ICHABOD, THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED - explores the Age of Apostasy, predicted in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, to attack Objective Faithless Justification, Church Growth Clowns, and their ringmasters. The antidote to these poisons is trusting the efficacious Word in the Means of Grace. John 16:8. Isaiah 55:8ff. Romans 10. Most readers are WELS, LCMS, ELS, or ELCA. This blog also covers the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the Left-wing, National Council of Churches denominations.
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Monday, September 3, 2012
Thomas Cole's Landscape with Ruined Tower Illustrates Lutherdom Today
solafide (http://solafide.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "UOJ in Christian Hymnody - Not":
Verse 5 of If God Himself Be For Me is pretty clear. Specifically, "He is the Lord who cleanses my soul from sin through faith."
There is a reason why you won't find UOJ in Lutheran hymns, that's because it is FALSE DOCTRINE. Luther and the others were EXTREMELY clear, because scripture is CRYSTAL CLEAR that justification is by faith alone. If someone who doesn't know Greek can get it and explain it to his Methobapticostal family members, there are no reasons other than persistent error/teaching false doctrine or plain ineptitude to not get it. I don't know which it is, it may be both. However, I do know that Lutheran pastors need to stop taking their "superior's" word as Gospel and start questioning what they were told. Did Luther roll over when Papist after Papist demanded him to recant and tow the party line? No. Thank God he didn't, he did his own research and study into the matter. So why should we be any different?
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GJ - WELS, Missouri, ELCA, and the ELS are teaching Rambach's Halle Pietism, merging the atonement and justification. Their Gospel is false because the faith they teach is faith in UOJ dogma.
Labels:
LCMS UOJ Preus
Some Graphics from Galatians 2 - Luther's Commentary
Labels:
Galatians Commentary
Organ Concert at Historic St. John Lutheran Church.
Milwaukee
Lutheran Hymns and UOJ
quercuscontramalum (http://quercuscontramalum.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Extra Nos: UOJers are Huberites, their denials are...":
If —IF— the universal justification of all sinners even without Faith, Word, or Sacrament is such a marvelous and uniquely 'Lutheran' teaching, where does it appear the historic Lutheran hymnody? Surely something as 'incredible' as UOJ would have been magnified in hymns by Gerhardt even if it escaped Luther's attention.
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LCMS UOJ WELS
UOJ in Lutheran Hymns - Not in My Hymnal
quercuscontramalum (http://quercuscontramalum.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Extra Nos: UOJers are Huberites, their denials are...":
If —IF— the universal justification of all sinners even without Faith, Word, or Sacrament is such a marvelous and uniquely 'Lutheran' teaching, where does it appear the historic Lutheran hymnody? Surely something as 'incredible' as UOJ would have been magnified in hymns by Gerhardt even if it escaped Luther's attention.
Labels:
LCMS UOJ WELS
UOJ in Luther's Hymns - Not
quercuscontramalum (http://quercuscontramalum.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Extra Nos: UOJers are Huberites, their denials are...":
If —IF— the universal justification of all sinners even without Faith, Word, or Sacrament is such a marvelous and uniquely 'Lutheran' teaching, where does it appear the historic Lutheran hymnody? Surely something as 'incredible' as UOJ would have been magnified in hymns by Gerhardt even if it escaped Luther's attention.
Labels:
LCMS UOJ WELS
UOJ in Christian Hymnody - Not
quercuscontramalum (http://quercuscontramalum.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Extra Nos: UOJers are Huberites, their denials are...":
If —IF— the universal justification of all sinners even without Faith, Word, or Sacrament is such a marvelous and uniquely 'Lutheran' teaching, where does it appear the historic Lutheran hymnody? Surely something as 'incredible' as UOJ would have been magnified in hymns by Gerhardt even if it escaped Luther's attention.
Labels:
Paul Gerhardt
Why the Orthodox Welcome Discussion and the False Teachers Fear Debate
Pope Paul the Plagiarist broken-heartedly confessed he did not want justification by faith discussed on Steadfast Lutherans.
McCain's remedy was to post a thirty year-old essay from Robert Preus. No surprise - the key quote comes from a Concordia Seminary St. Louis professor who turned Roman Catholic: Eduard Preuss. This quote states we are forgiven even before we are born. That is an important dogma to consider, because it has become a slogan in WELS. "I was saved 2,000 years ago."
