the language he employs — must be of that simplicity which preaches naught but Christ," and brings him the glory.
More
Do you have hope? If so, what is the reason for your hope? The Apostle Peter says that we should be ready to give a reliable reason for the hope that is in us.
More
We are not to be deceived by so-called ghosts, which are not souls but instead, demons bent on misdirecting a believer's focus on the living Christ.
More
Christ alone has the authority to institute rites in the Church that justify, reconcile, and forgive. Why is it though, that the Church or its bishops cannot establish these ceremonies?
More
Even pious people can scarcely stand firm, often being entangled by gross sins and natural corruptions, for original sin is complete lawlessness.
More
If we are going to follow a command of God, let us keep this one: believe in his Son, Jesus Christ. For “this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”
More
We teach all to trust in the grace of God, not in their own worthiness, and to render him gratitude for his grace. This is intolerable to the world.
More
When one takes time for study of the Scripture, it is easily discovered that no one merits God’s favor, forgiveness, et cetera through these human traditions in the Church.
More
Although the Christians senses within himself the presence of evil thoughts and lusts, yet his faith and the Holy Spirit remind him of his baptism.
More
How can there be a secure and sincere hope of glory when that hope is based in one’s own ability to perform? That would be to despair of glory. Our hope is based on a truer self than self.
More
God showers his gifts on an ungrateful world, whose people go about their lives as though sight and hearing were due them. And so, we miss God's grace.
More
There is no need to enter a religious order to be righteous or lead a holy life. Christ makes husbands, wives, and parents as holy as priests.
More
Christians do not follow pastors; they follow Christ Jesus. Pastors preach the gospel, a message that leads lost sheep to the one who saves them.
More
Human righteousness tends to look down its nose at those not religious in the same way. It is always watching to see what others are not doing so that it can compare all it does.
More
Noah is called “just” because he first believed, then “perfect” (“upright”) because he walked in the fear of God and conscientiously avoided sins.
More
I have enjoyed wearing the most comfortable jeans. But it seems that just a few months after I get them broken in, they wear out and I have to start all over. Who knows how many pairs of jeans I have worn out in my life?
More
The religious people were enemies of Christ because of the people Jesus called his friends: sinners who wanted to follow him.
More
Maintaining rites for the sake of order in the Church is one thing. But to contend that these rites justify God is in opposition to the doctrine of the Apostles, and contrary to both the Old and New Testaments.
More
When one senses his wretchedness, then is the time to believe in Jesus Christ. There are no other means to save you, save be baptized and believe.
More
We will surely sink, for our focus has become the wind of our opinions, instead of Christ. When this happens, even those things meant for good order will divide us.
More
"Christians have regard for God’s Word and believe that God cares for them. They commend all things to him and at his word go on with courage."
More
The face of Christianity is changing in many places. Things that were once considered true because they are the testimony of Scripture, are now cast aside in favor of personal and public opinion.
More
"Reason argues: You have sinned, you must also atone for your sin. The gospel of Christ says: You have sinned, another must atone for you."
More
Since rituals invented by people — instead of those instituted by God — have no testimony in the Word of God and no demand on his people, how could they have anything to do with real unity in the Church?
More
We are in the golden age because we have the light of God’s Word and the sacraments are rightly administered in our churches.
More
Our own will — and willpower — has nothing to do with being part of the family or kingdom of God. We are reborn into the kingdom of Christ because of faith in the King of the kingdom.
More
The service of righteousness in Christ has the double blessing of a clear conscience before God and the rich and incorruptible reward of eternal life.
More
Our robes are washed and whitened — that is to say, we are cleansed from sin — through the blood of the Lamb. This is not done at the neighborhood laundromat; it must be believed.
More
Faith is not an inactive and lifeless thing. When there is faith in the heart, its power will be manifested toward God and one's neighbor.
More
The highest service of God is to have faith in him. There is nothing you can do that is more precious to God than to trust him, believing his promises — to have faith, which is “more precious than gold.”
More
It is by the power of the resurrection of Christ that Thomas, and us, who are so deep and obdurate in unbelief, are so suddenly changed.
More
“You can’t make this stuff up,” people sometimes say when they hear something incredible — like the guy who called 911 because he was locked in his car. You can’t make this stuff up.
More
The most religious person will be lost and condemned if he will not believe. For there is no forgiveness of sins, nor salvation, if one does not believe.
More
There is no clearer teaching in all of Scripture than that which teaches us how and why we receive grace. God’s grace is received by faith, and only for Christ’s sake.
More
We make excuses, preferring many things against the gospel, for we are no better than were the ancient Jews, who also rejected the gospel for the law.
More
God does not start a process that we must then finish. The Father sent his Son to accomplish a mission, not to partially complete the task. That task was to save the world through faith in Christ.
More
Wherever the Word of God has a foothold, there the devil will be. He will always build his taverns and kitchens by the side of God’s house.
More
God did not tell Abraham that if he kept certain traditions and fulfilled various commands, that he would be blessed. Rather, he promised him a son and descendants that would bless the whole world.
More
Jesus sends every Christian to instruct and teach his neighbor, that he may also come to Christ, a power not reserved for popes, bishops, and pastors.
More
The traditions of the Church, though often useful for devotional purposes, can not make us right with God. Pastors and priests are not mediators between God and sinners. But they can point the way. And that way — the only way — is Christ.
More
"Poverty and suffering make no one acceptable to God; but if he is already acceptable to God, his poverty and suffering are precious in God’s eyes."
More
I do not have a truck payment this month. In fact, I have not had to make my monthly payments for years. By making regular payments until my debt to the bank was paid off, I received the title to the truck.
More
This old man must be crucified, executed, put out of the way, even here in this life. Were he remains in his strength, faith and spirit cannot be.
More
God has accomplished something wonderful that the wisdom of the wise will never comprehend, the strength of the strong will not possess, and the piety of the religious can never earn.
More
If you wish to proceed wisely and truly apprehend God, you can do no better than to be interested in his Word where he has revealed himself.
More
We love a lie, especially when it seems like it just might be true. That kind of untruth seems to be especially attractive.
More
The preaching of Christ feeds his guests through holy baptism, comforting and strengthening them through the Sacrament of his body and blood.
More
Our works will never earn us salvation, nor were they meant to do so. We cannot reconcile ourselves to God, earn his grace, or otherwise make satisfaction for our sins by keeping the law.
More
Through baptism, Christ dedicates us to himself — he decides for us, elects us — and imparts to us the power of his death and resurrection.
More
The Golden Rule is another way of stating the second half of the greatest commandment. It helps us put the commandment into action by telling us how to love our neighbor as ourselves.
More
Before man may receive righteousness and eternal life, there must come One who has eternal righteousness and life, who appeases God’s wrath.
More
Is the result of your doctrine love or hate, peace or discord? Do you find that you are often agitated with people, politics, the news, life in general?
More
We must abandon the life of the flesh and enter into new life, dead to the old. There must be a real change and an overthrow of nature and feeling.
More
When there are divisions in the Church that are based in human reasons or traditions, they must be either resolved or condemned. In the end, after patient and prayerful dialogue, only the truth must stand.
More
Knowing that you all embrace the one true God's Word, hold together in one faith and one mind, not disagreeing as though you had many gods.
More
There should be a form of order and discipline in the Church, as there is in every organization. The Lutherans had no squabble with the Roman Church about the ordering of such matters.
More
"In these words the soul finds a well prepared table, at which it satisfies all hunger; for it knows of a certainty that he who speaks cannot lie."
More
One must believe that God acts in the sacraments according to his promises. This is not difficult to comprehend. Simply going through the motions of a ritual is of no effect.
