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Polluted WELS Blog
Brett Meyer said...
Anonymous asks, "What does the atonement accomplish in your view, Brett?"
The atonement was Christ's complete and full payment for the world's sins. The sins of the whole world were laid upon Christ as the perfect and sinless sacrifice and He paid the all sufficient price for them. Therefore all righteousness resides in Christ alone.
He alone is the propitiation for sins through the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit's faith in Christ alone. He alone is Mediator between the Father's wrath over sin and sinful man through the gracious gift of faith, Christ's righteousness.
The doctrine of Universal Objective Justification teaches that Christ has propitiated the sins of the whole unbelieving world (been apprehended as their propitiation) such that God has declared the unbelieving world justified, guiltless and forgiven all sin. All without the gracious, Holy Spirit worked gift, of faith in Christ alone worked solely through the Means of Grace by which Scripture teaches man can obtain Christ as Propitiation and Mediator.
Scripture:
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Romans 3:25-26 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
A person cannot, at the same time, be both declared justified by God and declared condemned by God.
Thanks for your question.
In Christ,
Brett Meyer
The atonement was Christ's complete and full payment for the world's sins. The sins of the whole world were laid upon Christ as the perfect and sinless sacrifice and He paid the all sufficient price for them. Therefore all righteousness resides in Christ alone.
He alone is the propitiation for sins through the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit's faith in Christ alone. He alone is Mediator between the Father's wrath over sin and sinful man through the gracious gift of faith, Christ's righteousness.
The doctrine of Universal Objective Justification teaches that Christ has propitiated the sins of the whole unbelieving world (been apprehended as their propitiation) such that God has declared the unbelieving world justified, guiltless and forgiven all sin. All without the gracious, Holy Spirit worked gift, of faith in Christ alone worked solely through the Means of Grace by which Scripture teaches man can obtain Christ as Propitiation and Mediator.
Scripture:
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Romans 3:25-26 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
A person cannot, at the same time, be both declared justified by God and declared condemned by God.
Thanks for your question.
In Christ,
Brett Meyer
Anonymous said...
What now depends upon whether you are a pastor or layman. If you are a layman and your pastor preaches the Word of God faithfully and administers the sacraments rightly, stay. If not, leave. Find a congregation whose pastor does. If one can't be found, seek like minded brethren, form a congregation, and call a faithful pastor.
If you are a pastor, stop the marking and start the avoiding. If part of your congregation follows you out, then remain independent until you and your congregation find a body that is faithful to the Word both in profession and in practice. There's a veritable alphabet soup to explore.
Whatever your situation, it will require a tremendous amount of resolve, perseverance, and legwork on your part. However, you will be amazed at the depth of your spiritual growth when you've emerged at the other end of the process.
The Lord will never leave you nor forsake you.
If you are a pastor, stop the marking and start the avoiding. If part of your congregation follows you out, then remain independent until you and your congregation find a body that is faithful to the Word both in profession and in practice. There's a veritable alphabet soup to explore.
Whatever your situation, it will require a tremendous amount of resolve, perseverance, and legwork on your part. However, you will be amazed at the depth of your spiritual growth when you've emerged at the other end of the process.
The Lord will never leave you nor forsake you.
Robin D Fish Jr said...
Don't write off the Association of Confessional Lutheran Churches (ACLC). A year ago I would have suggested ELDoNA as well. That now depends on whether or not you believe in objective justification.
Anonymous said...
"The atonement was Christ's complete and full payment for the world's sins. The sins of the whole world were laid upon Christ as the perfect and sinless sacrifice and He paid the all sufficient price for them."
Even the sin of unbelief?
Even the sin of unbelief?
Brett Meyer said...
Anonymous asks, "Even the sin of unbelief?"
Yes, Christ died and paid for all sins including the sin of unbelief.
Everyone who was born not believing in Christ alone is or has been guilty of the sin of unbelief. It is not the unforgivable sin. Romans 11:23, "And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again." This verse shows that Christ died and paid for the sin of unbelief.
UOJ contends that Christ was forgiven for every sin that was laid upon Him and His forgiveness is our forgiveness since He died in our place - (some versions of UOJ in the WELS have also taught that since the world's sins were laid on Christ they were taken off of us, thus making the world sinless) therefore the whole unbelieving world has been forgiven all sin.
In reality this forgiveness includes the sin of unbelief which Christ died and paid for - which has lead to the charge that UOJ teaches abject Universalism since the whole unbelieving world has been forgiven their sin of unbelief. Some have confessed a version of UOJ in which unbelief is the only damning sin which caused some to teach that Hell is full of forgiven and righteous unbelievers - or saints.
