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.
I was going to work on separate topics repudiating the Emmaus Conference drivel, but addressing the essay, paragraph by paragraph, is a better approach. I can address the foolishness as it arises in the text.
We will also have additional contributions, such as Brett Meyer's collection of UOJ quotations.
We have a small budget for a big project:
$125 for a used computer for one researcher to use.
$300 for the researcher for expenses and time spent away from his job.
$200 for an editor.
$625 total.
If you wish to contribute a part of this cost, a free printed book or books will be sent to you when completed.
Send checks to:
Bethany Lutheran Church
1104 Letha Drive
Springdale, AR 72762
PayPal - if you wish to use it -
The mailing address for Bethany Lutheran Church is -
Bethany Lutheran Church 1104 Letha Drive Springdale AR 72762 email - bethanylutheranworship@gmail.com
Everyone will have access to a free PDF and research materials.
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I am trying to complete my part in June, with teaching much slower. One part may come along later, but that will be added.
I have to fight the what's-the-use feeling from dealing with nominal Lutherans constantly at war against the Reformation. And yet, they are gear up to celebrate the 500th anniversary of an era they have abandoned for Roman Enthusiasm or Evangelical Enthusiasm, depending on which flavor of apostasy suits them.
I appreciate the encouragement from so many readers.
Coreopsis is always mentioned with beneficial insects.
Called tickseed for their buggy-looking seeds, these North American natives may already have a home in your garden. Several dozen species of coreopsis exist, and quite a few of them are common garden perennials. They have become so popular because of their ease of growth, long flowering period, drought tolerance, deer resistance, and all-around good looks. Nearly all coreopsis are attractive to good bugs of all sorts, including minute pirate bugs, parasitic wasps, soldier beetles, syrphid flies, lacewings, and spiders. Walliser, Jessica (2014-02-26). Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden: A Natural Approach to Pest Control (Kindle Locations 2075-2079). Timber Press. Kindle Edition.
Something began to change last year at our "park" at the end of the cul-de-sac where we live. Large loads of soil were dumped at the edge and some commercial style tables were set up for a nursery. There had always been a little more gardening equipment there before, but this was a definite surge. We walked over together once and met the owner, Derrick. His friends called it Almost Eden, because the property is shaping up so well.
Pause. Sassy insisted on her second walk for the day. I tried to wait until it was cooler, but she pulled on my arm and kissed my ear until I gave in. Back to the main topic.
Facebook let me know that Almost Eden was having a sale, so Sassy took me over to check that out. The property, which includes the large grassy park, is a former dairy farm which once delivered milk to the entire neighborhood. The farmer's son and daughter-in-law now live there and use their extra time in creating a nursery.
Sassy and I came upon the couple, who were resting in the shade, and Sassy got a warm greeting. "What a sweetheart. Lock at that beautiful dog." Sassy loves to adopt new fans into her flock, so she wiggled with delight.
They have many of the plants I thought about buying, but I resist most online pleas to buy. One reason is delivery of fragile plants in a beat-up and dried-up state, which only works for plants that respond quickly to soil and water. The other reason is cost. I know how easily some plants reproduce, and the retail charges make me gasp.
I told Derrick I wanted more birds-bees-butterfly plants. He had some that I wanted and others new to me.
Chaste Tree is bumble bee friendly. They even sleep overnight in the blossoms.
Another new one for me was - Beautyberry -
Beautyberry is colorful and creature-friendly, and it is an insect repellent.
This nectar was first thought to just be a way for a plant to excrete metabolic wastes, but we now know that plants use EFN [extra floral nectar] to attract predators and parasitoids by offering them a reward for helping to control herbivorous pests.
In my garden I can readily spot EFN production sites on my elderberries, fruit trees, beautyberries, peonies, sunflowers, morning glories, impatiens, and hibiscus. EFN is, in fact, a very important extra nutrient source for natural enemies, especially when prey are scarce. Being on the lookout for EFN production sites on your own plants can lead to some interesting interactions with insects.
Walliser, Jessica (2014-02-26). Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden: A Natural Approach to Pest Control (Kindle Locations, 1462-1464 1489-1492). Timber Press. Kindle Edition.
I also got lavender and gooseberry. I bought all these plants to foster and feed the creatures in the yard, which is exactly what they are doing at Almost Eden. Derrick explained that by putting down a covercrop of buckwheat, he squeezed a lot of annoying weeds out of production.
Goosebrries are thorny plants, loved by birds for food and shelter.
Slug News
The slugs got one can of beer in the straw bale garden. About 25 slugs entered their doom the first night, and with beer left, more the second night. This morning almost all the beer was gone, and so were most of the dead slugs. Did a raccoon have a meal of slugs with beer?
Additional Pests - Rose Pests
My first night inspection found some beetles chewing on rose petals. I am fairly sure I know which kind, but I left the two insects alone that I spotted having their night-time spot.
Last year insect pests hit the white roses (KnockOut) hard and left the rest alone. That may be from white flowers showing up so well in the dark, when night insects work their weal or woe. Once again the white roses are hit hard (John Paul II) while the rest are largely spared. I saw Double Delight get chewed on this morning.
I am watching and learning to use natural methods instead of insecticides.
Designing an insectary border that is appealing to both beneficial insects and humans isn’t as difficult as it might seem. The challenge is to include a diversity of flower shapes, plan for continuous in-season bloom, create year-round habitat, and blend plants together in an appealing manner, as this garden has done. The design of the border greatly influences the types of predators and parasitoids lured to it, as well as the length of their stay and even their health and well-being. Several factors are involved in such consequences, including the diversity of flower shapes and bloom times, the complexity of plant architectures, and the creation of winter habitat. Blending all these factors together with some sense of aesthetic appeal can prove challenging. Walliser, Jessica (2014-02-26). Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden: A Natural Approach to Pest Control (Kindle Locations 2867-2873). Timber Press. Kindle Edition.
I have starlings splashing around together in the Community Pool, a ridig kiddy pool with short sides and just enough depth and room for a number of birds at once. They are hilarious when bathing as a group. $10 cost. They are ferocious insect and grub predators.
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
Gospel
Glory be to
Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
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 #347 Jesus Priceless Treasure
KJV 1 John 4:16 And we have
known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that
dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made
perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so
are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out
fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and
hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he
hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment
have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
KJV Luke 16:19 There was a
certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared
sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which
was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs
which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his
sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the
angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in
hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and
Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on
me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool
my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember
that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil
things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all
this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would
pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from
thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send
him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto
them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto
him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay,
father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will
they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
First Sunday After Trinity
Lord God, heavenly Father, we beseech Thee so to rule and
govern our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may not, like the rich man, hear
Thy word in vain, and become so devoted to things temporal as to forget things
eternal; but that we readily and according to our ability minister to such as
are in need, and not defile ourselves with surfeiting and pride; in trial and
misfortune keep us from despair, and grant us to put our trust wholly in Thy
fatherly help and grace, so that in faith and Christian patience we may
overcome all things, through Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth
with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.