More
Sin is not forgiven so that we may sin all the more, taking God's grace for granted and taking advantage, but so that conscience is free to love God.
More
When the sacrament is used with faith in God to do as he promises, great comfort is had, and anxious minds are conferred the peace of God, who is Christ Jesus himself.
More
"Faith, if it is true faith, is of such a nature that it does not rely upon itself, but holds to Christ, and takes refuge under his righteousness."
More
What advantage are the sacraments if they are not believed, if there is no faith in the promises attached to them? Without faith in the Word of God connected with it, baptism is only water. Without faith in God’s promise of grace, Holy Communion is only bread and wine.
More
The preaching of the law shows us that our entire lives and characters, however holy and beautiful they may seem, are nothing before God.
More
Faith is absolutely necessary. Christianity is not a list of things to do; it is faith in the one who has done what we could never do.
More
All people are in ancient Cain's very same condition, for unless our nature is helped by the Spirit of God, it cannot maintain itself.
More
God does command his people to pray. Rewards are promised to those who pray. However, there is no promise of grace attached to prayer.
More
Because God has so richly shed upon us the gospel of light, we ought in honor and gratitude to him try to reform and temper ourselves.
More
We do not quarrel over whether marriage is instituted by God. Still, it is not commanded that all marry but only that there is faithfulness among those who do marry.
More
The two powers, God’s and Caesar’s, or spiritual and temporal kingdoms, must be kept apart, Christians especially rendering to each the honor due.
More
There are groups who claim that there is something better than God’s Word. They believe that the Holy Spirit counsels them directly, without the aid of Scripture.
More
Christ Jesus was buried that he might, through forgiveness, cover up, mortify, and destroy our sin, whether actually committed or inherent in us.
More
The Bible says much about the command to preach and teach the Word, and to administer the sacraments. It bids the Church to appoint such persons who are called to this ministry of Word and Sacrament.
More
God provides strong medicine to cure the sinful condition but this gives no license to make oneself ill so that more medicine may be received.
More
Every Christian is a priest before God. Each Christian’s faith in God’s grace is representative of the old priesthood. It is faith itself that is is the duty of the new priesthood — not ceremonies
More
You are blessed if your have heard and seen with your heart the Lord Jesus Christ, for there are those who have heard and seen without perception.
More
Are we to make sacrifices? Yes. For example, John teaches us that we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. Paul teaches us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices.
More
Since man has fallen in sin, we all — the whole creation — must suffer the consequence and be subject to futility and vanity...and yet may have hope.
More
By definition, confirmation and extreme unction, or last rites, are not sacraments. They do not contain the clear command of God in Scripture, nor do they have a promise of his grace.
More
Following Christ means that our whole life is a constant exercise of faith, whereby we are assured that we have favor with God because of him.
More
We find in God’s gracious commands, in the sacraments, the essence of New Testament. For these things must be received in faith. We must come before the Word with soft, believing hearts.
More
My conscience must rest upon the foundation, the eternal, all-knowing truth that God alone is truth, and must rest upon him and nothing else.
More
The sacraments are not merely indicators of who we are, in the sense of someone thinking that since a group baptizes in water, and ceremonially eats bread and drinks wine, they must be Christians.
More
God never lays his hand upon us in order that we would be damned but pursues a course that leads us to repentance, so we would seek his grace.
More
The sacraments are not merely indicators of who we are, in the sense of someone thinking that since a group baptizes in water, and ceremonially eats bread and drinks wine, they must be Christians.
More
Man is made in God's image and God wills that we revere his image in our neighbor, doing all we can for him, protecting him and doing him good.
More
There are times when it is difficult to believe that God really loves us. When we sin, we sense an estrangement with God that must somehow be overcome. The instinct is to make an offering...
More
In Cain, we see the hateful world, and on the other hand, that poor, abject Abel well represents the obscure little brotherhood: the Church of Christ.
More
There are no confessed sins that Christ Jesus cannot or will not forgive. Therefore there is no confessed sin for which a minister of the gospel cannot and should not give absolution.
More
"All who preach the doctrines of men make man the light, lead men away from God to themselves, and set themselves up as the true Light."
More
The purpose of the keys involves both peace and terror. For those who believe in Christ and confess their sins, there is the comfort of knowing that they are forgiven because Christ alone is God’s satisfaction.
More
"Come what will, let us say: Here is God’s Word; that is my rock and anchor; to that I cling and that abides; and where that abides, there I abide also."
More.jpg)
Where is it written? Where do the Scriptures teach that we pay the price of freedom from eternal death? How do our punishments replace the excelling merit of Christ’s satisfaction for sin?
More
Christians are to be confident of eternal glory, to implore the Lord God to hasten the Day, for Jesus has taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come.”
More
In order for us to produce good fruits, we must depend upon God’s promises. We must have faith in him. Otherwise, we would eventually despair of doing much, if any, good.
More
We must be able to say that we know we have God’s pledge and the witness of the Holy Spirit, that he wants to be our Father through Christ, his Son.
More
Does God say to do something? Then it must be done. You shall love the Lord your God, and your neighbor as yourself. These are not options.
More
Experience teaches how difficult it is to keep Christ's Word, but the Christian will love Christ, his Word, and his kingdom more than all things of the earth.
More
You may have all of the outward signs of a Christian but if you neglect the greatest commandment, you are headed for trouble.
More
God uses marriage to get us out of our parents' homes so we may grow up, make a home and family of our own, and enjoy the blessings of that estate.
More
Repentance means a changed mind. We might think of it as a change of heart. It follows that a real change of heart would include different fruits or results in that person’s life.
More
One of the sweetest pleasures of Christian marriage is not sexual, that the blessing of the sense of completeness at being merely with one another.
More
God will do what he must for the good of those he loves — even if it means inflicting them with some corrective troubles. Perhaps the psalmist’s bones were not actually broken but...
More
You may be a blessing to your neighbor because you know you are a child of God, received into his grace, and living in the sure hope of salvation.
More
It has long been known that sparing the rod creates spoiled brats. Just like good, earthly parents, God sometimes punishes us so that we will not spoil.
More
The whole creation cries out for a speedy end of these injustices and abuses of the ungodly, and for the dawning of glory for the children of God!
More
When a child says, “I’m sorry,” sometimes a parent responds, “Then act like it.” This is no different than the relationship that a child of God has with the Father.
More
If the affections and thoughts of men are without faith in God, they are without Christ and his Word, and therefore, they are without the truth.
More
Works of repentance are required of us. They are not non-compulsory things that we can use to purchase our redemption or righteousness.
More
God would have us occupy this world as guests, striving after an eternal kingdom, abstaining from lusts, maintaining a godly life of good works.
More
Saul of Tarsus was a scholar, presumably with good eyesight, able to read scrolls and manuscripts. Then he was blinded by God on the Damascus road.
More
The affection of the intended husband toward his betrothed spouse is of a particular and elevated kind, a knowledge and revelation of the Holy Spirit.
More
Many people think that our troubles originate in our sins. Often enough, this is precisely the case — but not always. Sometimes our troubles are meant to point us and others to the glory and the power of God.
More
We should learn to regard our troubles as signs of impending grace. God is at work in these afflictions. When we have gotten to the other side, we can see that suffering drew us back to God, and caused us to rely upon him, and persevere.
More
Christians should love and pray for the salvation of all, for the sanctification of God’s name, the coming of his kingdom, and the fulfilment of his will.
More
In the reasoning of God, we are to be holy, yet we are not holy, nor can we become holy, so God makes us holy through Christ. This does not make sense to our natural reason.
More
Even in danger and death, you have a faithful Father and Savior, who has taken you into his own hand, and will preserve you. Journey on in joy.