I copied some of my graphics for the Apology of the Ausburg Confession. These brilliant, clear statements about justification by faith came from open debate. The Imperial Diet was called in 1530 to settle differences between the Lutherans and the Roman Catholics. When the Lutherans presented the Augsburg Confession, largely the work of Melanchthon, the Romanists responded with their Confutation.
The Lutherans immediately responded with their Apology or Defense of the Augsburg Confession. The Apology expanded upon justification by faith. Significantly, the editors of the Book of Concord quoted Luther as saying he was a "theologian of the Augsburg Confession." They wrote this in agreement with Luther.
The UOJ Stormtroopers are terrified of discussion because their minions are asking pointed questions about the anti-Christian, unBiblical nature of their dogma. Knapp's double-justification became Tholuck's single justification. Both taught at Halle University, where Pietism morphed into rationalism. The single justification of Tholuch and Schleiermacher is Universalism. Everyone is forgiven.
The spirit of Fuller Church Growthism and mainline unionism is the same - Universalism. The good news, the message of grace is simple - God is so kind that He does not care whether anyone believes His Word or not, whether they repent or not, whether they trust in Christ as their Savior...or not. God's grace is manifested in His forgiveness of the entire world, without that nasty contingency of faith. The more people examine the rot of Universal Objective Justification, the worse it looks.
I am pleased that UOJ Stormtroopers must come out of the closet and defend their dogma in public. Their rage is being expressed all over Lutherdom. Most Lutherans do not realize that there is an organized concerted effort to pound any outlet or anyone suspected of allowing justification by faith to be expressed.
Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS, Bridgeton, Missouri (St. Louis) told Christian News that no money would be given to Herman Otten if he published anything by me. Otten told me that himself. I consider that to be an honor. Otten buckled and refused to publish anything positive about Thy Strong Word. The one person who did review it, negatively, is now one of those papal LCMS pastors.
Steadfast Lutherans is UOJ, with some of the dumbest statements ever to see the light of day, but it is also allowing justification by faith comments. UOJ people want to have the Means of Grace writers banished and silenced forever. The value of the debate is that it brings out the shallow and nasty side of UOJ, which they would rather suppress.
Pastor Steve Spencer, WELS, told me that his sect ripped him for several days when the Intrepid Lutherans posted a slightly critical post. WELS (doubtless SP Schroeder) told them to remove an offensive essay, which mentioned justification by faith. Imagine Intrepid Lutherans being so far off base that they offered any support to the Chief Article of the Christian Faith! The board voted to keep the essay posted.
The UOJ Enthusiasts will lose by winning. The more they try to replace the Chief Article, justification by faith, with their dogma, justification without faith, the more people will study the Word and the Confessions.
WELS Sausage Factory CEO Paul Wendland, salesman for the NNIV, will present a streaming video Bible study on...justification by faith. That is the topic, just to remind people that they will stoop to any deception to present justification without faith.
Anyone who objects to Wendland's propaganda will be met with this barrage:
- Are you calling the president of our seminary a false teacher?
- Do you realize the Doctrinal Pussycats have endorsed this?
- Do you read Ichabod? We pushed him out for objecting to clergy adultery and Church Growth!
- Do you want all your friends and relatives to shun you for life?
Disagreeing with Wendland will mean automatic excommunication, unless the individual repents and begs forgiveness (an irony, to be sure). They do not mind anyone objecting, as long as they can crush that person and have him come back as a UOJ zombie.
For those who recognize the efficacy of the Word, the exclusive work of the Holy Spirit through the Word, reviewing the Confessions is exciting, fulfilling, and comforting.
Anything I can do to take away carnal security is part of my job as a pastor.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Extra Nos: UOJers are Huberites, their denials are futile
Extra Nos: UOJers are Huberites, their denials are futile:
'via Blog this'
UOJers are Huberites, their denials are futile
In the book Theses Opposed to Huberism, by Dr. Aegidus Hunnius, translated by Rev. Paul A. Rydecki from the Latin, here is what the translator says about Dr. Samuel Huber, the Reformed/Calvinist turned Lutheran who ended up being dismissed by well known orthodox Lutherans of his day,...