KJV Luke 16:19 There was
a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared
sumptuously every day: This is a parable about the effectiveness (efficacy) of the Word of God. Various wise men and literary scholars have scoffed at the simplicity of the Gospels. In fact, that served as an excuse for Augustine to look down on the Christian Faith, which had such simple documents in ordinary - not classical - Greek. I once opened a conservative book, more or less, that offered similar comments about passages she did not think measured up to her standards. But who can match the packed details of this little story? The first few words tell us this is a Parable, a fictional story - a certain rich man. How do we know he is rich? There are several details added in this theme sentence. He was clothed in purple - reserved for the rich and powerful. He wore linen - not that old flour sack stuff. And he dined in great luxury every single day. Look at how many unforgettable details start this memorable story. If anyone wants to write fiction, this is a model that no one can match, because the plot is compelling and it is told in a few words. Many professional writers (or their writing factories) create novels longer than the New Testament with far less to teach us. So if we only know and repeat this one parable, we have a great treasure in our hearts. 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. For a description of the opposite, Lazarus, we have even more details in all of two verses. I like the painting that shows Lazarus stretched on the stairs leading up to a fine mansion, his poverty contrasting with the indifferent servant walking past him. If the rich man had ordered the servant, food, bandages, and water would have been brought to him. Lazarus was a beggar. He had no income. He was placed in a high traffic area where he might get some water and food from time to time. He was sick and full of sores. If anyone has had blisters, open wounds, bedsores, or other skin ailments, the pain is great and constant. Often small remedies help a little, to calm the burning, to ease the pain, to heal the broken skin. For instance, now skin rashes come from antibiotics killing all the beneficial bacteria, letting the itching burning ones take over. All Lazarus wanted was a little food from the rich man's table - dog food. But the irony is, the dogs who probably scooped up extras from the rich man came to help Lazarus by licking his wounds. Grandson Alex had to eat his meat yesterday to qualify for dessert - ice cream. He was manfully chewing, and chewing, and chewing, but the meat he had in his mouth would not give way. I said, "Probably gristle." I had him give it to Sassy, who promptly and gratefully ate it. I added, "That's what dogs are for." Everyone laughed. Dogs know about infections and sore places. They instinctively try to nurse those wounds and make them better. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; Given the climate, the man's poverty, and the illness, Lazarus was bound to die. But when he did pass away, the angels carried him to Abraham's bosom, to heaven. As someone explained, the angels know the way to heaven and come to bring believers home. This is even part of the old Latin worship service - May the angels guide you to Paradise. We know Lazarus believed in Christ, because he went to heaven. He had no good works to boast about, as mortal men do, as the rich man doubtless did. The modern Rest in Peace implies what the Christian Faith teaches - those who die believers have peace from justification by faith, salvation in Christ. The rich dies and is buried. He has very little plot here, but his story takes over. The rich man and Lazarus are alike in one respect - both are mortal. Both men die. We were talking about how the rich powerful get away with so many crimes, but I added, "They are often tormented by their crime, even in getting away with it, and if not - they pay for it at the end. No one escapes that." The worst criminals are those teaching against faith in Christ, because the cure for sin is not legislation and preaching against sin, but the cure is the Gospel and faith in Christ. Where faith prevails, sin diminishes, though we are still sinners. Nevertheless, the Gospel is a constant barrier against sin, a strengthening against temptation, and the energy behind good works based on love. The unbeliever sins and tries to make up for it in some way, or he justifies it as necessary and good. As one pastor said to me, "Use others before they use you." The believer sins and repents, trusts in Christ, and he is forgiven. The Gospel leaven grows in him to make him more patient, more loving, more generous.
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Now the situation is reversed. Lazarus' torment seemed long for him, but it was brief. The rich man had luxury forever, but that was brief. When I remarked that a famous philosopher was living "forever," a librarian said, "Betrand Russel? He has nowhere to go." But Russell died, too, and he is largely forgotten. This dialogue is part of the imaginary tale, and helps us see the contrast between the foolishness of the rich man and the peace of Lazarus. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Now the rich man wants to least little comfort, which he never gave to Lazarus. Who is wealthy now? This shows us that true wealth is faith in Christ, because believing in Him gives us heaven and earth - something no mortal power can take away from us. The least little comfort in pain is wonderful. There is no better way to be grateful than to have a surgery that takes away a serious problem, like cancer, or to recover from a painful condition. God gave us many natural medicines (often abused) that take away pain for the moment. They take away the pain and the fear. When we offer those little things denied to Lazarus, they give comfort in ways beyond knowing. Sometimes we find out - sometimes now. I have a constant surplus of roses now, so I share them with neighbors. One neighbor takes them when she serves as a nurse with dying patients. The roses first delight the neighbor, then then family of those she comforts in their last moments. We received a thankyou note from one family who loved the uplifting effect of the flowers. So one little gesture made three families happy, because it was such a marvel that extra flowers from us meant so much to strangers. The rich man doubtless gave his gifts with great pomp and had his name on various monuments. Tis funny how that gets recognized, honored, even worshiped. But the everyday gestures of life that flow from faith seldom if ever get that recognition. Who is richer? God sees in secret and rewards accordingly. Those who have the praise of men already have their reward. Abraham tells the rich man, "You had a lifetime of good things and Lazarus bad things. Now he has eternal comfort and you have eternal torment. He cannot help you at all." We see in this little parable how much is meant in this one verse. Pastors tell me they cannot do or that because it would cost them something. And it will, but do they want to good things of God, which cannot be taken away, or the good things from man, which are here today and stripped away tomorrow. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. This parable builds up to the efficacy of God's Word. The rich man wants his brothers to learn the truth and be spared the torment - so we know they are also unbelievers. "They have Moses and the Prophets." The brothers can learn the Gospel from Moses and Prophets. Isaiah 53 has the entire Gospel in it, and the great and small prophets have hundreds of details about salvation in the Messiah. The Word alone creates faith in Christ, forgiveness of sin, salvation, eternal peace. The rich man, showing his warped understanding, says someone coming from the dead would definitely have an impact. Here Purgatory is laid to rest before it was invented within the Christian Church. But if the Word alone is not enough, nothing else will help.
1 Corinthians 16:9 (KJV) For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and many adversaries.
Philemon 1:6 (KJV) That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the word of God quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Operations, working: energema
1 Corinthians 12:6 (KJV) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
To show forth, work: energew
Matthew 14:2 (KJV) And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.
Mark 6:14 (KJV) And king Herod heard ; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.
Romans 7:5 (KJV) For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
1 Corinthians 12:6 (KJV) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
2 Corinthians 1:6 (KJV) And whether we be afflicted, for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, for your consolation and salvation.
2 Corinthians 4:12 (KJV) So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
Galatians 2:8 (KJV) (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
Galatians 3:5 (KJV) He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 5:6 (KJV) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ephesians 1:11 (KJV) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Ephesians 1:20 (KJV) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set at his own right hand in the heavenly ,
Ephesians 2:2 (KJV) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Ephesians 3:20‑21 (KJV) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, {21} Unto him glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Philippians 2:13 (KJV) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of good pleasure.
Colossians 1:29 (KJV) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received not the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth , until he be taken out of the way.
James 5:16 (KJV) Confess faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Effectual, working: energeia
Ephesians 1:19 (KJV) And what the exceeding greatness of his power to us‑ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Ephesians 3:7 (KJV) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Ephesians 4:16 (KJV) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Philippians 3:21 (KJV) Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Colossians 1:29 (KJV) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Colossians 2:12 (KJV) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
2 Thessalonians 2:9‑12 (KJV) , whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, {10} And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. {11} And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: {12} That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. [Note 2 Thessalonians 2:7, the mystery of iniquity already at work.]
Anglican Denial of the Means of Grace
"First, our Lord does encourage us or even command us to believe that wherever there is the good character, the Christ‑like character, there the Holy Spirit is at work. God works far beyond How own appointed channels. The principle of loyalty and obedience binds us who know His will to use His sacraments, His instituted ordinances; but God is not tied to His own ordinances. He can work wherever He sees the good disposition; and it is blasphemy against His Spirit to deny that He is at work anywhere where we we witness the forming of the Christian character. The good fruit cannot come from anything else than the good tree." Bishop Charles Gore, The Sermon on the Mount, A Practical Exposition, London: John Murray 1906, p. 179f.
Luther
"The world is now full of sects which exclaim that Baptism is merely an external matter and that external matters are of no use. However, let it be ever so much an external matter; here stand God's Word and command which institute, establish, and confirm Baptism. However, whatever God institutes and commands cannot be useless but must be an altogether precious matter, even if it were worth less than a straw." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 43. Large Catechism, Matthew 28:19.
"We should be on our guard against the Anabaptists and sectarian spirits, who speak contemptuously of Baptism and say that it is nothing but ordinary water, which helps no one. They look at the sacred act as a cow looks at a new door; for they see a poor preacher standing there or some woman who baptizes in an emergency, are offended at the sight, and say: Indeed! What might Baptism be? Moreover, they state: Whoever does not believe is really not baptized. In this way they dishonor and blaspheme the most worthy Sacrament, not seeing any farther than a horse or a cow sees...." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 45. John 1:30‑32.