More
God’s ears are open to the prayers of the righteous, looking upon you with gracious, winning eyes, his ears alert even to the faintest sound of prayer.
More
God may impose certain punishments for sins, by way of making an example of some people, and to discipline others. But these punishments are corrections and examples, not a means of grace and forgiveness.
More
One may confess Christ but still deny him in deeds and works, by insisting he is his own lord through his religious observances being the way to salvation.
More
Life happens. There are going to be troubles throughout life. All of them, whether they come from God or not, are allowed by his will.
More
It is not enough that Christ be preached; the Word must be believed. So, God sends the Holy Spirit to impress the preaching upon the heart.
More
Martin Luther proclaimed in his sermon, “On the Hymn of Zacahrias,” that as long as we are clothed with this flesh, sin is not extinguished, nor can be wholly subdued.
More
It is impossible to love, where no faith exists, and impossible to believe, where there is no love. Love of neighbor depends upon the love of God.
More
God disciplines his children because he loves them. He does not require this discipline as some means of grace. For how could this be grace, if it is required of us to endure?
More
We are not condemned because we have great riches, but because we are attached to them and trust in them, instead of in Jesus Christ the Lord.
More
The human heart that is heartily sorry always turns to God. But when we are not really contrite, we seek human remedies to our guilt.
More
God often lays hold upon leaders of sects who blaspheme with false doctrines, inflicting on them unusual punishments for the sake of warning others.
More
Imagine a husband or wife who has truly wronged his or her spouse, offering a box of chocolates, a bouquet of roses, or even a fancy meal, in an effort to gain their forgiveness.
More
As long as unity of faith and oneness of mind survive, the true Church of God abides, so we must be careful to cherish the virtue of harmony.
More
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves taking up one’s cross and following him. That means one is willing to die rather than stop trusting God.
More
An angry heart knows no moderation, fanning a tiny spark into a conflagration, retaliating and cursing, committing a greater wrong than suffered.
More
When we imagine that there is something we can do to appease God’s wrath toward our sin, we soon discover that we have deceived ourselves.
More
The day will come when only righteousness and holiness shall dwell on the earth — none but godly, righteous souls — for we shall be like God.
More
We are threatened on every side. Ten things are listed in Romans 8:37–39, over which we have no power or control. Indeed, the tenth thing Paul lists is anything not mentioned in the first nine.
More
"What is temporal suffering, however protracted, contrasted with eternal life? It is not worthy to be called suffering or to be esteemed meritorious."
More
Do not make the mistake of thinking that you need to do something special to conjure up the feeling of religious success.
More
It is not becoming of Christians to lead heathenish lives, as they have something nobler to do. They are to be occupied with the Word of God.
More
He would have us do good and seek justice because he commands these righteous acts. However, the works themselves do not make us righteous
More
Those who would follow their reason in the things dealt with in the article of the Trinity, will reject the Word, and be defeated in their "wisdom."
More
Honest people should be able to admit that they do not keep even the one, greatest commandment, let alone all of God’s law.
More
The primitive church would assemble daily for prayer, morning and evening, and also at certain other appointed hours, and frequently entire nights.
More-1200.jpg)
Imagining that extra works (supererogation) must be performed in payment for sin, casts aspersion on the character of Christ. Does Christ save — or not?
More
The Spirit, pouring into our hearts, makes us different beings, creatures who love and obey God. This is simply the manifestation of his work in the heart.
More
Melancthon seems to depend upon the Vulgate (the Latin translation) here. The Old Testament of the Luther Bibel would not be available for three more years.
More
The Holy Spirit has comes to enlighten your hearts, so that you will understand the truth, and will call to remembrance all things of Christ.
More
Do good works because God commands them to be done and because they bring him glory. But never hold the delusion that by doing good works, your sins will be forgiven or you will go to heaven.
More
May the Holy Spirit working through the Word convince you that the Father would have your heart free, at peace with him through faith in his Son.
More
The commands of God’s Word are not negotiable. We are obliged to obey God. To disobey is to sin. After sinning, we are unable to work off those sins by either deeds or devotion.
More
Church is where it happens. What happens there but God's Spirit working through the read and preached Word? We avoid the assembly at our peril.
More
Scrub and scrub; scour as much as you like. Invent cleansing agents, potions, and rituals. You will still be unclean. The stain of your guilt will remain before the Lord.
More
We are loved of God through Christ Jesus and enjoy his favor and grace, but also have the great promises of the Lord himself dwelling completely in us.
More
Jesus Christ is so completely holy and meritorious before the Father that he is holy and worthy for me. God is so pleased with his Son that he is well-pleased with those who believe in him.
More
Christ binds the church to his Word and dwells in the midst of those who gather for the teaching and preaching of it, and live under its rule.
More
If one may buy off the need for the satisfaction, what then really, is the point — that if we have enough money, we may buy God’s remission of temporal punishments?
More
Do not judge things according to feelings but keep to the Word and the comfort of preaching which the Holy Spirit gives to distressed consciences.
More
When Scripture tells us to repent it is not speaking of something one may do beyond this life. All that goes with repentance is to be done in this life.
More
The office of the Holy Spirit is, namely, to invest the treasure — Christ and all he has, to enfold him in your heart so that Christ Jesus may be your own.
More
Good works are mandatory. But they do not appease the wrath of God against sin. Repentance is required, as it is commanded by Christ. This requirement does not make one righteous...
More
The Church is not known by the name on the sign or external appearance but those who have real knowledge of Christ in his Word and promises.
More
We are either slaves to the devil, sin, and death, or to God, righteousness, and life. Whichever we are bonded to will determine the fruit we get. The fruit or the wages of sin is death.
More
Why does God permit his own to suffer? In order to subdue the free will, that we should accustom ourselves to build alone upon Christ.
More
We are indebted to God in Christ to no longer live in the sin for which he died. This does not mean that we no longer sin, for as long as we are in this flesh, this mortal body, there is sin and death.
More
"Take heed to accept in purity and to maintain with patience the Word so graciously and richly given you by God without effort or merit on your part."
More
The only one who is able to heal you, restore your soul, and give you peace, is near you right now. He is “at hand.” So there is no need for anxiety.
More
The Lord suffers a lifetime with us, giving us the opportunity to repent and believe in his Savior. But he will suffer no longer than a limited lifetime.
More
Political and civil peace would be nice. Family peace would be a true blessing for many people. And of course, better finances and health would afford to many a certain peace of mind.
More
May you hear the Word of God and believe because the Spirit has born witness with your spirit that this word comes from God, and is for you.
More
When I was a boy, I learned to carry a full cup of coffee to my father. I walked through the kitchen, down the carpeted hallway, and in to the living room, then handed it to him without having spilled a drop.
More
May you know the will of the Father so that you may ask rightly in the Son's name, knowing that you receive for Christ's sake, not by your own merit.
More
People doubt from time to time. Jesus said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” It is unrealistic to think that everyone will always be strong in faith.
More
The gospel is a teaching that gives the world nothing but offense — a thing unworthy to be heard or tolerated because it is not worldly, but spiritual.
More
Life is hard enough without those in authority leading people astray. Scripture teaches us to have faith in Christ for forgiveness and justification.
More
The great and powerful work of all true Christians is, by God’s grace, to keep the faith so that they may have a clear conscience and peace before God.
More
Misrepresentation of Holy Scripture will upset the faith of some, those who have itching ears, but also those who are unlearned. Such deception even leads people into lives of ungodliness.
More
Those who would believe and preach the gospel, must cast aside all works supposed to make one just and holy , and allow nothing to remain but faith.