Rev. Rydecki writes in the preface:
Rev. Rydecki writes in the preface:
Most notably, reacting to Calvinism's double predestina tion, Huber began to teach that God had elected all men in eternity to salvation ("universal election"), and that God had not only redeemed the entire human race through the substitutionary death of Christ (which the Lutheran theologians also taught), but that God, for the sake of the merits of Christ, had also justified the entire human race, apart from faith ("universal justification"). In spite of his teachings of universal election and justification, Huber appears never to have reached the conclusion of modern Universalism that the entire human race will eventually be received into eternal life. He continued to insist that faith was essential for obtaining eternal salvation and that a person who rejected the Gospel would thereby forfeit the justification already pronounced upon the human race.
When Huber's novel terminology and doctrine were re jected by the faculty atWittenberg, Huber then began to accuse his colleagues, especially Leyser andHunnius, of Calvinism. When no reconciliation could be achieved even after theintervention of foreign theologians, Huber was dismissed from his professorship atWittenberg and banished from the country in 1595. Nevertheless, his polemicalwritings and public accusations against the fac ulty at Wittenberg continued forseveral years, prompting inter mittent responses by both Leyser and Hunnius
Observe the UOJer's position:
a.) They deny they are universalist, just like Huber.
b.) They affirm that the human race have been justified universally, apart from faith, just like Huber. See their synodical statements, you will find they teach in effect that God has declared the world already righteous in Christ. Just ask them if man by virtue of Romans 4:25 (their favorite mishandled verse) have been declared righteous already, apart from faith.
c.) When confronted of making faith of no consequence, they deny that too, and like Huber insist on faith, and its lack forfeit the one stated in b.)
Observe further, UOJers call pejoratively their critics as Calvinists, just like Huber! Observe too how UOJers insists on UOJ/OJ/SJ terminology! Even Robert Preus, prior to his Justification and Rome book insisted on these categories and terms too! You can read their blabbering on this terminology - just wander of at Steadfast Lutheran (Waltherian) blog.
Now ask yourself the question, if Huber (and by extension UOjers) was correct on justification, why did the signers and editors of the Book of Concord banish him from their company?
Of course, when you tell UOJers they are Huberites they find this truth hard to swallow and so they deny they are. They play blind.
Isn't there truth in the saying, if something walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck, it is a duck?
Now please do not get me started on Hunnius' Thesis #1, because the more there the UOJer will be indicted by that thesis and their denial will show they are exercising sophistry.
'via Blog this'
Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. Luke 10:23-37.
The Good Samaritan
The Thirteenth Sunday after
Trinity, 2012
Pastor Gregory L. Jackson
The Hymn # 281 The Savior Calls 1:29
The Confession
of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual
The
Gospel
Glory be to
Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon
Hymn #259 Flung to the Heedless
Winds 1:64
The Good Samaritan Is Jesus
The Communion
Hymn # 308 Invited, Lord, by Boundless Grace 1:63
The Preface p.
24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn # 464 Blest Be the Tie That Binds 1:39
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn # 464 Blest Be the Tie That Binds 1:39
KJV
Galatians 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but
a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth
thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not,
And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in
Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot
disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the
inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave
it to Abraham by promise. 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It
was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the
promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a
mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there
had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should
have been by the law. 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that
the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
KJV
Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately,
Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: 24 For I tell
you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye
see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and
have not heard them. 25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and
tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He
said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he
answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy
neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do,
and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus,
And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went
down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of
his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half
dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he
saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was
at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw
him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up
his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought
him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he
took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take
care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay
thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that
fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said
Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Thirteenth Sunday After Trinity
Lord God, heavenly Father,
we most heartily thank Thee that Thou hast granted us to live in this accepted
time, when we may hear Thy holy gospel, know Thy fatherly will, and behold Thy
Son, Jesus Christ! We pray Thee, most merciful Father: Let the light of Thy
holy word remain with us, and so govern our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we
may never forsake Thy word, but remain steadfast in it, and finally obtain
eternal salvation; through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth
and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end.
Amen.
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The Good Samaritan, by Norma Boeckler http://www.normaboecklerart.com |
The Good Samaritan Is Jesus
I remember the feeling, when
this lesson came up in church – Now we are going to get it for not being good
Samaritans.