"But here it is written that when Christ was baptized, all three Persons of the Trinity were present‑‑God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit...and that the heavens stood open, too. In fact, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit daily stand about and at the side of our own Baptism....For this reason we should highly esteem and honor Baptism and say: Baptism was not devised by any human being, but God instituted it; and it is not simple water, but God's Word is in it and with it, which makes of its water a washing of the soul and a washing of regeneration." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 45. John 1:30‑32.
"One must not make the sweeping assertion: God is not worshiped by anything external. Therefore we should not ridicule all things that are external in the worship of God. For when God speaks about a splinter, His Word makes the splinter as important as the sun. It is, therefore, profane language to say that the water of Baptism is only water; for the water of Baptism has the Word added to it. Therefore it is like a glowing or fiery iron, which is as truly fire as it is iron and does all that fire usually does. But only the pious see and appreciate the Word in the water; a cow or a dog sees only water." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 45. Psalm 122:3.
"Whoever is baptized in Christ is baptized through His suffering and blood or, to state it more clearly, through Baptism he is bathed in the blood of Christ and is cleansed from sins. For this reason St. Paul calls Baptism a "washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5); and according to what Christians say and picture, the Sacraments flow from the wounds of Christ. And what they say and picture is right." [Plass footnote: "Thus Jerome (d. 420) sees the Sacrament symbolized by the blood and water that flowed from the side of the dead Christ (John 19:34). Similarly St. Augustine (d. 430). In Luther's days pictures and woodcuts presented the same view. See W 30, II, 527, note; SL 13a, 491f.] What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 46. to Duke George, 1533 John 19:34; Titus 3:5.
[endangered infant not baptized in womb] "But the women who are present at the birth should kneel down and with a prayer of faith commit the endangered infant to God who is mighty and able to do more than we ask. Without a doubt He will accept the infant for the sake of the prayer of the believers." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 49. J. Aurifaber, undated
"I still maintain, as I have maintained in the Postil (SL 11, 496f.) that the surest Baptism is infant Baptism. For an old person may deceive, may come to Christ as a Judas and permit himself to be baptized. But a child cannot deceive. It comes to Christ in Baptism as John came to Him and as the little children were brought to Him, that His Word and work may come over them, touch them, and thus make them holy. For His Word and work cannot pass by without effect; and in Baptism they are directed at the child alone. If they were to fail of success here, they would have to be entire failures and useless means, which is impossible." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 50. Letter to two ministers, 1528
"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." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 57. Treatise on Baptism, 1519 [advocates infant immersion or something similar] Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 58.
"Thus we see what a very splendid thing Baptism is. It snatches us from the jaws of the devil, makes us God's own, restrains and removes sin, and then daily strengthens the new man within us. It is and remains ever efficacious until we pass from this state of misery to eternal glory. For this reason everyone should consider his Baptism as his daily dress, to be worn constantly. Every day he should be found in the faith and its fruits, suppressing the old man, and growing up in the new; for if we want to be Christians, we must practice the work whereby we are Christians. But if anyone falls from baptismal grace, let him return to it. For as Christ, the Mercy Seat, does not withdraw from us or forbid us to come to Him again even though we sin, so all His treasures and gifts also remain with us." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 61. Article on baptism, 1529
"There is on earth no greater comfort than Baptism." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 61.
The Effectiveness of the Word
1 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV) I have planted, [Apollos] watered; but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6.
Revelation 19:13 (KJV) And he clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The [Word] of God. Revelation 19:13.
Revelation 12:10 (KJV) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:11 (KJV) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the [word] of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:10‑11.
Revelation 1:9 (KJV) I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the [word] of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9.
1 John 5:7 (KJV) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the [Word], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 1 John 5:7.
1 John 2:14 (KJV) I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the [word] of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:14.
1 John 1:10 (KJV) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his [word] is not in us. 1 John 1:10.
1 John 1:1 (KJV) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the [Word] of life; 1 John 1:1.
1 Peter 2:7 (KJV) Unto you therefore which believe precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 1 Peter 2:8 (KJV) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, which stumble at the [word], being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 1 Peter 2:7‑8.
1 Peter 1:23 (KJV) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the [word] of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the [word] of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the [word] which by the gospel is preached unto you.
1 Peter 2:1 (KJV) Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the [word], that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord gracious. 1 Pt. 1:23‑25; 2:1f.
James 1:21 (KJV) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted [word], which is able to save your souls. James 1:21.
James 1:18 (KJV) Of his own will begat he us with the [word] of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:18.
Hebrews 13:7 (KJV) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the [word] of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of conversation. Hebrews 13:7.
Hebrews 11:3 (KJV) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the [word] of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the [word] of God quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebews 4:12.
Hebrews 1:3 (KJV) Who being the brightness of glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the [word] of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3
Titus 2:5 (KJV) discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the [word] of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:5.
Titus 1:9 (KJV) Holding fast the faithful [word] as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:9.
2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) Preach the [word]; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn awayears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2‑5.
2 Timothy 2:9 (KJV) Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, unto bonds; but the [word] of God is not bound. 2 Timothy 2:9.
1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the [word] and doctrine. 1 Timothy 5:17.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the [word] of God which ye heard of us, ye received not the [word] of men, but as it is in truth, the [word] of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 (KJV) And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the [word] in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1 Thessalonians 1:6.
Colossians 3:16 (KJV) Let the [word] of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16.
Philippians 2:16 (KJV) Holding forth the [word] of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:16.
Ephesians 5:26 (KJV) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the [word], Ephesians 5:27 (KJV) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:26.
Ephesians 6:17 (KJV) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the [word] of God: Ephesians 6:17.
Ephesians 1:13 (KJV) In whom ye also , after that ye heard the [word] of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13.
2 Corinthians 5:19 (KJV) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the [word] of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19.
2 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the [word] of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:2.
2 Corinthians 2:17 (KJV) For we are not as many, which corrupt the [word] of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:17.
Romans 10:8 (KJV) But what saith it? The [word] is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the [word] of faith, which we preach; Romans 10:8.
Acts 20:32 (KJV) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the [word] of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:32.
Acts 19:20 (KJV) So mightily grew the [word] of God and prevailed. Acts 19:20
Acts 17:10 (KJV) And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming went into the synagogue of the Jews. Acts 17:11 (KJV) These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the [word] with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:10‑11.
Acts 13:48 (KJV) And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the [word] of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:49 (KJV) And the [word] of the Lord was published throughout all the region. Acts 13:48‑49.
Acts 13:26 (KJV) Men brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the [word] of this salvation sent. Acts 13:26.
Acts 12:24 (KJV) But the [word] of God grew and multiplied. Acts 12:24
Acts 11:1 (KJV) And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the [word] of God. Acts 11:1.
Acts 10:36 (KJV) The [word] which sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Acts 10:37 (KJV) That [word], (I say), ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; Acts 10:36‑37.
Acts 8:25 (KJV) And they, when they had testified and preached the [word] of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. Acts 8:25.
Acts 8:4 (KJV) Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the [word]. Acts 8:4.
Acts 6:7 (KJV) And the [word] of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7.
Acts 4:29 (KJV) And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy [word], Acts 4:30 (KJV) By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Acts 4:31 (KJV) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the [word] of God with boldness. Acts 4:29‑31.
Acts 2:41 (KJV) Then they that gladly received his [word] were baptized: and the same day there were added about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41.
John 17:20 (KJV) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their [word]; John 17:21 (KJV) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17:20‑21.
John 17:17 (KJV) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy [word] is truth. John 17:17. John 17:14 (KJV) I have given them thy [word]; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. John 17:14. John 17:6 (KJV) I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy [word]. John 17:6.
John 15:25 (KJV) But , that the [word] might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. John 15:25.
John 15:3 (KJV) Now ye are clean through the [word] which I have spoken unto you. John 15:3.
John 14:24 (KJV) He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the [word] which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. John 14:24.
John 12:47 (KJV) And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. John 12:48 (KJV) He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the [word] that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:47‑48.