More
It is important for us to keep the faith —both in the sense continuing to believe in God, and in remaining true to the Word of God.
More
Christ as a gift makes you a Christian and nourishes your faith, but Christ as an example moves your faith to do good works for your neighbor.
More
It has already been stated here, more than a few times, that genuine faith is shown in its works. This is an entirely different matter than saying that forgiveness happens because of those works.
More
In the gospel is an entirely different, a spiritual government, that exists alone in the Word, by which sinners are convicted and Christ proclaimed.
More
Lutherans confess with Scripture that sinners are justified before God — that is, absolved of all sins and condemnation, without any worth or work of their own — through God’s pure grace.
More
Christ hung upon the cross that we might learn how deeply strength lies hidden under weakness, and learn to know his strength in our weakness.
More
In the worldly kingdom, there are many disciplines we might bring to bear in order to make things more civil and orderly. Requiring certain satisfactions can even make folks feel better for a time.
More
We are joint heirs with Christ by believing on the same Lord Jesus Christ alone and the promises of his word and the Father's grace are ours.
More
We do well to appeal to the highest authority. The academics of scholastic theology turned to Peter Lombard, who wrote the standard medieval texts on theology, as their authority.
More
Cling to the great and glorious gifts of the resurrection: the gospel, holy Baptism, the power of the Holy Spirit, and comfort in all adversity.
More
Guilt and punishment alike are borne by God in Christ alone. We are set free from all bondage — from waterless pits to the depths of hell — because God promised to do so.
More
When despairing, our works must immediately sink out of sight, leaving no help or victory except the faith that clings to the word of Christ the Lord.
More
It bears repeating: our love, devotion, good works, and religious activities do not satisfy God’s justice. Only God’s Son propitiates, appeases, or satisfies God’s just demand for holiness.
More
It is not for human beings to say what is right or wrong, whether an act or ruling is divine, for that is left to God alone who elects those who believe.
More
Recently, a car rental company called, wanting to know when I was going to pay the bill on a transaction from over a month ago. I let them know that the company had paid that bill, informing them of the transaction details
More
Out of pure grace and mercy, God elects, as beneficiaries of his goodness, the poor, and wretched, and unworthy, who acknowledge themselves guilty.
More
God’s justice requires the punishment of sin. We either take the punishment or pay the penalty. However, we cannot make restitution. We can neither keep from sinning, nor pay the penalty of that sin.
More
We are to remember the poor, as the apostles urged, but there is another poor Man whom the whole world would forget, while Christians remember.
More
It doesn’t mater how far you have fallen, how respectable you are, or if you are downright notorious; God cleanses the worst of sinners.
More
Christ's kingdom abounds in grace and mercy for he is a comforting, friendly shepherd, who tenderly invites, and all people to come to him.
More
Your remorse does not merit God’s forgiveness. Being sorry — even though you go on at length about your specific regrets — does not repair your sinful condition or your broken fellowship with God.
More
If you believe that Christ died to save you from all evil, and hold fast to that word, you will find it so certain and sure that no creature can overthrow it.
More
Luther, in particular, was tortured by guilt, and would therefore wear out his confessor with hours of specific lists of sins.
More
Through Christ's death, you are redeemed from sin and death, raised to an imperishable life you cannot yet perceive in yourselves except through faith.
More
So, the penitent must always be reminded of God’s grace. For God has promised to not remember our sins. He does so for Christ’s sake...
More
We do not have to win any battles, but only to keep the victory that has already been won, by holding onto faith in Christ and his cross.
More
We have been born again to the image of Christ. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is causing us to grow up into new people who share the mind of Christ.
More
To keep company with the "weak Christ" is the highest wisdom on earth, and a second is like it, to bear with his weak followers, the church.
More
Anyone who wants to achieve righteousness or justification with God through religious devotion, doing good deeds, or by other things they imagine gain them merit with God, will be dreadfully unsuccessful.
More
Unbelief is the greatest sin there is, for it cares not for God or at least, cares little for him who is to be loved with one's whole heart and entire being.
More
We are in bondage to sin, just as the ancient Israelites were enslaved to the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. We can no more free ourselves than they could.
More
The true church is not known by its government or its name but because it is known by its Shepherd and knows him, having faith in him alone.
More
Always interpret Scripture in the plainest sense, using the clear meaning of the words. If a parable is being used, we might allow our minds to wonder what Jesus meant — until he tells us plainly.
More
God is the Judge from whom no secrets are hidden. Yet he is Judge of a different kind of court than we may have experienced...
More
These are the words of forgiveness—or indeed, the refusal of forgiveness. These messengers open the gates of heaven, and shut them as well.
More
An indulgence was a certificate purchased with either prayers, good works, or money, that claimed to reduce the amount of one’s time spent in Purgatory.
More
Of what use is repentance, if it is merely being sorry for sins and then doing something good? People will remain in guilt, knowing that they are never good enough to merit forgiveness.
More
Because the guiltless and incarnate God died for our iniquities, bearing upon himself the sin of the world, he carried our sins to the grave.
More
Should you try not to sin? Certainly; but your ability or inability has nothing to do with forgiveness. Should you be sorry when you sin, and seek to do better? Absolutely, yet again, this has nothing to do with forgiveness of sin.
More
Faith must always be in the forefront because it makes us think of Christ. Even sorrow, though necessary but, because it naturally causes us to try to settle our own sins, must never be considered alone.
More
Let us be reasonable. Were we to depend upon our own righteousness and faithfulness, who could survive the wrath of God? They are deluded and arrogant persons...
More
Someone better make us holy and righteous or we are in eternal trouble. We have faith that Jesus was sent by his Father to accomplish this very thing.
More
It is not possible for someone to have a peaceful conscience, if they doubt that God is gracious toward them. No matter how hard they try to do right and be religious, they still question whether they have forgiveness of sins.
More
James is speaking to the topic of receiving wisdom from God in this passage of Scripture. However, the same exhortation may be applied to anything one asked of God. Ask in faith. Believe!
More
How can I keep the law without Christ’s help? I cannot, for I will either not do it at all, do it imperfectly, or as likely as not, do it with an impure devotion.
More
Cleansing from sins has always been necessary to God. Atonement has been required since the earliest days of Judaism. Even the first sin needed covering with death.
More
If we believe that we must keep the law in order to be forgiven by God, then we are saying that justification, righteousness, and forgiveness are not matters over which Christ has any power.
More
The law incarcerates; it does not free. Only faith in Christ frees us from captivity to sin and death. Yet, thank God for the law, for without its accusations, we would never know our need for salvation and God’s grace.
More
Believe the promise of the gospel; it is the truth. Know that Christ’s own righteousness has been granted to you as protection against sin and death.
More
We cannot read the law with veiled hearts and expect to find the grace of God. All we sense is God’s displeasure. So, we cannot expect the law to come to our rescue.
More
Think for a moment how silly it would be for a person to look in the mirror and say, “You’ve been so good lately; I forgive you.”
More
We preach and confess that Christ died for our sins and saves all those who believe. The world responds, “What kind of babbling is this?"
More
Faith in Christ arouses good works, but it is faith in Christ that receives forgiveness. Although God certainly wills that we speak and do good, our salvation does not depend upon such goodness.
More
It was common in Jesus’ time for people to think their physical ailments and disabilities were the result of their sins. Think of the paralyzed man being carried on a cot to Jesus.
More
We must be sure to believe in the word of God, not the words of men. The testimony of men reasons that we must do good things to appease an angry God.
More
In C. S. Lewis’ poem, “As the Ruin Falls,” he writes, “a scholar’s parrot may talk Greek.” People may sound authoritative; indeed, some birds may seem so. But by their singing, one may determine what sort of birds these authorities are.
