There are various good ways to approach justification by faith. Starting with Synodical Conference navel-gazing is not one.
Biblical
Efficacy of the Word
The efficacy of the Word in the Old and New Testaments is essential for any discussion of the Christian faith. This can be done with word studies and by studying the concept as it is revealed to us in various ways. If someone ventures to discuss Christianity without considering this foundational topic, the result will be fatuous, like Buchholz solemn declaration above.
KJV Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts
than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither,
but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to
the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it
shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
The Means of Grace - Biblical and Book of Concord
UOJ Enthusiasts will still use the words Means of Grace, if it suits them, but they cannot build a case for their precious dogma while discussing this all-inclusive term. How can someone claim that everyone enjoys the grace of God - forgiveness and salvation - without the Means of Grace?
Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
Related to the efficacy of the Word is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, always at work through the Word and never apart from the Word. I have heard a Pentecostal minister and a liberal LCA bishop speak more clearly about this than most of the SynCon pastors put together.
SynCons may talk about Scriptural inerrancy and deride those who oppose the Word of God, but they do that every time they start crowing about UOJ.
The Ministry
John 16:8 - Jesus Himself identified the entire work of the Christian Church through the ministry - "to convict the world of sin, because they do not believe on Me." This has to be grasped as bare, naked, unadorned text, simple in vocabulary, terrifying in the negative. Most clergy conversations revolve around side issues, such styles of worship, brands of incense, the latest fashions in albs and chasubles, and the best woofers for the chancel band. But Jesus identified the work of the Holy Spirit as condemning the world for unbelief - not for hailing unbelievers as forgiven, guilt-free saints, already saved before their birth.
If someone cannot explicate the following passage, he should not be a pastor, a circuit pastor, a district president, or a professor in higher education.
John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Reformation, Book of Concord, and Post-Concord
The worms of Enthusiasm have been at work in turning Luther, the Book of Concord editors, Gerhard and Calov into UOJ dogmaticians. The opposite is true, but the essays and posts continue to pour out of the Grand Cloachae of the SynCon seminaries, all hailing UOJ as the Chief Article of the Christian Faith, the master and prince. And they quote Luther in the process. Luther is their rabbit's food, good for a couple of quotations before heading into the abyss of salvation without faith.
Individual biographies should be developed around the themes of justification by faith and the Means of Grace.
The Non-SynCons of America
Schocking but true - there were many confessional pioneers outside of the Synodical Conference. Walther dismissed them all as false teachers. He might have called them Pietists, too - the pot calling the kettle black. We all come from Pietism. Let us get over that fact.
Some people who deserve biographical treatment and an appreciation for their work:
- Krauth
- Jacobs
- Schmauk
- Lenski
- Reu
- Loy
- Henkel Family
Links to the individual ELDONA Justification by Faith Posts.