John 10:35 (KJV) If he called them gods, unto whom the [word] of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; John 10:35.
John 8:37 (KJV) I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my [word] hath no place in you. John 8:37.
John 8:31 (KJV) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my [word], are ye my disciples indeed; John 8:31.
John 5:38 (KJV) And ye have not his [word] abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. John 5:38.
John 5:24 (KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my [word], and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24.
John 4:41 (KJV) And many more believed because of his own [word]; John 4:41.
John 2:22 (KJV) When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the [word] which Jesus had said. John 2:22.
John 1:14 (KJV) And the [Word] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14.
John 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning was the [Word], and the [Word] was with God, and the [Word] was God. John 1:1.
Luke 24:19 (KJV) And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and [word] before God and all the people: Luke 24:19.
Luke 12:10 (KJV) And whosoever shall speak a [word] against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. Luke 12:10.
Luke 11:27 (KJV) And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. Luke 11:28 (KJV) But he said, Yea rather, blessed they that hear the [word] of God, and keep it. Luke 11:27‑28. Luke 10:39 (KJV) And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his [word]. Luke 10:39.
Luke 8:21 (KJV) And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the [word] of God, and do it. Luke 8:21.
Luke 7:7 (KJV) Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a [word], and my servant shall be healed. Luke 7:7.
Luke 5:5 (KJV) And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy [word] I will let down the net. Luke 5:5.
Luke 5:1 (KJV) And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the [word] of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, Luke 5:1.
Luke 4:32 (KJV) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his [word] was with power. Luke 4:32.
Luke 1:37 (KJV) For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:38 (KJV) And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy [word]. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:37.
Luke 1:2 (KJV) Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the [word]; Luke 1:2.
Mark 7:13 (KJV) Making the [word] of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. Mark 7:13.
Matthew 8:26 (KJV) And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and [rebuked] the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26.
Matthew 8:16 (KJV) When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with [word], and healed all that were sick: Matthew 8:16.
Matthew 8:8 (KJV) The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the [word] only, and my servant shall be healed. Matthew 8:8.
Matthew 4:4 (KJV) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4
Zechariah 12:1 (KJV) The burden of the [word] of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
Ezekiel 34:7 (KJV) Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the [word] of the LORD; Ezekiel 34:8 (KJV) I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Ezekiel 34:9 (KJV) Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the [word] of the LORD; Ezekiel 34:10 (KJV) Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. Ezekiel 34:11 (KJV) For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
Ezekiel 3:16 (KJV) And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the [word] of the LORD came unto me, saying, Ezekiel 3:17 (KJV) Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the [word] at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Jeremiah 31:10 (KJV) Hear the [word] of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd his flock. Jeremiah 31:11 (KJV) For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of stronger than he. Jeremiah 31:12 (KJV) Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
Jeremiah 23:28 (KJV) The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my [word], let him speak my [word] faithfully. What the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Jeremiah 23:29 (KJV) not my [word] like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer breaketh the rock in pieces?
Jeremiah 23:18 (KJV) For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his [word]? who hath marked his [word], and heard ? Jeremiah 23:19 (KJV) Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
Jeremiah 8:9 (KJV) The wise are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the [word] of the LORD; and what wisdom in them?
Jeremiah 6:10 (KJV) To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their earuncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the [word] of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Jeremiah 6:11 (KJV) Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with full of days.
Jeremiah 5:13 (KJV) And the prophets shall become wind, and the [word] not in them: thus shall it be done unto them. Jeremiah 5:14 (KJV) Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this [word], behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.
Isaiah 66:2 (KJV) For all those hath mine hand made, and all those have been, saith the LORD: but to this will I look, to poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my [word].
Isaiah 40:8 (KJV) The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the [word] of our God shall stand for ever.
Isaiah 28:13 (KJV) But the [word] of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Isaiah 5:24 (KJV) Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the [word] of the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 2:3 (KJV) And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the [word] of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Proverbs 30:5 (KJV) Every [word] of God pure: he a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Proverbs 13:13 (KJV) Whoso despiseth the [word] shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
Psalms 148:4‑6 (KJV) Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that above the heavens. {5} Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. {6} He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Psalms 147:15‑18 (KJV) He sendeth forth his commandment earth: his word runneth very swiftly. {16} He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. {17} He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold? {18} He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, the waters flow.
Psalms 119:160‑163 (KJV) Thy word true the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments for ever. {161} SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. {162} I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. {163} I hate and abhor lying: thy law do I love.
Psalms 119:140 (KJV) Thy [word] very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Psalms 119:114 (KJV) Thou my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy [word].
Psalms 119:105 (KJV) NUN. Thy [word] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalms 119:89 (KJV) LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy [word] is settled in heaven.
Psalms 119:49‑51 (KJV) ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. {50} This my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. {51} The proud have had me greatly in derision: have I not declined from thy law.
Psalms 119:41‑43 (KJV) VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, thy salvation, according to thy word. {42} So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. {43} And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
Psalms 119:28 (KJV) My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy [word].
Psalms 119:16 (KJV) I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy [word].
Psalms 119:11 (KJV) Thy [word] have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalms 105:8 (KJV) He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the [word] he commanded to a thousand generations.
Psalms 33:6‑7 (KJV) By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. {7} He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
2 Chronicles 36:22 (KJV) Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the [word] of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also in writing, saying,
2 Chronicles 34:21 (KJV) Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the [word] of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.
1 Chronicles 10:13 (KJV) So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD,against the [word] of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking of a familiar spirit, to inquire ;
1 Kings 22:19 (KJV) And he said, Hear thou therefore the [word] of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
1 Kings 17:24 (KJV) And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou a man of God, that the [word] of the LORD in thy mouth truth.
Deuteronomy 18:20 (KJV) But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a [word] in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Deuteronomy 8:3 (KJV) And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Deuteronomy 4:1‑2(KJV) Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do , that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the [word] which I command you, neither shall ye diminishfrom it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Numbers 22:35 (KJV) And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the [word] that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
Numbers 15:31 (KJV) Because he hath despised the [word] of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity upon him.
Romans 10:13‑17 (KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. {14} How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? {15} And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! {16} But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? {17} So then faith by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:13‑17 Romans 10:13‑17.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received not the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which [effectually] worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
Isaiah 55:8‑13 (KJV) For my thoughts not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways, saith the LORD. {9} For 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 whereto I sent it. {12} For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap hands. Isaiah 55:8‑12 Isaiah 55:8‑12.
Luther's comment is so appropriate for people today. The growth of unbelief, especially among the clergy, explains the corruption, lawsuits, prison sentences, and deceit. Fruit is not going to grow on a dead tree, and nothing will be fruitful when separated from the True Vine (John 15:1-10).
Lutheran clergy conferences are full of talk about outreach, but they do not visit their own members with the Gospel, do not return emails asking about doctrine, and show no trust in the Means of Grace. For them, evangelism is talking about outreach, going home and watching reruns of the Packers games. They fear discussing doctrine because they know little more than their talking points.
How odd it is, to find clergy posturing about what is wrong with their sister synod, or their sister seminary (Missouri), or those Evangelicals and Pentecostals. The first question should be - are these posturing pastors teaching justification by faith - the chief article of the Christian Church? If not, they are no better than hired hands, thieves, and wolves. If they teach against justification by faith, they are wolves bent on scattering and devouring the flocks, no matter what their resume says on LinkedIn.
The hardened hearts are on display for everyone to see.
Look at the pretty shiny buildings at Concordia, Ft. Wayne. Avert your eyes from the felonious tuition charges there.
Admire the Marvin Schwan Cathedrals at Concordia, St. Louis and Martin Luther College and Bethany Lutheran College. Do not ask about poor Lazarus at the gate, his first wife and the mother of his children, dying in despair and depression, leaving a note about his cruelty and infidelity. Money buys absolution.
Gush at the Church Shrinkers promoted by the various synods (WELS, ELCA, LCMS, ELS, CLC - sic). Do not question their doctrine.
Rebuke everyone and shun them, except those who can benefit your career. They deserve and welcome the most abject admiration and hypocritical praise. A kiss on the bishop's ring, or anything else, is money in the bank.