More
The doctrine of justification by faith is one for which people have given their lives. Luther himself, knowing that his life would be forfeit, declared that his conscience was captive to the Word of God, not to the doctrines of men.
More
We are saved, forgiven, and made righteous through faith in God’s Christ. There is no other way to God; there is no shortcut.
More
The whole of Scripture proclaims that forgiveness of sins is received only through faith in Christ. Those who suppose that God forgives their sins because they are good people, are led astray by their vain imaginings.
More
Everyone acknowledges that, “You can’t take it with you.” Common sense wisdom understands that our works have no eternal value. So why do some try to stack them up as having merit with God? Belief in God’s promises is what counts as righteousness.
More
The forgiveness of sins is received — not earned. Now a sizeable portion of the Church thinks otherwise. Yet this is clearly what Scripture teaches us. Forgiveness is received by faith.
More
If you cannot believe God’s promise then you may as well insist that the sun will rise in the west tomorrow morning. For if you cannot believe that which is most sure, how certain is anything else that has been taken for granted up until now?
More
Promises are laughable words, unless received with faith. Abraham and Sarai were promised a son in their advanced old age. Abraham laughed; he laughed so hard that he fell to the ground.
More
We cannot place our trust in works wrought by ourselves. Surely, this is evident to everyone. Who among us has been found faithful — even to his own intentions?
More
Being sorry for our sin does not merit forgiveness. You probably heard a retort something like this at some point in your life: “Sorry doesn’t fix what you broke.”
More-1200.jpg)
These are important distinctions. Faith is different than sorrow or contrition. It is also different from devotion or works of penance. Faith stands apart, believing in the Redeemer...
More
We are saved, forgiven, and made righteous through faith in God’s Christ. There is no other way to God; there is no shortcut.
More
When David was brought up short by the knowledge of his secret sin, he was contrite and confessed his sin. After his confession, the prophet Nathan spoke words of forgiveness from the Lord.
More
After we take the tantalizing fruit of sin, a frightening self-consciousness overwhelms us. All we want to do is cover our sin and hide from God. This terror is contrition; and it is not enough.
More
The promise, though veiled, goes all the way back to Genesis. That very first sin demanded the declaration of a Savior from the loving God. For from those tragic bites of forbidden fruit...
More
How strange it must seem to a child, for the parent who loves, to also seem so angry. For the threat of an oncoming car does not concern the unknowing child who is chasing a ball into the street.
More
Life and death are in God’s hands. And there is nothing that we can do to deliver ourselves from the grave. The foolish harden their hearts to this fact of life. But the wise are contrite.
More
Our ways lead us to certain death. They are low and dusty, clinging to the world and sin. Yet, God is always calling us to the way of life.
More
We are in bondage to the flesh: these bodies of death with their natural inclinations that serve the law. We are bound by nature to sin “in thought, word, and deed.”
More
It is the height of arrogance for someone to think that justification occurs through the human acts of contrition, devotion, or other acts of love or good works
More
Paul speaks plainly about these two parts of repentance. He writes that we are dead to sin, this taking place through our baptism.
More
It is not enough to only believe the history of the gospel. One must have faith in the one who is the incarnate gospel. One must trust in Christ for the remission of sins.
More
To think of repentance in terms of contrition alone is to act in accordance with the law. This is unstable ground since it depends upon the person who is sorry for their sin.
More
God has always been ready to forgive. Proof of his willingness is the ways he has provided for people to have faith and turn to him.
More
Believe that you are truly forgiven in heaven when you hear such words as these on earth: “I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
More
The promise of divine grace is received through hearing the gospel. This hearing occurs in many ways. It is received through the reading of the Scripture, both individually and corporately.
More
We cannot fear, love, and trust God without faith. In other words, we cannot keep even the first of the commandments without faith, let alone the rest of the law.
More
The witless child who does not believe his parents got him a birthday present, will never enjoy the gift. Perhaps he was sorry for having been a disobedient child but just could not accept that his parents loved him nonetheless.
More
If repentance is only a matter of sorrow for sin, then human nature tries to appease God. But we cannot appease God by any means.
More
As long as we live in this flesh, we will experience all of these feelings. For the law will never cease to accuse us of sin.
More
We are very weak. Jesus reminds us if this fact of our human nature. “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
More
Simply stated, contrition is when a person, because of love or fear, stops defending sin and confesses it instead.
More
Repentance begins with a heart that is moved toward God’s mercy and then has faith that he forgives for Christ’s sake.
More
The Lutherans, on the other hand, confessed that the power of the keys was the authority of Christ spoken by any confessor, and dependent upon two things: contrition and faith.
More
The fault with indulgences lies not only in who it is that forgives sin, but in what this forgiveness costs. God’s gracious forgiveness is a gift.
More
Going to church, doing good works, being president of Council, having perfect attendance, teaching Sunday School, and even knowing all three of the ecumenical creeds by heart mean nothing without faith.
More
The Lutherans however, confessed that everything hinges on Christ. He bore our sin on the cross so that we would be made “the righteousness of God.”
More
We have to admit that our sins are great in number, that they have gone over our heads as if if we were drowning in our iniquities. Who could confess such a volume of transgressions?
More
So today, we ought to be teaching our people that God forgives sins for Christ’s sake, not because we perform certain rituals.
More
The power of the keys binds things in heaven, not just on earth. When a “door” is unlocked or locked on earth in the name of Christ, it is done in heaven too.
More
So we confess that our holiness, our works of contrition, is insufficient for the remission of sins, while faith in Christ merits forgiveness of sin...
More
It is not enough to be sorry for our sin. Nor is it enough to do good. For we cannot assist ourselves. Instead, we must avail ourselves of the mercy of God in Christ Jesus.
More
Although we should certainly “fear, love, and trust God” (Small Catechism), these things, including the fear of God (attrition), do not earn grace.
More
You cannot reason or work your way into God’s grace. God’s grace is a free gift, something that is given by him for you.
More
Since the consequence of sin is death, it is no wonder there is the felt need to confess all sins. Perhaps, we might imagine, if we could confess them all, we might overcome death.
More
We confess that we are in bondage to sin, that we cannot free ourselves, and that Christ alone has redeemed us from sin.
More
The first step in repentance is being contrite. God does not desire sacrifices from us, in order to appease him.
More
There is nothing confusing about the gospel when it is heard with the ears of faith. We confess that Christ has killed our sinful old nature through his own death on the cross.
More
Our anxieties about sin may be managed on the surface with words and semantics, but when the test is applied in the heart, these matters turn out differently.
More
Look to the Word. What is written? How far does God say that he hurls our offenses? “As far as the east is from the west,” is how far he removes our sins from us.
More
The power of the keys is the clear charge of Christ to preach the gospel, to remit and retain sins, and to administer the sacraments.
More
Around the time of the Reformation, there was endless quibbling in the church about how and when things happened.
More
Peace is only found in the grace of God. This is why Peter says, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” Who does this math?
More
The doctrine of faith is no small matter, for true repentance depends upon faith. Repentance needs faith to believe that God is so merciful toward us that our sins have been forgiven for Christ’s sake.
More
What are we to do but to turn again and again to Christ? The heart of this turning, this repentance, is faith. We believe that in turning from our sins to Christ, those sins are blotted out.
More
God creates clean hearts within us. This happens when we are first, stricken in our consciences, and then, have faith that God will forgive us and make us righteous for Christ’s sake.
More
Confession must lead to Christ — not to more and more confession. Christ is the focus, not ourselves. Therefore forgiveness must be the outcome of confession, not the tyranny of a guilty conscience.