There are so many law
sermons on this lesson that one could build a complete set of books: The Good
Samaritan Condemns You, Four Volumes.
This Gospel does not start
with condemnation, but with blessing instead. And that blessing applies to us.
KJV Luke 10:23 And he
turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the
eyes which see the things that ye see: 24 For I tell you, that many prophets
and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them;
and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Every single person who
hears the Word of God is blessed. In those days they were able to see and hear
the Savior. Now we hear His words and see Him in the Sacraments.
It is always a blessing
because God’s Word is always effective. Those who listen attentively and
sincerely will receive divine wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Also,
those who reject it will be hardened and blinded by it, just as those who
mishandle electrical power will be harmed by their careless attitude toward
something both life-giving and death-causing.
There are many occasions
when someone has obstinately resisted the Word but is so disturbed that another
visitation creates a moment of conversion, insight, and rebirth. We cannot
judge when that will happen, so the Word is carelessly sown, knowing the
results are always good.
Verse 24 should remind us
that we are more privileged than many prophets and kings. Before the Savior’s
public ministry, many leaders longed for the salvation of mankind. They desired
forgiveness and peace. They looked for the truth. One could say that the entire
history of philosophy has been a search for the truth. Most philosophers today
(in academic life) are atheists, so they cannot grasp the basics of truth. They
may dance around us in circles with their arcane knowledge, but Jesus said we
need the faith of a little child, not the library of a learned philosopher - to enter the Kingdom of God.
Analogy of Faith
When we grasp the Analogy of
Faith, the Scriptures come alive with an endless supply of insights.
Someone asked me about the
Analogy of Faith. I forgot the term since I never use the words themselves. But
I often bring up that ancient truth of the Scriptures.
Here it is – Since the Word
of God is infallible and inerrant, the Scriptures present a unified truth where
no contradictions are present. The Bible is the Book of the Holy Spirit, with
many human authors but only one divine author, God. Because of that, the unity
and harmony we find is the quality given to it by the Holy Spirit. I have
emphasized that in all the sermons and Bible lessons. Hebrews uses an exotic
set of images and aims at a Jewish group persecuted and discouraged, but the
author does not argue against Paul. He teaches justification by faith with
different words and images at times, but the same doctrine revealed by God.
Therefore, every verse is
connected to every other verse in the Bible. The simpler and more obvious
passages can be used to explain the ones that seem more obscure to us. The
fault is not with God’s Word but with our understanding of the moment. At
times, for instance, people had no trouble with divinity of Jesus, but they
could not accept His birth from a mere woman, a sinful woman. Many errors came
from that attitude – not from the Scriptures but from man’s culture at the
moment. Now people (in general) have no trouble with the humanity of Christ,
but they seek to remove the divinity of Jesus. Thomas Jefferson did that with
his heavily edited Bible, which reduced Jesus to a teacher of morality.
It is good to note that
liberals always pixelate the Bible. They find one passage, one part of one
sentence, and magnify that to be the entire message of the Word of God. They
magnify it to such an extent that no one can recognize it in context. And they
make their newest insight The Law, The Truth. One well known scholar made Jesus
the leader of a sacred mushroom cult. I know – I missed that in the Bible, too.
I laughed when I read that the mushroom starring in the book did not grow in
that area. But the book sold well for a few weeks.
The Analogy of Faith also
means that we must teach the Word of God with all aspects in balance, in proper
proportion. To emphasize the Sacraments at the expense of the Word (as the
Romanists do) is bound to create problems. The Holy Spirit’s work should not be
neglected, but it should not be the only element in all teaching, as if the
Trinity has only one Member.
This digression helps
explain how we need to read this famous but greatly abused Parable of the Good
Samaritan –
25 And, behold, a certain
lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit
eternal life?
It was and continues to be a
Jewish tradition to have the teacher answer questions after giving a lesson.
One of the interesting parts about this is trying to stump the teacher. That is
a great tradition, because it makes the hearers more eager to excel and it
challenges the teacher. Just the opposite is the papal attitude – that the
teacher is perfect and everyone must bow to his authority just because he has
that title. Abusive cults thrive on that attitude.
So we have a valid question,
which Jesus turned into a question.
26 He said unto him, What is
written in the law? how readest thou?
