Thursday, June 30, 2011

If Hottentots Are Already Justified, Why Attend Church?



AC V has left a new comment on your post "Heidenreich and the LutherQueasies":

This is practical theology in the light of justification by faith alone. People ask, "If I'm fully and freely forgiven of all my sins by Christ on the cross, then why should I come to church?" UOJ answers, "Because you need to be reminded of UOJ, show your appreciation for UOJ, and encourage others in UOJ." The Scriptures and the Confessions say, "You need to come to church because you daily sin much and the means of grace will give you the actual forgiveness of sins."

I've come to believe and confess that a major reason why fewer (W)ELS & LCMS people are attending worship services is because of UOJ. It's the reason Private Confession and Absolution fell into disuse. It's the reason Communion is offered infrequently. It's the reason sermons are Power Point pep talks. Why cherish and encourage the regular use of the means of grace when it's only a reminder of the forgiveness of sins and not the actual, real-time forgiveness of sins?


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Scott E. Jungen has left a new comment on your post "If Hottentots Are Already Justified, Why Attend Ch...":

"...pure scripture-based presentations of law and gospel". Are these people watching the same ToG that I have watched? All I've seen is Pastor Jeske walking around in a suit giving Dr. Phil-like prescriptions to lead a better life on earth.

Scott E. Jungen