More
Only a foolish or crazed person would undertake the task of counting the hairs on his head. There are too many to count.
More
The imposition of rules and regulations will change no heart. The Holy Spirit changes hearts. The crucified Christ draws people near.
More
Our focus should be Christ, not our sins. One can spend so much time in introspection and the endless recounting of sin that Christ is lost in the shuffle.
More
Confession precedes Holy Communion. We are to earnestly confess our sins and hear the words of absolution before receiving Christ.
More
As Christ is known to us in the breaking of the bread, the early Church assembled to know Christ in his Supper, the Apostles’ teaching, prayer, and fellowship.
More
Confession and absolution provide persons of faith with the regular assurance that their sins are forgiven because of what Christ has accomplished for them.
More
People recoil at the idea of fearing God because they believe that God loves them. “Why should I fear someone who loves me?” they might ask.
More
Holy Communion is not something that we do; it is something that God does for us. It is not an act or ritual that we perform; it is an activity of God that we receive.
More
We have been talking about Holy Communion, Baptism, the Church, justification, and other matters but in all of these topics, we are actually considering faith.
More
Jesus called the bread that he broke and gave to his disciples to eat, “my body.” He said of the cup, “This is my blood.” This is what we believe.
More
This participation, as the Revised and English Standard versions translate the word, is a fellowship or, as the King James Version phrases it, a communion.
More
God gives authority to people to speak and act in his name through Holy Baptism. The pastor seems to be the one using the water, and if that were all the pastor did then that would be all there was to see.
More
The universal grace and promise of the gospel is just that: universal. It is not applied to everyone except some persons.
More
The divine promises of grace and of the Holy Spirit do not belong to the old alone, as if Jesus, who loved little ones, would have them wait for his promises.
More
When a child, or anyone else in a household or family, is baptized, the will of God, the promise of God’s salvation is realized. The work of salvation continues through faith.
More
It is important for us to distinguish between the two kingdoms—the kingdom of God and worldly kingdoms. Both Church and State are under God’s authority but they serve different ends.
More
Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions urge us to be not only wary of false teachers and ministers, but to have nothing to do with them.
More
The words of Christ spoken over the bread and wine insure the promise of grace to those who believe. When we believe his word over the elements, he is truly present in them.
More
If I considered my musical preference to be a commandment instead of a tradition, I could cause a great deal of confusion and harm.
More
The truth of the gospel is that righteousness and salvation come through faith in Christ — Christ alone. This is the word that sets us free.
More
We may well suppose that if two Lutheran churches in the same county celebrated Easter on different Sundays that people would have something to say.
More
There is nothing wrong with celibacy or fasting or many other disciplines. Even in marriage, abstinence can be a good thing, if the couple agrees together to abstain for some spiritual purpose.
More
If others wish to abstain from certain foods on certain days, that is between those people and the Lord. Do not let them convince you that abstinence is a matter of righteousness.
More
“It is written.” This was a favorite saying of the prophets, the evangelists, the apostles, and Jesus. Sometimes it is phrased as a questions: “What is written?”
More
External is not eternal. These outward things will never secure everlasting life. Furthermore, they will never give us peace. The heart must be changed by God for these things to be ours.
More
How heartbreaking it would be to run in a race, and to run so swiftly that you won the race, only to find out that you had been disqualified because of a false start or a lane violation.
More
I have convictions but if I dare to make those things qualifications for your righteousness and salvation, please take me to task.
More
The Church is that gathering of saints where the Gospel is correctly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered.
More
We are not big on excommunication these days. But we still do a pretty fair job of driving people out of our churches.
More
If you believe these things, we agree that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God” — no matter the particular manner of our ceremonies.
More-1200.jpg)
The effectiveness of the sacraments depends upon Christ. Were you baptized in a stream or at a font, at the hands of a priest or a pastor, by a saint or a sinner?
More
Every pastor who presides over Holy Communion is a sinner. Some are worse sinners than others. Some do not even believe in Christ or the Word of God.
More
It is the duty of pastors to preach the gospel. It is each church’s obligation to make sure that they do. Yet, it is more than a duty; it is a joyful compulsion.
More
The prophet Daniel presented the Antichrist along similar lines as this sarcastic paragraph from the Confessions. There is no ruler of rulers but Christ.
More
We should not expect everyone in a collar or alb to represent the kingdom of God. Every preacher in a pulpit does not necessarily proclaim the Word of God.
More
We must not replace Christ with works, offices, masses, or anything else. These things do not save; Christ alone saves and justifies.
More
You will find the church wherever two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus, that is, with faith in him, teaching the gospel, and administering the sacraments.
More
Jesus was clear on this matter when he was brought before Pilate. His kingdom is not of this world. It is not temporal but instead, spiritual.
More
Jesus was clear on this matter when he was brought before Pilate. His kingdom is not of this world. It is not temporal but instead, spiritual.
More
As worshipers come forward for Holy Communion, many pause at the baptismal font, place their fingers in the water, and make the sign of the cross on their forehead.
More
All those who by nature were born Jews, or Abraham’s seed, were given the law so that they might be an example to the nations of how God would have people live.
More-1200.jpg)
The Body of Christ is not an organization that merely goes through the motions of ceremonies. The Church has gifts in the heart, namely, the Holy Spirit and faith.
More
The “house of the righteous,” the church, is infiltrated by the wicked. Sometimes, they seem petty, though they are aggravating and ungodly.
More
When we perceive the threat to the Church — a threat that exists both from within and without — we can be led to despair of her continued existence.
More
We believe in the Church. This is the congregation of those who believe in Christ. They are spread throughout the ages — past, present, and future.
More
So we must be careful to confess that sinful people, such as ourselves, become righteous and holy only through the grace of God.
More
We deplore the condition of some church bodies, that they have abandoned the Word of God for culturally correct beliefs. Yet, we should not complain overly much.
More
Some people attend church because they were raised to do so. They give no thought to faith; it is simply the right thing to do.
More
Nearly 40 years ago, a half dozen people from a local cult attended my church, trying to get people to follow their false god.
More
Jesus did not come into the world to teach sinners how to save themselves. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
More
Declaring that a Christian’s deeds are required for justification and salvation both denies Christ and leaves the believer in despair
More
The disciples were in hiding, very likely imagining that they were next, that the authorities would come for them too. They had crucified the Lord; what would they do to his followers?
More
Surely, it is thought, there must be something we must do. This is the seed of religion and heresy, for faith knows that we can do nothing.
More
It is human nature to imagine that we can buy our way out of problems. The person caught speeding, therefore, pays the court to keep the offense off the books so that insurance rates will not increase
More
Jim Nestingen once said that “four o’clock in the morning is when the flesh attacks.” He meant that our minds rehearse or run over and over all those disappointments in ourselves.
More-1200.jpg)
Let us continue to keep Christ at the center of all things. The promised Messiah, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin from the lineage of kings, suffered, was crucified and buried for our sins.
More.jpg)
“The power of sin and death could be broken only by a greater power.” God’s power that is greater than sin and death is himself.
More
The ability to love God is not something that we are born with or that we can develop on our own with this fallen nature of ours. In order to love God, one must first be born again.
More
Jesus has made a display of his cross-conquered enemies, leaving them stripped of all power on the battlefield of the world.
More
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they valued their own traditions more than God’s commandments, so we must be careful to evaluate those things that we believe and do.
More
God’s pursuing mercy finds its target through the cross. Through faith in God’s grace through Christ, the law’s condemnation cannot follow through.
More
It is easy for us to confuse the plain sense of things. Sometimes we need someone to come in to our midst and cut to the chase.
More
Death may think it rules the world, but there is another who rules over death, for he brings to life even those who have died. “Christ is the Death of death.”