Jesus did not warn the clergy against false teachers in Mathew 7:15ff. He warned everyone.
Even though the great Wayne Mueller thought it wise to invent new doctrine, or copy it from the Pietists, the great warrior against the Pietists had something else to say.
Loescher called justification by faith "the article on which the Church stands or falls." That is almost always quoted by the UOJ Hive in the context of their justification, which is world absolution without faith.
Every UOJ Enthusiast is a liar, because each one quotes Loescher while teaching the opposite of Loescher. They usually quote the Book of Concord on justification being the "chief article, the prince..." Blah, blah. They do that to switch over to their hideous dogma, because their favorite dogma is missing from the Bible and the Confessions, so they must start off everyone on one topic before reversing direction. They use the truth to introduce and support the worst kind of error.
We are not talking about whether Holy Communion and Holy Baptism are sacraments, but whether all the atheists, polytheists, and cannibals are born forgiven - from the beginning of time. If you deny the absolution of the atheists, you are a false teacher and ready to be given the Left Foot of Fellowship by your synod, whether it is ELCA or Missouri or WELS or the Little Sect on the Prairie.
In other words, the ordinary Babtists or Methodists or Presbyterians have a better chance of hearing the basic Gospel than those Lutherans who are under the Satanic teaching of UOJ.
I doubt whether the sloppiest of the Evangelicals and Pentecostals would try to bray, "You are forgiven, whether you believe it or not." But the SynConference leaders have become bolder by the minute (or more scared) as they expand upon their hellish dogma.
Below are the Wayne Muller graphics, followed by the Sodomites absolved graphic. One leads to the other. The mainlines simply dropped "but you gotta believe it" from their arsenal. Teetering on the edge of pure Universalism does not make a UOJ Stormtrooper into a Christian. It simply makes him more dangerous.
To save time, here it is, with my comments. Mine are marked with GJ, in brackets, and in blue.
Bartholomeus van Bassen, The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, circa 1620
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.
EIGHT PAMPHLET EDITIONS OF THIS SERMON APPEARED IN 1523-24.
Text. Luke 16:19-31. Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they who would pass front hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us. And he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldst send him to my father’s house; for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent.
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.
[GJ - If you are too slow-witted to read the gold standard of English, the KJV, find a copy of the NNIV online.]
CONTENTS:
EXAMPLES OF UNBELIEF AND OF FAITH.
I. THE EXAMPLE OF UNBELIEF IN THE RICH MAN.
Contents of this Gospel.
1. How and why we are not to look here at the external. 2-3.
The Gospel has sharp eyes.
2. How we are to look at the internal; and there we find: a. Unbelief. 4-6. Of the fruits of true faith. 5-6. b. The lack of love. 7f. Ways of faith and unbelief. 8-9.
3. How this example teaches that where there Is no faith there is no love; and the reverse.
4. Many follow this example. 11.
II. THE EXAMPLE OF FAITH IN LAZARUS.
1. How and why we are not here to look at the external.
2. How and why we are in this example to look at the internal; and there we find: a. Faith. b. Love. 14f.
3. How this example still serves the whole world. 15-16.
4. How reason and human wisdom are put to shame here. 16-17.
5. How God still gives daily such examples; but the world does not esteem them.
6. All believers are like this example. 19-20.
III. SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
1. First question: What is meant by Abraham’s bosom. 21-22. Of the hell where the rich man Isaiah 23.
2. Second question: The nature of the conversation between Abraham and the rich man. 24-26.
3. Third question: When did the rich man experience the torments of hell and whether they continue to the present 27.
4. Fourth question: Whether we should pray for the dead. 28-29f.
Opinion on the mass for the souls of the dead and on vigils. 30.
Concerning rapping spirits and the appearance of departed souls.
1. An opinion on them. 31-33.
2. Two examples of rapping spirits being expelled. 34-35.
SUMMARY OF THIS GOSPEL:
1. Here we have a parable and the connected parts of hypocritical righteousness which nowadays thoroughly knows and possesses almost everything, besides it is also highly esteemed by the world, as if it were the nearest heaven; and the Christian Cross or persecution is despised by every one.
2. The hypocritical righteousness seeks its own, rejoices in its own affairs and helps no one; but the Christian Cross must suffer everything, it lies at our door, no one shows it any mercy, has no consolation except that all who suffer oppression, anxiety and persecution have peace in God. A hypocrite is considered pious; while a Christian must be considered a heretic and a blasphemer of God.
[GJ - Notice how nothing is being done to help seminary students. They are expected to spend $100,000 to support the lazy, luxurious lifestyles of LCMS seminary professors, load themselves with debt, and get kicked out of the ministry if they frown at the District Pope.]
3. Aside from this parable in this Gospel, we have nothing in the whole Scriptures as to how the dead sleep after this life, until the day of Judgment. And since we must not and should not prefer a parable to the revealed, plain and clear written Word; although I do not esteem all as a pure parable, which resembles a history; so I agree here with the explanation of Dr. Martin Luther, as will follow, namely, that we will feel and experience all that is set forth in this parable when we die; especially when the foolish virgins see that the wise virgins have oil in their lamps, and they have none, Matthew 25:7.
1. We have hitherto heard in our Gospel lessons of various examples of faith and of love; for as they all teach faith and love, I hope you are abundantly and sufficiently informed that no human being can be pleasing to God unless he believes and loves. Now in this Gospel text the Lord presents to us at the same time an example of faith and of unbelief or of the state of the godless, in order that we also may abhor the contrary and the opposite of faith and love, and that we may cleave to faith and love more diligently.
For here we see the judgment of God upon the believers and the unbelievers, which is both dreadful and comforting. Dreadful to the faithless and comforting to the faithful. But in order that we may the better grasp the meaning of this text we must picture to ourselves both the rich man and poor Lazarus. In the rich man we see the nature of unbelief and in Lazarus the nature of belief.
PART I. THE RICH MAN.
2. We must not view the rich man according to his outward conduct; for he is in sheep’s clothing, his life glitters and shines beautifully, while he tactfully conceals the wolf. For this Gospel text does not accuse him of adultery, of murder, or robbery, of violence or of having done anything that the world or reason would censure. Yea, he has been as honorable and respectable in his life as that Pharisee who fasted twice a week and was not as other men, of whom Luke 18:11f. speaks. For had he committed such glaring sins the Gospel would have mentioned them since it examines him so particularly that it describes even the purple robe he wore and the food he ate, which are only external matters and God does not judge according to them. Therefore he must have led outwardly an exemplary, holy life; and according to his own opinion and that of others, he must have kept the whole law of Moses.
[GJ - Is anyone more fitting than Marvin Schwan, who was praised into heaven by "conservative" Lutheran supplicants for his money, even though he was a known womanizer who dumped his wife to marry his subordinate's wife? How many institutions and buildings were built on top of his first wife's suicide note?]
3. But we must look into his heart and judge his spirit. For the Gospel has penetrating eyes and sees deep into the secret recesses of the soul; reproves also the works which reason cannot reprove, and looks not at the sheep’s clothing, but at the true fruit of the tree to learn whether it is good or not, as the Lord teaches in Matthew 7:17. Hence if we judge this rich man according to the fruits of faith, we will find a heart and a tree of unbelief. For the Gospel chastises him that he fares sumptuously every day and clothes himself so richly, which reason never considers as especially great sins. Besides, the work-righteous people think it is right, and that they are worthy of it, and have merited it by virtue of their holy lives, and they do not see how they thus sin by their unbelief.
4. For this rich man is not punished because he indulged in sumptuous fare and fine clothes; since many saints, kings and queens in ancient times wore costly apparel, as Solomon, Esther, David, Daniel and others; but because his heart was attached to them, sought them, trusted in and chose them, and because he found in them all his joy, delight and pleasure; and made them in fact his idols. This Christ indicates by the words “every day,” that he lived thus sumptuously daily, continuously. From this is seen that he diligently’ sought and chose such a life, was not forced to it nor was he in it by accident, or because of his office or to serve his neighbor; but he only thereby gratified his own . lust, and lived to himself and served only himself.