The lawyer has to answer his
own question, which is good. This is good diagnostic work. He may be right or
wrong. One can build on either answer.
27 And he answering said,
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28
And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
It is no accident that the
answer given is the famous summary of the Law, where there is widespread
agreement. The rabbis taught this. Jesus taught this. Luther called it the Two
Tables or the two relationships. The first relationship is faith, our
relationship to God. The second is our relationship to our neighbor. The Law
(better – the Doctrine of the Bible) is summed up in those two relationships.
For the Law salesmen, Jesus’
answer is a god-send. As one said to me, Jesus told us – Do this. It is in
doing.
If they could stop there,
they might make a Law fortress out of this lesson. But Jesus’ answer is ironic,
something lost on those with no sense of humor. Is it possible to do this at
all times, perfectly? Giving the fallen nature of man, no – it is not, so there
must be another answer.
The lawyer revealed his
attitude toward the Word when he said this –
29 But he, willing to
justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
Or, we might say – eager to
justify himself. He was waiting for an answer that he had done all he could do
to inherit eternal life. His answer to the question came in the form of the
great parable. Love your neighbor? Who is your neighbor? We can see at the end
that the neighbor is Jesus, the Good Samaritan.
30 And Jesus answering
said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among
thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and
departed, leaving him half dead.
“A certain man” means this
is a parable, a short story, fiction, with a heavenly meaning.
This is a common occurrence
in travel, a common fear. When cash is relatively scarce, clothing is quite
valuable. In fact, there are scams today to collect clothing in the name of
charity, because of its value. This man was robbed and beaten, left for dead on
the road.
31 And by chance there came
down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other
side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on
him, and passed by on the other side.
Jesus gave two examples of
men who avoided helping their neighbor. The priest and Levite crossed over to
the opposite side of the road, to pretend they saw nothing. The roads were
fairly narrow, certainly by our standards, so this was a pretense.
There are many priests and
Levites today. They see a confessional pastor in trouble. They cross over to
the other side of the road. They do not see it. Or they phone and say, “This is
all your fault for causing trouble.” They do not help and they shun the
fellow-pastor who is robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the road. The
willfully blind do not see it.
33 But a certain
Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had
compassion on him,
Notice that the word “good”
is lacking in the text. That has become part of the title, leading us to think
this is about good people (who perfect themselves in the Law) and bad people
(who are the target of a given Law sermon).
The certain Samaritan is
Jesus. His example shows that He alone is the Savior.
He saw the man and had
compassion on him. The prime quality of God is compassion, mercy. We have great
collects that say God’s power is shown chiefly in His mercy.
34 And went to him,
and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast,
and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
When we are half-dead and
unable to help ourselves, Jesus comes to us with the Gospel. We do not have the
strength to come to Him. He comes to us in the Word and the Sacraments.
Look at the many steps taken
for this this man:
- Went to him – God pursues us with His Word, He
comes to us.
- Bound up his wounds – Forgiveness of sin,
justification by faith
- Poured on oil and wine – Oil is Gospel
forgiveness, wine is the Law.
- Set him on his beast – God provides continuing
help.
- Brought him to an inn – He created the church
for the Means of Grace.
- Took care of him – The care and compassion are
continuous.
As Luther said about
Galatians and Paul’s greeting – grace and peace are two great words. Grace
comes from God – it is the forgiveness that takes away our sins. Peace is the
result of this forgiveness, which we receive through faith.
Even better, this
forgiveness is not for tiny sins but for great sins, not for conquered sins (because
no one can conquer his own sins) but for nagging sins.
The wounded does not deserve
healing. The wounded needs healing. As we know from many medical shows, the
healing needs to start early.
We are not forgiven because
we deserve forgiveness. The healing begins with the Gospel, because without
forgiveness the wounds continue to fester and worsen. There are many stories of
ancients who had one wound and died as a result. One man kicked a stone in
frustration and died later from the infection that began from that injury.
Luther pointed out – the oil
represents the healing of the Gospel, the wine the antiseptic qualities of the
Law.
God’s care is continuous. It
is not an instant of forgiveness and “never do this again” but a life-long
relationship. Abiding on the True Vine – as Jesus explained in John 15. Note
the Analogy of Faith.