More
Lift up the shield of faith in Christ every time the devil attacks. Do not trust your thinking and your doing. Trust Christ, who is your shield.
More
How was Christ Jesus able to conquer our enemies: sin and death, the devil and hell? Look no further than the incarnation.
More
Justification, righteousness, and salvation are not only received by faith, these gifts of God are preserved for us to the end of time.
More
If your sin is found in you, you will pay. If, however, your sin is borne by Christ Jesus to the cross, he who is found to be with our sin, pays the penalty for us.
More
If we go to church, feed the hungry, and buy coats and mittens for the poor, but have no faith in the God who calls us to do such things, do those good works save?
More
The Lord looked down from height of heaven and saw a world imprisoned by sin. There was nothing we could do about it. God had to do it himself.
More
Jesus satisfied God’s requirement of keeping the law perfectly. Moreover, he paid the penalty for the sins of those who cannot keep the commandments.
More
If Christ must be a pretty, sinless Savior, then our sins are cast back on us. We should want nothing to do with this false, Roman faith.
More
The living grace of God is Jesus Christ. There is no salvation available to us without this grace. There is no grace without Jesus Christ.
More
We are spared a great and eternal penalty, separation from God and the fire of hell, because God has laid on his Christ the iniquity of us all.
More
We cannot reason our way to righteousness. Who has been able to say, “In this way, I shall be a good person” and been successful in the enterprise?
More
Though the innocent, unblemished Lamb of God, “personally innocent,” as Luther wrote, “his sinlessness was defiled with the sinfulness of the world."
More
Justification is that obedience to the gospel that hears and believes, that trusts God’s promise. Sanctification is the obedience that results from such faith.
More
If Jesus were not a cursed sinner, he would not have died, and a whole world would be lost in sin and death.
More
Lasting peace with God comes through faith. Our deeds can make us feel good for a while but that feeling is not only false, it does not last.
More
God has turned the tables on law-keepers everywhere. Christ is the law-keeper, our law-keeper. He is our law-keeper because we are joined to him.
More
Yes, God wants our good works, but he earnestly desires our hearts. Works that are done with an unbelieving, faithless heart are not good works; they are hypocritical.
More
The righteous and innocent soul who is the very Son of God, had to die because upon him was laid the charge and penalty of all sinners: sin and death.
More
Be careful that you do not expect God to favor you on the merits of your offerings or works or religious activity. God only has regard for such things when they are done with faith in him.
More
“All the prophets of old said that Christ should be the greatest transgressor, murderer, adulterer, thief, blasphemer that ever was or ever could be on earth.”
More
Works must always flow from a heart of faith. Abraham did not make an offering of his only son, Isaac, as a mere work. Nor did he expect that God would honor the work itself.
More
The death that we deserved was suffered by Christ Jesus, by a good and righteous man, but an incarnate man, God born in the flesh.
More
We must remain aware of a dangerous temptation as we try to keep the law, that as we observe the law, we can be enticed to think too highly of ourselves.
More
When Christ became our curse God removed the curse of the law from us. This happens because we have faith in the one who became our curse.
More
Do the things you are commanded and see if he will not pour out his blessings. But never expect him to justify you for the things you do.
More
Keeping the law rightly demands an observance of more than the law; it requires we observe the one who did keep it justly.
More
The issue here — and always — is Christ. Let us not think so much about rewards, but instead, about the reward. We must press on toward the real goal.
More
What does God command us but to believe, to have faith — not in our works but in his work, his grace toward us. We recoil at the thought.
More
We belong to Christ because of faith. This belonging means that we are his servants. So, we are to do his will and bidding, and receive his gifts.
More.jpg)
When one is made righteous through faith in the Righteous Man, all his deeds are deemed good. Righteousness does not come from deeds but righteous deeds do rightly follow faith.
More
The Lord has fought the fight. He has gone before us and has won the long battle. He is with us and will never leave us or forsake us.
More
I must daily divest myself of the law’s baggage, relying upon God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. There is life in him alone.
More
Some orders of monks placed their hoods upon dead bodies, indicating that their good works were transferred to the account of the deceased.
More
Now we are free to offer good works, not as things worthy of forgiveness and salvation, but done precisely because we are forgiven and saved.
More
The opponents’ conclusions were that if one pays for his own reward, he can pay more than is due and, therefore, the credit must be transferable to others.
More
The law is not meant to merely obligate and accuse and condemn me but to send me running back into the arms of grace.
More
There is nothing worthy of forgiveness and the resurrection of the body to everlasting life, save the work of Christ. Imagining otherwise does great damage to Scripture and to troubled hearts and minds.
More
Make this — faith in Christ alone — be your first and chief article of belief, and you will know the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding.
More
Eternal life is a reward from God that is based on something very important: his promise. It is not based upon how much work we have done.
More
We are God’s workmanship, not our own. Works are not the cause of our faith and salvation; they — and all the gifts of Christ — are the result.
More
You might wonder how there is blessing in poverty. Only when we admit our impoverished spiritual condition, may the kingdom become our possession.
More
The appointed time is coming and only those who live with faith in God’s Christ will be justified and be given eternal life.
More
Faith is the means of justification, righteousness, and salvation. Only faith keeps our souls at peace before God. Our good deeds will never give us at rest.
More
He who was made sin so that I might be justified to God has decided for me, and has made me fit for eternity. “My heart faints within me.”
More
We are reborn with a purpose. But let us be clear; the purpose does not precede or cause rebirth. That purpose is the result of our being newly created.
More
You are accursed if you are more confident in your lack of direction than the clear directions of one who knows how to get there.
More
Thinking about the eternal result for the way we have lived this life can be terrifying unless we receive the true knowledge of a loving and caring God.
More
God is not favorable toward smart, religious, or moral people. Be careful that your righteousness springs from faith instead of from morality or religion or learning.
More
We should recognize in ourselves that we are disposed to fall back into old ways. But we should also consider that others are just like us.
More
If Gideon had conquered the Midianites without faith, by mere military strategy and prowess, we might never have heard of a Gideon.
More
When we sin against God once again “in thought, word, and deed,” we might worry sometimes that we have pushed God too far this time.
More
We must keep the faith until the Last Day when we, along with all the saints of old, will be resurrected from earthly death to heavenly, eternal life.
More
As long as people depend in themselves, and trust in their works, peace in the conscience will be fleeting. They will always have troubled consciences.
More
Faith acts. You can tell who the real Christians are by the things they do and say, and if you are really astute, you might tell because of the things they think.
More
What came first, the chicken or the egg? Some love to deliberate over such things; these questions wear out other people and solve nothing.
More
If church leaders are so interested in people doing good works, they should stop pressing on works, and pray about the faith of their people.
More
The difference that precedes salvation is easy to determine. That distinguishing feature is trust in the one who saves.
More
Peter writes that faith comes first, not love or works, but that love and other works should follow faith, furnishing faith as proper Christians are called to do.
More
We are indentured servants, slaves to sin and death, and we can never earn our freedom. Either the master sets us free—and death and the devil are not going to do that—or someone pays our debt and sets free.
More
People of faith do not strut and crow at God when they are corrected. They understand that their Father is gracious and they repent of their wrong.
More
The old nature believes that if one loves enough, is joyous all the time, at peace, patient and kind toward others, is good, faithful, and self-controlled, that person will have earned God’s grace.
More
The offering of faith, though it be a small, tarnished coin, is accepted while gold and silver given by the merely religious person is an unacceptable sacrifice.
More
God may be trusted to save poor sinners. We are right to not trust in our religious skills and our good deeds. But we would be very wrong to not trust the promise of God.