Scriptural truth is that all sins including the sin of unbelief were paid for by Christ's atoning death on the cross. All those who, by the gracious gift of Godly contrition and faith in Christ alone, look to Him for the forgiveness of sins and salvation, receive it. All those who remain in unbelief remain under God's wrath and condemnation - clearly not in His grace.
I contend that the false gospel of Universal Objective Justification (UOJ)has replaced Christ's Gospel of one Justification Solely by Faith in Christ Alone in the Lutheran Synods. There is not one tenet of UOJ which doesn't contradict Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.
Thank you for your question.
In Christ,
Brett
Yes, Christ died and paid for all sins including the sin of unbelief.
Everyone who was born not believing in Christ alone is or has been guilty of the sin of unbelief. It is not the unforgivable sin. Romans 11:23, "And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again." This verse shows that Christ died and paid for the sin of unbelief.
UOJ contends that Christ was forgiven for every sin that was laid upon Him and His forgiveness is our forgiveness since He died in our place - (some versions of UOJ in the WELS have also taught that since the world's sins were laid on Christ they were taken off of us, thus making the world sinless) therefore the whole unbelieving world has been forgiven all sin.
In reality this forgiveness includes the sin of unbelief which Christ died and paid for - which has lead to the charge that UOJ teaches abject Universalism since the whole unbelieving world has been forgiven their sin of unbelief. Some have confessed a version of UOJ in which unbelief is the only damning sin which caused some to teach that Hell is full of forgiven and righteous unbelievers - or saints.
Scriptural truth is that all sins including the sin of unbelief were paid for by Christ's atoning death on the cross. All those who, by the gracious gift of Godly contrition and faith in Christ alone, look to Him for the forgiveness of sins and salvation, receive it. All those who remain in unbelief remain under God's wrath and condemnation - clearly not in His grace.
I contend that the false gospel of Universal Objective Justification (UOJ)has replaced Christ's Gospel of one Justification Solely by Faith in Christ Alone in the Lutheran Synods. There is not one tenet of UOJ which doesn't contradict Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.
Thank you for your question.
In Christ,
Brett
Scott E. Jungen said...
Speaking with your WELS District President might seem like a good idea....shall we ask Pastor Paul Rydecki how that worked for him?
Matthias Flach said...
Scott, you're right. The DP will always side with the synod against the pastor, and will almost always side with a congregation against the pastor.
Pastors are easily replaced. Congregations (and their CMOs) are not.
Pastors are easily replaced. Congregations (and their CMOs) are not.
Anonymous said...
"It's clear that the WELS is drifting further and further away from true Lutheranism."
In many ways it is lurching toward true Lutheranism, a reaction to American Evangelicalism.
"It's clear that the WELS is drifting closer and closer to generic Protestantism."
Many laypeople are, and not a few teachers and pastors; a better question is when did we not consider ourselves generic Protestants?
"It's clear that WELS leaders are unable or unwilling to exercise discipline against those who introduce and promote false doctrine and practice."
Sometimes the fish rots from the head. Not always, but in too many cases.
"It's clear that the WELS is hostile to those who cling to true Lutheran doctrine and practice."
Not hostile. Unnecessarily wary, yeah. If dudes can wear Hawaiian shirts and blue jeas and sport a cool hand-held microphone, then a neighboring pastor can wear a clergy collar.
"It's clear that the WELS cares more about outward peace than true unity."
This is easily overcome by speaking the truth (in love).
"It's clear that the WELS is decidedly anti-sacramental."
Well, DUH. Welcome to Calvinism and Pietism 101. "That's too Catholic!" Again, simply rebuffed by Catechesis. Not easily, but simply.
"It's clear that I could continue this list ad naseum. "
It's an honest take, but better to offer solutions than a litany of sins; anyone can do that.
In many ways it is lurching toward true Lutheranism, a reaction to American Evangelicalism.
"It's clear that the WELS is drifting closer and closer to generic Protestantism."
Many laypeople are, and not a few teachers and pastors; a better question is when did we not consider ourselves generic Protestants?
"It's clear that WELS leaders are unable or unwilling to exercise discipline against those who introduce and promote false doctrine and practice."
Sometimes the fish rots from the head. Not always, but in too many cases.
"It's clear that the WELS is hostile to those who cling to true Lutheran doctrine and practice."
Not hostile. Unnecessarily wary, yeah. If dudes can wear Hawaiian shirts and blue jeas and sport a cool hand-held microphone, then a neighboring pastor can wear a clergy collar.
"It's clear that the WELS cares more about outward peace than true unity."
This is easily overcome by speaking the truth (in love).
"It's clear that the WELS is decidedly anti-sacramental."
Well, DUH. Welcome to Calvinism and Pietism 101. "That's too Catholic!" Again, simply rebuffed by Catechesis. Not easily, but simply.
