Lutherans need to see the extreme statements of UOJ to determine what the advocates are really saying, especially when they are so evasive.
I have reproduced the Beckman essay, ipsissima verba, by turning the PDF into PNGs. I converted it into a Word document, but I thought that was rather messy. Anyone can print these images or download the essay and do their own format magic.
http://www.wlsessays.net/files/BeckmanUniversal.PDF
Beckman! - The position that all men’s sins have been forgiven, even the sins of those in hell, has always been held to by orthodox Lutheran theologians. Koehler writes, “There is not a soul in all the world which God has not already absolved from all sin. This is called objective or universal justification.”22" [bottom of page 8]
Beckman! - "Orthodox Lutherans therefore, on the basis of the scriptural doctrine of universal and objective justification, teach, believe and confess that all people who have lived, are living or will ever live on earth have been declared righteous by God and have thus been forgiven of all their sins." [p. 9, near the top]
"Schaller says, "Salvation is just as perfect and complete for those who are finally lost. This is the only reason, but a sufficient one, why he that believeth not is damned. Unbelief is the rejection of life and salvation achieved and personally intended for every unbeliever.23" [p. 9, top]
Dr. Ed. Preuss draws a similar conclusion in commenting on II Corinthians 5:19. “This is not the justification which we receive by faith, but the one which took place before all faith. In Christ we were justified before we were even born.”17 [p. 7 - Preuss is considered their great orthodox champion - he became a Roman Catholic theologian]
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Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "Introduction to WELS Beckman UOJ Essay - The 5,00...":
It's important to see and easily proven that the extreme teachings of UOJ are present even in those who promote the doctrine but cringe at the foundation of their central doctrine which blatantly perverts Scripture and The Lutheran Confessions which include the Large and Small Catechisms. The timid, or rather Intepid, Lutherans who promote this false gospel will water down the bitter and stagnant portions of the doctrine to make it easier to swallow, saying, "I don't teach it that way". Most older Lutherans will not recognize the doctrine of UOJ when compared to their Catechesis. (W)ELS had to edit the catechism in order to include UOJ teachings for the more recent generations of children.
Those reading this post and the (W)ELS Beckman essay should understand that it isn't just the soldiers who cast lots for Christ's clothing who persecuted God's Son. To read this (W)ELS confession of UOJ and to see the blatant heresies promoted in it, is to stand at the foot of the cross and make a decision to continue to condone and contribute to Christ's persecution and that of His Church, or to stand with Christ, be strengthened by the Holy Ghost through pure doctrine and Christ's Word, rebuke the false teachers and engage in the fight and struggle for pure doctrine and practice, for yourself, your children, your family and all those you care about. By the grace and mercy of God you will not continue to allow yourself and others to be sung softly to sleep by those who pervert the central doctrine of Christian faith, Justification by faith alone.
(W)ELS defends their doctrine with this statement from August Pieper,
"But whoever molests the doctrine of justification stabs the gospel in the heart and is on the way of losing entirely Christian doctrine and personal faith and of falling into the arms of heathenism, even if he ever so much emphasizes justification by faith."
Quoted by Pastor Nathan Seiltz, Pastor Evergreen Lutheran High School
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GJ - The quotations from the Beckman essay, from the Holy of Holies, the WELS Essay Files, prove the Wisconsin Synod to be in a state of blasphemy. Not simply in casual or blundering language, but in the clearest possible terms, they deny the Holy Spirit's work in the Word.
Those who understand the Wisconsin sect realize that the opinions of a DP are considered the last word in doctrine, no matter how absurd the statement might be.
Beckman! - "Orthodox Lutherans therefore, on the basis of the scriptural doctrine of universal and objective justification, teach, believe and confess that all people who have lived, are living or will ever live on earth have been declared righteous by God and have thus been forgiven of all their sins." [p. 9, near the top]
No wonder UOJ is such a comfort for alcoholic, adulterous pastors. They are absolved before, during, and after.
Where would the justification by faith pastor flee? The ELS is just as bad, while the LCMS hides its UOJ better - until it can pounce.
Click here for WELS Beckman UOJ Essay, Pages 1-2.