More
Lest you think David is merely overconfident because he has been triumphant before over lion and bear, he does not credit his confidence with himself.
More
There is faith and there is the fruit of faith. Faith ought to have results in this life, not just the result of an eternal life to come. Faith saves, then produces fruit.
More
This is how faith works. It does not rely upon reason or a man’s strength and size. Faith relies upon God alone — and acts.
More
God forgives us for the sake of his name. His reputation is at stake, so he will keep his promise. This is easy to understand.
More
True faith in Jesus Christ brings forgiveness and eternal life, and with these, the infilling of the Holy Spirit. And God's Spirit will not inhabit us idly.
More
What great importance people place in their works. They value deeds so much that they distort the words of Christ. When he downplays works, they exalt them.
More
Here is a test of our trust in God’s ability to save us utterly. There are those who say God cannot and will not save us unless we are involved in our salvation.
More
When we think that we have earned God’s mercy and may therefore, demand it, we rob God of the glory that belongs to him alone.
More
We add nothing to his redemptive, sanctifying work. Through baptism, God alone clothes us with the garments of salvation, with the covering of Christ.
More
The First Commandment teaches us that God is faithful to deliver his people. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."
More
We are not even interested in keeping the law, even if we could do so. We are a stiff-necked people, bent on moving away from God and his law.
More
Jesus tells us to pray, “Forgive us our sins” because our sin leaves us indebted to God. Matthew uses the word “debt," making it clear that we owe God for our moral failure.
More
Though Moses’ regulation was to keep the law, no one keeps it perfectly but Christ through whom we are counted holy and righteousness through faith alone.
More
Pour some dirt into a cup of water and find out how many people will drink? Just so, we are not palatable; each person is just some good mixed in with the bad.
More
There has been a double imputation: our sins are removed and imputed to Christ. They are nailed them to the cross, and we are given his righteousness.
More
We cannot make any offering for sin that produces mercy and forgiveness. Our virtue will not do it, nor will religious works, the right disposition, or remorse.
More
We know that we do the law imperfectly. But do we keep at it? Do we keep keeping the commandment, loving God and neighbor however imperfectly?
More
Everybody sins. Anyone who claims otherwise, is kidding himself but God is not fooled. We were born into sin; it invades all of life.
More
If one holds that any other work than the cross of Jesus Christ and faith in him accounts for forgiveness of sins and eternal life, that person is Antichrist.
More
Some people have faith in their works. They believe that there are certain things they can do to earn God's grace. This imagined acquisition of grace is called condignity.
More
There have been many Antichrists, and still more will follow. Anywhere anything other than Christ Jesus is required for salvation, there is the Antichrist at work.
More
The spirit is compelled to have faith in God but the flesh is weak. It is hard to stay awake and watchful against the accusations of the law.
More
The so-called treasury of merit teaches that, if our own good works are deficient for salvation, the good works or merit of others may be applied to our accounts.
More
Those who consider themselves Christian would confess that Christ saves. But the later actions of some betray a different belief than what they confess.
More
We may not say it or admit it, perhaps because we do not see it, but we are in effect, claiming to be god when we take on the task of being Christ and savior.
More
There is no good thing that we can do, or even a lifetime's collection of good works, that God would dignify as a righteousness worthy of eternal life.
More
Those who rely on works-righteousness for forgiveness and salvation count themselves among those antichrists who claim, “I am the Christ.”
More
True faith is not shaken for long since it remembers the object of its faith. Faith does not seek to appease an angry God but to believe in a loving one.
More
Our loving Father has already promised to be for us, not against us. When we try to bargain with him or make deals, we are calling him a liar.
More-1200.jpg)
Faith is not a mere intellectual understanding of God. Many people believe there is a God but they neither know who he is nor put their trust in him.
More
Our must be done to glorify the Father, not to extol self, to earn salvation. Works done in an effort to merit God’s favor are hypocritical and idolatrous.
More
If you would be righteous, you must live by faith. For if you imagine that you can be righteous by being virtuous and religious, then you are misguided by conceit.
More
The issue is not faith and works; it is faith or works. There can be no good works without faith. Faith without works is slovenly and mocks the Rock of our salvation.
More
Worship is truly worship when we receive these gifts from God through faith, even when our sins cause us to question if hope itself is hopeless.
More
When the Holy Spirit is received through faith, the Christian begins to care for godly things, and God gives them the will and strength to do these good works.
More
When it seems that you have failed at the one thing you were entrusted with, and all seems lost because you can never requite your failures, that is the very moment when you should realize there is now but one critical thing to do.
More
If you are looking for something that you must do, some righteous work that gains eternal life, there is only one thing necessary. Believe in Christ Jesus.
More
Jesus took our sin upon himself and died with it on the cross. When our sin was transferred to Christ, his righteousness was assigned to us through faith in him.
More
Jesus complained that the crowds were only interested in his works instead of his word. We are much like those multitudes, and perhaps, worse.
More
Alienated by sin, we cannot reason our way to God or become justified before him because we have come to some intellectual understanding of divinity.
More
The slogan “faith alone” may seem overused but, as Luther insisted, we must be reminded. “We need to hear the gospel every day, because we forget it every day.”
More
Surveys are often filled out by a person who marks the box, “Christian.” Often what this means is that the person thinks there is a God. In the public mind, believing there is a God is synonymous with being a Christian.
More
“It’s right there in the Bible. I didn’t make this up!” This is similar to what others have said: “God said it; I believe it; and that settles it.”
More
Christ came to the law keepers first, to show the truth of God’s promises. God fulfilled those promises in the Messiah by fulfilling the law for them, something which they could not accomplish.
More
Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes in Christ Jesus, so we must submit to God’s righteousness instead of depending on our religious deeds.
More
What a blessing it is to be assured of eternity. Jesus gave us this assurance when he said that whoever believes his word and in the one who sent him has eternal life.
More
When we look to him with trust that he loves us and forgives us then we are sorry for the sins of our old man but do not languish, depending instead upon God’s promise to renew us day by day.
More
What a burden it is to fulfill the law on our own. Who can keep the law? Is there anyone who can satisfy the demands of the law? Yes, there is one who did...
More
God decides for us while we are yet sinners. Every day, God decides for us, while we are still sinners. He does not pick us because we go to church, help the poor, support missionaries, or are just downright nice folks.
More
When feelings, tradition, religion, or culture are allowed to interpret Scripture, the strangest interpretations result. But when Scripture is our authoritative word, we stay truer to God’s will.
More
We must not rely upon human inventions of religion but in Christ alone. This trust comes by God’s grace through faith, not by works of human invention.
More
We are made children of God through his grace. We were not born to his house but have been reborn and adopted by his merciful will.
More
"Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." There is no way that we can work our way to salvation. Faith in Christ alone is the only way to the Father.
More
"For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision." Outward laws without faith are sin.
More
Under the rules of baseball a coach is allowed to substitute a faster, pinch runner, removing the slower runner from the game. That does not seem fair.
More
There is nothing for us to do but trust in the one who has stepped between us and the law, Christ our mediator, believing what he has accomplished.
More
We are saved by believing in Christ Jesus, not by doing or not doing certain things. When his Spirit takes hold of a heart, his will begins to be accomplished.
More
“Look toward heaven.” When we look to ourselves, we tend to get in trouble. Initially, Abram believed God’s promise of a son.
More
God makes the rules. If humans made them, there would be requirements that depended on themselves, on their abilities and righteousness.
More
We are easily led astray, imagining that we must do something to reconcile God, because we imagine that he must be angry about our sins.
More
Quite separate from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed to us in Christ Jesus. Jesus has fulfilled the law, that we may be justified by faith.
More