"It's clear that I could continue this list ad naseum. "
It's an honest take, but better to offer solutions than a litany of sins; anyone can do that.
Anonymous said...
I see your dilemma, Brett. So if the sins of the world were laid on Christ as you say, where are they in relation to an unbeliever?
Brett Meyer said...
Anonymous, "I see your dilemma, Brett. So if the sins of the world were laid on Christ as you say, where are they in relation to an unbeliever?"
Scripture teaches that the sins of the world were laid on Christ to pay for them. John 8:24 teaches that those who do not have the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit's faith in Christ alone remain in their sins and will die in them - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. and also Mark 11:26, But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. - clearly they were not removed from the unbelieving world, nor were they forgiven by God, as the false gospel of Objective Justification teaches.
The Lutheran Synods continue to teach men, women and children the false gospel of Objective Justification which establishes a false object of faith - a supposed prior justification without faith. Whereas the Holy Spirit's faith worked graciously through the Means of Grace has Christ alone as it's object and in Whom it solely trusts.
In Christ,
Brett Meyer
Scripture teaches that the sins of the world were laid on Christ to pay for them. John 8:24 teaches that those who do not have the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit's faith in Christ alone remain in their sins and will die in them - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. and also Mark 11:26, But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. - clearly they were not removed from the unbelieving world, nor were they forgiven by God, as the false gospel of Objective Justification teaches.
The Lutheran Synods continue to teach men, women and children the false gospel of Objective Justification which establishes a false object of faith - a supposed prior justification without faith. Whereas the Holy Spirit's faith worked graciously through the Means of Grace has Christ alone as it's object and in Whom it solely trusts.
In Christ,
Brett Meyer
Anonymous said...
So I'm confused. So all the sins of the world were laid on Jesus, except those who are unbelievers? Or were they laid on Jesus, only to be given back to the unfaithful?
Brett Meyer said...
Anonymous said...
So I'm confused. So all the sins of the world were laid on Jesus, except those who are unbelievers? Or were they laid on Jesus, only to be given back to the unfaithful?
Both of the propositions you offer are wrong.
The sins of the whole world were laid upon Christ and He paid for them. Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
All those who by the Grace of God are given the gift of faith which trusts in Christ alone are forgiven all sin, are adopted as sons and are saved eternally. Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. And To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
All those who do not have the gracious gift of faith which trusts solely in Christ alone remain (continue) under God's wrath and condemnation. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. neither are they forgiven without faith in Christ. Mark 11:26, But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
The Atonement was Christ's payment for the world's sins. It was not the removal of those sins from anyone who does not have faith in Christ. This is as Scripturally true for all those before the Atonement as it is for everyone after the Atonement. As noted above, Christ is apprehended as Propitiation and Mediator solely through the gracious gift of faith which trusts in Christ alone, worked solely through the Means of Grace.
Unbelievers have not apprehended Christ through faith and therefore He does not mediate their Sin with God the Father and therefore they are not declared justified or righteous as the false gospel of Objective Justification teaches.
I hope this helps remove the confusion.
In Christ,
Brett Meyer
So I'm confused. So all the sins of the world were laid on Jesus, except those who are unbelievers? Or were they laid on Jesus, only to be given back to the unfaithful?
Both of the propositions you offer are wrong.
The sins of the whole world were laid upon Christ and He paid for them. Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
All those who by the Grace of God are given the gift of faith which trusts in Christ alone are forgiven all sin, are adopted as sons and are saved eternally. Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. And To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
All those who do not have the gracious gift of faith which trusts solely in Christ alone remain (continue) under God's wrath and condemnation. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. neither are they forgiven without faith in Christ. Mark 11:26, But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
The Atonement was Christ's payment for the world's sins. It was not the removal of those sins from anyone who does not have faith in Christ. This is as Scripturally true for all those before the Atonement as it is for everyone after the Atonement. As noted above, Christ is apprehended as Propitiation and Mediator solely through the gracious gift of faith which trusts in Christ alone, worked solely through the Means of Grace.
Unbelievers have not apprehended Christ through faith and therefore He does not mediate their Sin with God the Father and therefore they are not declared justified or righteous as the false gospel of Objective Justification teaches.
I hope this helps remove the confusion.
In Christ,
Brett Meyer
Brett Meyer said...
Source of the above Scripture quotation:
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Anonymous said...
They weren't propositions. I was clarifying your position by asking questions.
The sins of all men have been laid on Christ and he paid the debt owed; believers and unbelievers alike.
Good so far, Brett?
The sins of all men have been laid on Christ and he paid the debt owed; believers and unbelievers alike.
Good so far, Brett?
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