5. Here one traces the secret sins of his heart as the evil fruit. For where faith is, there is no anxiety for fine clothing and sumptuous feasting, yea, there is no longing for riches, honor, pleasure, influence and all that is not God himself; but there is a seeking and a striving for and a cleaving to nothing except to God, the highest good alone; it is the same to him whether his food be dainty or plain, whether his clothing be fine or homespun. For although they even do wear costly clothes, possess great influence and honor, yet they esteem none of these things; but are forced to them, or come to them by accident, or they are compelled to use them in the service of others.
Thus queen Esther says, that she bore the royal crown against her will, and that she had to wear it for the sake of the King. David also would rather have lived a private life; but for the sake of God and of his people he had to become king. In like manner all the saints considered that they were constrained to fill their stations of influence, honor and glory; and their hearts were never entangled by them, and labored in these external things to be helpful to their neighbor, as Psalm 62:10 says: “Trust not in oppression and become not vain in robbery; if riches increase set not your heart thereon.”
6. But where unbelief reigns man is absorbed by these vanities, he cleaves to them, seeks them and has no rest until he has acquired them, and after he possesses them, he feeds and fattens himself with them as the swine wallow in the mire, and finds at the same time his happiness and felicity there. He never inquires how his heart stands with his God and what he possesses in God and may expect from him; but his belly is his God; and if he cannot get what he wants, he imagines things are going wrong. And lo, these dreadful and wicked fruits of unbelief the rich man does not see, he covers them over, and blinds his own eyes by the good works of his pharisaical life, and hardens himself until no teaching, exhortation, threatening nor promise can help him. Behold, this is the secret sin which to-day’s Gospel punishes and condemns.
7. From this now follows the other sin, that he forgets to exercise love toward his neighbor; for there he lets poor Lazarus lie at his door, and offers him not the least assistance. And if he had not wished to help him personally, he should have commanded his servants to take him in and care for him. It may have been, he knew nothing of God and had never experienced his goodness. For whoever feels the goodness of God, feels also for the misfortune of his neighbor; but whoever is not conscious of the goodness of God, sympathizes not in the misfortune of his neighbor.
Therefore as he has no pleasure in God, he has no heart for his neighbor. [GJ - Or the mother of his children. St. Marvin Schwan is the norm for "conservative" Lutheran Daddy Warbucks. Indulgences are sold and purchased at a high price. The church officials live like Borgia popes.]
8. For the nature of faith is that it expects all good from God, and relies only on God. For from this faith man knows God, how he is good and gracious, that by reason of such knowledge his heart becomes so tender and merciful, that he wishes cheerfully to do to every one, as he experiences God has done to him. Therefore he breaks forth with love and serves his neighbor out of his whole heart, with his body and life, with his means and honor, with his soul and spirit, and makes him partaker of all he has, just like God did to him. Therefore he does not look after the healthy, the high, the strong, the rich, the noble, the holy persons, who do not need his care; but he looks after the sick, the weak, the poor, the despised, the sinful people, to whom he can be of benefit, and among whom he can exercise his tender heart, and do to them as God has done to him.
9. But the nature of unbelief is that it does not expect any good from God By which unbelief the heart is blinded so that it neither feels nor knows how good and gracious God is; but as Psalm 14:2 says: he cares not for God, seeks not after him. Out of this blindness follows further that his heart becomes so hard, obdurate and unmerciful that he has no desire to do a kindness to his fellow man; yea, he would rather harm and offend everybody. For as he is insensible to the goodness of God, so he takes no pleasure in doing good to his neighbor. Consequently it follows that he does not look after the sick, poor and despised people, to whom he could and should be helpful and profitable; but he casts his eyes upward and sees only the high, rich and influential, from whom he himself may receive advantage, gain, pleasure and honor.
10. So we see now in the example of the rich man that it is impossible to love, where no faith exists, and impossible to believe, where there is no love; for both will and must be together, so that a believer loves everybody and serves everybody; but an unbeliever at heart is an enemy of everybody and wishes to be served by every person and yet he covers all such horrible, perverted sins with the little show of his hypocritical works as with a sheep’s skin; just as that large bird, the ostrich, which is so stupid that when it sticks its head into a bush, it thinks its entire body is concealed. Yea, here you see that there is nothing slinder and more unmerciful than unbelief. For here the dogs, the most irascible animals, are more merciful to poor Lazarus than this rich man, and they recognize the need of the poor man and lick his sores; while the obdurate, blinded hypocrite is so hard hearted that he does not wish him to have the crumbs that fell from his table.
11. Now all unbelieving people are like this rich hypocrite. Unbelief cannot do nor be different than this rich man is pictured and set forth by his life.
And especially is this the character of the clergy-, as we see before our eyes, who never do a truly good work, but only seek a good time, never serving nor profiting any one; but reversing the order they want everybody to serve them. Like harpies they only claw everything into their own pockets; and like the old adage runs they “rob the poor of his purse.” They are not moved in the least by the poverty of others. And although some have not expensive food and raiment, yet they do not lack will power and the spirit of action; for they imitate the rich, the princes and the lords, and do many hypocritically good works by founding institutions and building churches, with which they conceal the great rogue, the wolf of unbelief; so that they become obdurate and hardened and are of no use to anybody.
[GJ - The Rich Man Glende, sits in his protected palace, surrounded by staff toadies, wondering anonymously if any WELS pastor is really choosing between prescription medication and food. And poor Savoy - they were not humble enough to follow his orders.]
These are the rich man.
PART II. POOR LAZARUS.
12. Likewise we must not judge poor Lazarus in his sores, poverty and anxiety, according to his outward appearance. For many persons suffer from affliction and want, and yet they gain nothing by it; for example King Herod suffered a great affliction, as is related in Acts 12:23; but afterwards he did not have it better before God on account of it. Poverty and suffering make no one acceptable to God; but, whoever is first acceptable to God, his poverty and suffering are precious in the eyes of God, as <19B615> Psalm 116:15 says: “Precious in the sight of Jehovah is the death of his saints.”
13. Thus we must look into the heart of Lazarus also, and seek the treasure which made his sores so precious. That was surely his faith and love; for without faith it is impossible to please God, as the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews says, Hebrews 11:6. Therefore his heart also must have confessed that he even in the midst of such poverty and misery expected all good from God, and comfortably relied upon him; with whose blessings and grace he was so richly satisfied, and had such pleasure in them, that he would have heartily and willingly suffered even more misery, if the will of his gracious God had so determined. See, that is a true, living faith, which softened his heart by the knowledge of the divine goodness; so that nothing was too heavy or too much to suffer and to do. So clever and skillful does faith make the heart, when it experiences the grace of God.
14. From this faith follows now another virtue, namely, love to one’s neighbor, so that he is willing and ready to serve everybody; but since Lazarus is poor and in misery himself, he had nothing with which he could serve others; therefore his good will is taken for the deed.
15. But this lack of service in temporal things he abundantly makes good by his services in things spiritual. For even now, long after his death, he serves the whole world with his sores, hunger and misery. His bodily hunger feeds our spiritual hunger; his bodily nakedness clothes (or feeds, as some editions read) our spiritual nakedness; his bodily sores heal our spiritual sores; in this way he teaches and comforts by his example, how God is pleased with us, when we are not prosperous here upon the earth, if we believe; and warns us how God is angry with us, even if we are prosperous in our unbelief; just as God had pleasure in Lazarus in his misery, and was displeased with the rich man.
16. Tell me, what king could have rendered a service to the whole world with his possessions, like poor Lazarus has done with his sores, hunger and poverty? Oh, the wonderful works and judgments of God! In what a masterly manner he puts to shame the cunning goddess and fool of this world, namely, reason and worldly wisdom! She stalks abroad and fixes her eyes rather upon the beautiful purple of the rich man, than upon the wounds of poor Lazarus; she would rather center her eyes upon a healthy, handsome person, as this rich man was, than upon a revolting and naked person like Lazarus; yea, she holds her nose before the stench of his wounds and turns her eyes from his nakedness. Thus the great goddess and fool of this world overlooks God in the very presence of such a noble treasure, and always quietly passes her own judgment, and at the same time makes this poor person so precious and dear, that all the kings hence are not worthy to serve him or to dress his sores. For what king, do you think, would not now with his whole heart exchange his health, purple and crown for the sores, poverty and misery of poor Lazarus, if it were possible for him to do so? And what person is there who would now give a snuff for the purple and all the riches of this rich man?
