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| Graphic by Norma A. Boeckler |
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| Graphic by Norma A. Boeckler |
Two LCMS districts grew alarmed at the re-Seminexing of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis - for good reason. The professors were no longer teaching Creation by the Word, which is taught clearly in the Bible, Luther, and the Confessions. The worldly wise men knew better and charged two entire districts with violating the Eighth Commandment.
Strangely, the LCMS and WELS have let their leadership flip from Justification by the Word to Universal Absolution without Faith. Since all the articles of faith are connected as One Biblical Truth, One Unique Doctrine, the denial of one article means the denial of the other articles.
Both sects taught Justification by Faith in times past, and certainly knew from Romans 10 how these matters work in God's Kingdom.
Roman 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.13 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 cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
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| Graphic by Norma A. Boeckler |
Faith comes by hearing the efficacious Gospel Word, and that faith receives the Promises of God in the Word. The Holy Spirit is active both in proclaiming and receiving the Gospel.
Has anyone else noticed how seldom this comes up among the Fuller and Willow Creek trained professionals? They no longer even know the language - let alone the basic doctrine - of the Scriptures. The deceptive modern translations have deceived the deceivers and betrayed the betrayers. These translations have come from the Calvinists and make big money for the fools who sell them.
The post-modern cooks of Lutherdom remind me of the food fads of yesteryear. Butter was a killer to be avoided, replaced by margarine prepared, dyed, and hardened in the factory. For a long time, adding butter to any meal was akin to pouring mercury or lead into food. What an outrageous thought! Now a few realize that margarine is a hardened fat while butter is a nutritious, healthy addition to most dishes, from vegetables to eggs to desserts.
The factories removed fat from food and added tons of corn sugar, so now we have a generation thinking they are healthy while wondering where the massive weight gains came from.
Likewise, all the Lutheran groups see their numbers vanishing, yet allergic to admitting that their schemes have come to fruition. They sowed tares in their own seminaries and congregations and now reap sterile weeds as a result.
Weeds produce a lot of seed, plus some tough roots, but what they grow just as worthless as many denominational leaders and professors.
The unified truth of the Scriptures is the obverse of the integrated errors of false doctrine - or - Enthusiasm. One comes from the Holy Spirit at work in the Word; the other comes from man's own imagination and illusions.