Christ created the church by
sending the Holy Spirit, the Means of Grace for our life as Christians. He also
continues to care for each every one of us.
35 And on the morrow when
he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said
unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come
again, I will repay thee.
This is perfect example of
how God works through the Gospel, because the earlier steps were not only
adequate but far beyond human efforts. On top of those previous ways to help
the man, the Christ-figure speaks to the inn-keeper and says, “Here is money
for the rest of his recovery. If you spend more, I will pay you back.”
We could see the inn-keeper
as those of us within the church who care for others. Whatever we spend in time
and money on others will be paid back, when “He comes again.” There are many examples
in the teaching of Jesus to show that what is spent or taken away from us will
be returned to us many times over (Analogy of Faith again).
Man looks at this as balancing
accounts. Why help a stranger? I will be out some money, risk something, and
never get paid back, never thanked even. The true Gospel message is to help
without expect pay, rewards, or thanks. That is why the visible church is
breaking down. Career-minded clergy put their own accounts first and will not
risk anything for someone beaten, robbed, and left half-dead on the road.
36
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among
the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto
him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Love your neighbor, first of
all, means love and trust in Christ. John 16:8ff teaches without any doubt –
sin is not believing in Christ.
This is not a Law parable
but a Gospel parable. The Law salesmen never realize that good works come from
a good person. Faith in Christ makes us good, so forgiveness leads to good works
as the fruit of faith.
Thirteenth Sunday after
Trinity
Covenant and Grace
"The Old Testament dealt with the promises of God to the
chosen people. Thereby God placed Himself in 'covenant' relation to Israel
(berith). This relation, like the promises and the gifts of God to Israel, is
always onesided. It is always God's covenant, not Israel's, and not a mutual
agreement, not a suntheke. This promise and covenant indeed obligates Israel,
and Israel assumes these obligations, but the covenant emanates entirely from God."
R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of
the Epistle to the Hebrews, Columbus: Lutheran Book Concern, 1938, p. 235.
Hebrews 7:22;
"To be sure, Baptism is so great that if you turn from sins
and appeal to the covenant of Baptism, your sins are forgiven. Only see to
it--if you sin in this wicked and wanton manner by presuming on God's
grace--that the judgment does not lay hold of you and forestall your turning
back. And even if you then wanted to believe and trust in your Baptism, your
trial might by God's decree, be so great that faith could not stand the strain.
If they scarcely remain in the faith who do no sin or who fall because of sheer
weakness, where will your brazen wickedness remain, which has challenged and
mocked God's grace? Let us, therefore, walk with care and fear that we may hold
fast the riches of God's grace with a firm faith and joyfully give thanks to
His mercy forever and ever. Amen."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An
Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House,
1959, I, p. 57. Treatise on Baptism, 1519
"And, in a word, it remains eternally true what the Son of
God says, John 15:5: Without Me ye can do nothing. And Paul, Philippians 2:13:
It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. To
all godly Christians who feel and experience in their hearts a small spark or
longing for divine grace and eternal salvation this precious passage is very
comforting; for they know that God has kindled in their hearts this beginning
of true godliness, and that He will further strengthen and help them in their
great weakness to persevere in true faith unto the end."
Formula of Concord, Thorough
Declaration, II. 14. Free Will Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia
Publishing House, 1921, p. 885. Philippians 2:13; John
15:5
"These treasures are offered us by the Holy Ghost in the
promise of the holy Gospel; and faith alone is the only means by which we lay
hold upon, accept, and apply, and appropriate them to ourselves. This faith is
a gift of God, by which we truly learn to know Christ, our Redeemer, in the
Word of the Gospel, and trust in Him, that for the sake of His obedience alone
we have the forgiveness of sins by grace, are regarded as godly and righteous
by God the Father, and are eternally saved." Formula of Concord, Thorough
Declaration, III 10 Righteousness Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia
Publishing House, 1921, p. 919.
"Moreover, neither contrition nor love or any other virtue,
but faith alone is the sole means and instrument by which and through which we
can receive and accept the grace of God, the merit of Christ, and the
forgiveness of sins, which are offered to us in the promise of the Gospel."
Formula of Concord, Thorough
Declaration, III 31 Righteousness Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia
Publishing House, 1921, p. 925.
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The Lutheran Hymnal
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