17. Do you not think that this rich man himself, had he not been so blind and had known that such a treasure, a man so precious in the eyes of God, was dying at his gate, would have run out, and dressed and kissed his sores, and laid him in his best bed; and made all his purple and riches to serve him? But at the time God’s judgment went forth, he did not see that he could do it. Then God thought, truly, you are not worthy to serve him.
[GJ - This is the reason for all the cruelty in the SynConference. It began with Walther, who willfully shut his eyes at Bishop Stephan's adultery, then shamefully robbed and threatened the man he swore to serve. Stephan deserved to be deposed in an orderly manner, but the clergy--who enabled him and helped spread the syphilis to the young women--deserved it even more. Even more shamefully, the SynConference has lied about the facts ever since, most of the evidence revealed long ago in Zion on the Mississippi. The bishop's adultery was Mrs. Stephan's fault, Walther said. Stephan's children were born with syphilis and lived in misery, his wife taking care of them as best she could. But Stephan and the noble Saxon immigrants abandoned that faithful wife and mother in Europe, taking the groupies along to service their bishop.]
When later the judgment and work of God were accomplished, the wise fool begins to come to himself; and since he suffers now in hell he will gladly give his house and land, to whom before he would not give a crumb of bread; and wishes now that Lazarus might cool his tongue with the tips of his fingers, whom before he would not touch.
18. Behold, even at the present day God is filling the world with such judgments and works, but no one sees it; yea, everybody despises it. There are continually before our eyes poor and needy persons, whom God lays before us as the greatest treasures; but we close our eyes to them, and see not what God does there; later, when God has done his work, and we have neglected the treasure, then we hasten and wish to serve, but we waited too long. Then we begin and make sacred relics of their garments, shoes and furniture, and make pilgrimages to and erect. churches over their graves, are occupied with many like foolish deeds and thus ridicule ourselves in that we permit the living saints to be trodden under our feet and to perish, and we worship their garments, which is neither necessary nor of any use; so that indeed our Lord will let the judgment fall as he did in Matthew 23:29-33, and say: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and garnish the tombs of the righteous, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we should not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
[GJ - If you want examples, look at how "conservative" Lutheran congregations and pastors treat the handicapped, the sick and shut-in their own midst. Does a WWII veteran's widow need a ride to church? First ask - how much money is involved? The energy of the parish is saved to flatter, praise, and absolve the big money people. Disabled children are mocked by the Apostles of Love in Fox Valley. If parents object to apostasy in WELS, the pastor and council members get even through the parents' child - denying access to the school. Jesus Cares Ministry. St. Peter Cares, too. Just do not ask us to be compassionate - we just talk it up for the publicity.]
Wherefore ye witness to yourselves, that ye are sons of them that slew the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell?”
19. All believers are like poor Lazarus; and every believer is a true Lazarus, for he is of the same faith, mind and will, as Lazarus. And whoever will not be a Lazarus, will surely have his portion with the rich glutton in the flames of hell. For we all must like Lazarus trust in God, surrender ourselves to him to work in us according to his own good pleasure, and be ready to serve all men. And although we all do not suffer from such sores and poverty, yet the same mind and will must be in us, that were in Lazarus, cheerfully to bear such things, wherever God wills it.
20. For such poverty of spirit may exist in those who have very great possessions; as Job, David, Abraham were poor and rich. For David in Psalm 39:12 says: “I am a stranger with thee, a sojourner, as all my fathers were.” How could that be, since he was a king and possessed extensive lands and large cities? Thus it came about; although he indeed possessed these, yet his heart did not cleave to them, and they were as nothing compared with the riches he had with God. Likewise he had said of the health of his body that it was as nothing compared to the health of his soul before God, and he would indeed not have murmured, had God afflicted him with bodily sores and sickness. So Abraham also, although he had not the poverty and affliction of Lazarus, yet he had the mind and will to bear what Lazarus did, if God had visited him thus. For the saints should have one and the same inner mind and spirit, but they cannot have the same outward work and suffering. Therefore Abraham also recognized Lazarus as one of his own and received him into his bosom; which he would not have done, were he not of the same mind and had he not taken pleasure in the poverty and maladies of Lazarus. Thus is set forth the sum and meaning of the Gospel, that we may see, how faith everywhere saves and unbelief condemns.
PART III. QUESTIONS SUGGESTED AND ANSWERED.
21. This Gospel lesson suggests several questions. First, what is the bosom of Abraham, since it cannot be a natural bosom that is meant? To answer this, it is necessary to know that the soul or spirit of man has no rest or place where it may abide, except the Word of God, until he comes at the last day to the clear vision of God. Therefore we conclude that the bosom of Abraham signifies nothing else than the Word of God, where Christ was promised, Genesis 22:18, to Abraham, namely: “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” In these words Christ is promised to him, as the one through whom every person shall be blessed, that is, shall be delivered from sin, death and hell, and through no one else and through no other work. All who have believed this passage, have believed on Christ, and have become good Christians, and have also through faith in this Word been released from sin, death and hell.
22. Thus were all the fathers before the birth of Christ carried into Abraham’s bosom; that is, at their death they were established in this saying of God, and they fell asleep in the same, they were embraced and guarded as in a bosom, and sleep there until the day of judgment; excepting those,. who have already risen with Christ, as Matthew 27:52 teaches, where they also remained. In like manner we, when we face death, must lay hold of and trust in the Word of Christ with strong faith, as John 11:26 says: “Whosoever believeth on me shall never die,” or like passages; and thus die in this faith, fall asleep, be embraced and guarded in the bosom of Abraham until the day of judgment. For the word spoken to Abraham and the word spoken to us is the very same word; both speak of Christ, that we must be saved through him. But the former is more particularly called Abraham’s bosom, because it was spoken first to Abraham and began with him.
23. Likewise on the other hand the hell here mentioned cannot be the true hell that will begin on the day of judgment. For the corpse of the rich man is without doubt not in hell, but buried in the earth; it must however be a place where the soul can be and has no peace, and it cannot be corporal.
Therefore it seems to me, this hell is the conscience, which is without faith and without the Word of God, in which the soul is buried and held until the day of judgment, when they are cast down body and soul into the true and real hell. For just as Abraham’s bosom is God’s Word, in which believers rest through faith, and fall asleep and are guarded there until the day of judgment; so must that on the contrary ever be hell, where God’s Word is not, into which the unbelievers are cast until the day of judgment. That can be nothing else than an empty, unbelieving, sinful, and evil conscience.
[GJ - I wonder - how many clergy want to go to their graves saying, "I got more from the Schwan Trust than anyone else. And look at all the stuff we built with it." Or - "I spent my entire career promoting justification without faith, trashing anyone who opposed me or even questioned me." I am the real Lutheran.]
24. The second question is: How then did Abraham and the rich man converse with one another? Answer: It could not have been a conversation with the natural voice, since the bodies of both were lying in their graves; likewise as little was it the natural tongue that complained of being tormented; nor was it natural fingers and natural water that were desired from Lazarus. Therefore this all must be in the conscience thus: When the conscience is awakened by death or by the agonies of death, then it will have a testimony of its unbelief and will see then for the first time the bosom of Abraham, and those embraced by it, that is, the Word of God, in which it should have believed and did not; from which it has the very greatest pain and anxiety as in hell, and finds neither help nor consolation.
25. Then thoughts arise in the conscience, which held such a conversation, if they could speak, as this rich man did with Abraham, and seeks then whether the Word of God, and all who have believed in it, would help; and with so much anxiety that it would receive the least comfort from the very meanest of men, but even that cannot be granted to him. Then Abraham answered him, that is, his conscience took such a view of the Word of God, that it cannot be; but he had his portion of good things in his life, and he must now suffer; while the others are comforted, whom he despised.
26. At last he feels, that it is declared unto him: There is a great gulf fixed between him and the believers, that they will never be able to come together. These are the thoughts of despair, when the conscience feels that the Word of God is withdrawn forever from him; accordingly the thoughts of his conscience rage and would gladly have the living to know that such are the agonies of death, and he craves that someone would tell it to them.
But it is to no purpose; for he feels an answer in his own conscience, that Moses and the prophets are sufficient, whom they ought to believe, as he himself should have done. All such thoughts pass between the condemned conscience and the Word of God, in the hour of death or in the agonies of death; and no one can perceive what it is, except the one who experiences it; and he who experienced it wished that others should know it, but all is in vain.
27. The third question is: When did that take place, and if the rich man still daily without ceasing suffers thus until the day of judgment? That is a subtle question and not easily answered to the inexperienced. For here one must banish the idea of time from the mind and know that in the other world there is neither time nor hours, but all is an eternal moment or wink of the eye; as 2 Peter 3:8 says: “A day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day,” Psalm 90:4. Therefore it seems to me that in this rich man we have an example of the future of all unbelievers, when their eyes are opened by death and its agonies; which can endure but for a moment and then cease until the day of judgment, as it may please God; for here no definite rule can be established. Therefore I dare not say that the rich man suffers still at present as he suffered at that time; and I dare not deny that he still suffers thus; for both depend upon the will of God. It is sufficient for us to know that his example and the beginning of the suffering of all unbelievers are here clearly set before us.
28. The fourth question is: Shall we pray for the dead; since here in the Gospel there is no intermediate state between Abraham’s bosom and hell, and those in Abraham’s bosom do not need it, and it does not help those in perdition. We have no command from God to pray for the dead; therefore no one sins by not praying for them; for what God does not bid or forbid us to do, in that no one can sin. Yet, on the other hand, since God has not permitted us to know, how it is with the souls of the departed and we must continue uninformed, as to how he deals with them, we will not and cannot restrain them, nor count it as sin, if they pray for the dead. For we are ever certain from the Gospel, that many have been raised from the dead, who, we must confess, did not receive nor did they have their final sentence; and likewise we are not assured of any other, that he has his final sentence.
29. Now since it is uncertain and no one knows, whether final judgment has been passed upon these souls, it is not sin if you pray for them; but in this way, that you let it rest in uncertainty and speak thus: Dear God, if the departed souls be in a state that they may yet be helped, then I pray that thou wouldst be gracious. And when you have thus prayed once or twice, then let it be sufficient and commend them unto God. For God has promised that when we pray to him for anything he would hear us.
Therefore when you have prayed once or twice, you should believe that your prayer is answered, and there let it rest, lest you tempt God and mistrust him.
30. But that we should institute masses, vigils and prayers to be repeated forever for the dead every year, as if God had not heard us the year before, is the work of Satan and is death itself, where God is mocked by unbelief, and such prayers are nothing but blasphemy of God. Therefore take warning and turn from these practices. God is not moved by these anniversary ceremonies, but by the prayer of the heart, of devotion and of faith; that will help the departed souls if anything will. Vigils, masses, indeed help the bellies of the priests, monks and nuns, but departed souls are not helped by them and God is thus mocked.
31. However, if you have in your house a spook or ghost, who pretends that the departed can be helped by saying masses, you should be fully persuaded that it is the work of Satan. No soul has yet since the beginning of the world reappeared on the earth, and it is not God’s will that it should be so. For here in this Gospel you see that Abraham declares that no one can be sent from the dead to teach the living; but he points them to the Word of God in the Scriptures, Deuteronomy 31: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” By these words Abraham turns to the command of God in Deuteronomy 18:11, where God says: “Thou shalt not be a consulter with a familiar spirit.” Isaiah 8:19. Therefore it is surely nothing but the contrivance of Satan that any spirits should let themselves be entreated and that they should require so and so many masses, such and such pilgrimages or other works, and appear afterwards in the clear light and pretend that certain persons are saved. In this way Satan has introduced error so that the people have fallen from faith into works, and think their deeds may accomplish such great things. And thus is fulfilled what St. Paul declared in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11, that God would send upon them powerful error, and temptation to unrighteousness, because they have not received the love of the truth that they might be saved.
32. Therefore be prudent and know that God will not let us know how it is with the dead, so that faith may retain its place in the Word of God, which believes that God will save the believers after this life and condemn the unbelievers. If now a familiar spirit present itself before you, take no notice of it; but be assured that it is the devil, and conquer him with this saying of Abraham, “They have Moses and the prophets,” and likewise with the command in Moses, “Thou shalt not be a consulter with a familiar spirit;” then he will soon be gone. If he leave you not, then let him make a noise until he is tired, and in firm faith suffer his wantonness. as. And if it were possible that it were indeed a departed soul or a good spirit even, then you should neither learn nor inquire anything of him, since God has forbidden you to do so; because he has sent his Son himself to teach us all that is necessary for us to know. What he has not taught us, that we should gladly not wish to know, and be satisfied with the teachings of the holy Apostles, in which he is preached to us. However, I have further written on this subject in the Postils on the Gospel for Epiphany and in my booklet on the Misuse of the Mass; where you may read more along this line.
[GJ - The Church of Rome still teaches that spirits from Purgatory teach people and protect them from harm. They sell tapes claiming such nonsense - I bought them to show the fraud continues. These spirits are like the Church Growth leaders - they only help those who agree with their dogma. This parable clearly teaches the efficacy of the Word in providing faith, justification, and salvation. Moses and the prophets are enough Gospel - they do not spirits to teach them. The great irony is that Jesus has risen from the dead. The audience knows this - and that is not enough for the obstinate doubters.]
34. Likewise, to give an example, we read in the Historia Tripartita (A History in Three Parts) of a bishop, who came to Corinth where he had come to attend a Council, and as he could not find a suitable lodging for himself and his attendants, he saw a house unoccupied and condemned as uninhabitable, and he asked if he might not be allowed to occupy it. Then they told him in reply that it was infested with nightly ghosts, that no one could live in it, and often people were found dead in it in the morning.
Then the bishop said but little and immediately entered and lodged there the same right, for he very well saw that the devil was the author of all these ghost stories, and as he had firm faith that Christ was Lord over satan, therefore he was not moved by his stratagems and he entered to lodge with him. And thus that house was made free by the prayers and presence of a holy man from infesting ghosts and horrifying spectres.
Behold, you see that the ghosts are satan, and there is little use to dispute with them; but one should despise them with a cheerful spirit as nothing.
35. A similar story we read about Gregory, the Bishop of Cappadocia, that he crossed the Alps and lodged with a heathen sexton or clerk of the church, who had an idol, that answered him the questions he asked; and he made his living by telling the people secret things. Now the bishop knew nothing of this, and proceeded the next day as soon as it was morning on his journey. But Satan or the evil spirit could not endure the prayers and presence of the holy man, and at once he betook himself out of the house, so that the heathen sexton could no longer receive answers as before. As soon as he felt his great loss, he set up a great howl to call back his idol, which appeared to him while he was asleep, and said, it was his own fault because he had lodged the bishop, with whom he (the evil spirit) could not remain. The sexton hastened to overtake the bishop and complained to him that he had taken his god and livelihood, and returned evil for the kindness extended to him. Then the bishop took paper out of his pocket and wrote these few words: “Gregory sendeth greetings to Apollinius. Be thou at liberty, O, Apollinius, to do as thou hast done before. Farewell.” The sexton took the letter and laid it by the side of his idol; then the devil came again, and did as before. Finally the sexton began to think, what a poor god is he, who allows himself to be driven away and lead by my guest who was only a man. And at once he started to the bishop, was instructed and baptized, and grew in his faith, so that he became the eminent bishop of Caesarea, a city in Cappadocia, upon the death of the bishop that baptized him. Behold, how simply faith proceeds, and acts joyfully, securely and effectively. Treat all your troublesome evil spirits in the same way’.
