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What About Confession and Absolution?
What do you believe according to the promise of God?
I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.
Burdened and weighed down by sin, we are able to go to our pastor and confess our sins, knowing that by virtue of his office, he has been called to speak the word of Christ to us and in the stead of Christ to forgive our sins. Through the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ calls men to the office of the ministry He has given to His church, the office of the keys. Thus, our pastors carry out this office publicly, on behalf of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the Christian congregation. Also, all Christians extend the forgiveness of Christ to one another privately as they console fellow Christians sorrowing over sin.
At times, our pastors, with considerable sorrow, may have to tell a person not to attend the Lord's Supper until he or she has repented of sin. If the situation continues without repentance, the pastor may have to declare to the person, on behalf of the congregation that has made this decision, that he or she is excluded from the church until there is repentance.
Excommunication is a last resort to help a person recognize the extremely dangerous situation he has placed himself in because he will not repent of his sin. It is a final attempt to win someone back from Satan's influence.
Is confession and absolution a Sacrament?
Although Holy Absolution has no visible element, it definitely does have Christ's institution. The Lutheran Confessions refer to Holy Absolution as a Sacrament (LC IV.74; Ap. XIII.4). The Lutheran Confessions also wisely point out that "No intelligent person will quibble about the number of sacraments or the terminology; so long as those things are kept which have God's command and promises" (AP XIII.17).
Luther speaks often about Holy Absolution, connecting it with the oral proclamation of the Gospel and with the ongoing living out of Holy Baptism. While it is customary in Lutheranism to speak of two Sacraments - Baptism and Holy Communion- we do well to keep in mind this important truth: "God is surpassingly rich in his grace: First, through the spoken word, by which the forgiveness of sin is preached to the whole world; second, through Baptism; third, through the holy Sacrament of the Altar; fourth, through the power of the keys; and finally, through the mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren" (SA 111.4.1).
What About Confession and Absolution?
What is private absolution and what is its benefit?
Our Lutheran Confessions say, "It is taught among us that private absolution should be retained in the churches and not be allowed to fall into disuse" (AC XI). The founding father of the Missouri Synod, C. F. W Walther, said that a pastor, in an evangelical way, through careful instruction and encouragement, and through praising private confession and absolution, should work toward the goal where private confession and absolution is used in addition to general confession and absolution.2
Private confession and absolution is a very important tool in the practice of pastoral care. Pastors use confession and absolution in a variety of situations, - for example, in the midst of marital and family difficulties, and in other such pastoral counseling situations. Private confession and absolution is used by pastors to bring forgiveness and healing into the lives of those who come to them with troubled and anxious hearts.
Our church's hymnal, Lutheran Worship, contains a suggested order for private confession and absolution (pgs. 110 - l 11). This order may be used in the context of a visit with your pastor. The order of private confession and absolution suggests that specific sins be confessed, but certainly does not require it. Another important point is that pastors are sworn at their ordinations never to reveal the sins confessed to them. As one Lutheran pastor put it, "The pastor's ear is a tomb. What goes in, never comes out."
Conclusion
Rejoicing in the forgiveness of sins, we pray that God gives us the strength to resist temptation, and to live lives that glorify Him, seeking to please Him by what we do, in accordance with His holy and perfect will. And as we do, we always are aware of our sin and so we flee for refuge to His boundless mercy, seeking and imploring His forgiveness for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank God for the gift of confession and absolution!
1. Words in italics are quotations from Luther's Small Catechism.
2. C. F W. Walther, Pastoral Theology Chap. XVI.
A basketball in my hands is worth about $19
A basketball in Michael Jordan's hands is worth about $33 million.
It depends whose hands it's in
A baseball in my hands is worth about $6
A baseball in Mark McGuire's hands is worth $19 million
It depends whose hands it's in
A tennis racket is useless in my hands
A tennis racket in Pete Sampras' hands is a Wimbledon Championship
It depends whose hands it's in
A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea
It depends whose hands it's in
A sling shot in my hands is a kid's toy
A sling shot in David's hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it's in
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in God's hands will feed thousands
It depends whose hands it's in
Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will produce salvation for the entire world
It depends whose hands it's in
As you see now it depends whose hands it's in. So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families and your relationships in God's hands because
It depends whose hands it's in.
Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you! I Peter 5:7
What About Angels?
It seems as though angels have captured the imagination of people everywhere. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about angels, along with superstitions and unscriptural understandings. This pamphlet will provide a Biblical perspective on angels.
Do angels exist?
The Word of God not popular television shows or magazine articles is our only reliable source for knowing what angels are, and what they do. The Bible teaches us that angels were made by God during the six days of creation. Before creation there was only God (John 1:1-3), and after creation, we are told that on the seventh day God rested from all the work of creating he had done" (Gen. 2:3b). The Bible does not indicate on which day of creation God made angels.
But angels are very real.
What does the word angel mean?
The word angel" comes from a Greek word that means messenger" Angels are God's messengers. Elsewhere in the Bible, angels are described as spirits (cf. Acts 23:9; Heb. 1:14). The word angel" is actually a description of what they do.
What are angels?
Angels are spirits. They are beings who do not have a physical body. Jesus Himself said, "spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have" (Luke 24:39). Evil angels too are described as not having flesh and blood" (Eph. 6:12). In the Scriptures, when angels do appear in human form, this is only a momentary appearance for those who need to see them. Angels are not gods. They are God's creation and serve His holy and perfect will. The good angels are said to be ministering spirits" (Heb. 1:14), sent by God to serve us, His people.
Are angels human?
Human beings are the crown of God's creation. Only of human beings, and no other creature, did God say, "Let us make man in our own image" (Gen. 1:26). Furthermore, the Scriptures reveal that only into human beings did God breathe the breath of life (Gen. 2:7). Also, God did not give angels rule over His creation. This privilege He gave only to mankind (Gen. 1:26 28). Angels are not human beings. They exist as spirits who serve God and His people.
Do human beings become angels when they die?
No, human beings do not become angels when they die. The Scriptures are clear on this point. Until the last day, the souls of the dead are before the Lord, enjoying peace and rest in His presence, awaiting the final day when they will receive glorified bodies for all eternity (see 1 Cor. 15; 1 Thess. 5:17; Rev. 7).
Are angels intelligent beings?
The Bible describes angels as having both intelligence and a will. The good angels know and follow the wisdom of God, which He has revealed through Christ to His church (Eph. 3:10). They gladly serve us, who are the heirs of the salvation Christ has won for us (Heb. 1:14). However, angels do not know all things. For instance, they do not know the thoughts of our hearts(1 Kings 8:39).
How powerful are angels?
Angels are extremely powerful beings. They are described as mighty ones" (Psalm 103:20; 2 Thess. 1:7). The good angels guard and protect God's children (Ps. 91:11-13). The power of the angels is never unlimited, but is always subject to the will and authority of God. Evil angels too are powerful beings. The Bible tell us that they hold captive all unbelievers (Luke 11:21-22; Eph. 2:2). Believers in Christ are able to withstand the temptation of evil angels through the power of God (Eph. 6:10-17).
Where are angels?
Angels, like God, do not inhabit the same physical dimension that human beings inhabit. From time to time, they are ordered by God to appear in our physical dimension. Thus, while there are times when angels will make an appearance at a distinct place (cf. Acts 12:7), they remain beings that inhabit no physical space.
How many angels are there?
The Bible does not give us an exact number, but does clearly teach that there are incredibly large numbers of angels who serve God. Scripture speaks of thousand times ten thousand angels" (Dan. 7:10). Elsewhere Scripture speaks of great company of the heavenly host" (Luke 2:13). From every indication in the Bible, there are an unimaginably large number of angels, of whom we are totally unaware most of the time. There is a fixed and limited number of angels, never increasing or decreasing. Unlike human beings, angels do not marry and have children (Mark 12:25). They are immortal.
Are all angels the same?
Within the large numbers of angels there are apparently certain orders or classes of angels. Scripture speaks of cherubim" (Gen. 3:24; Ps. 80:1), "seraphim" (Is. 6:2), "thrones or powers or rulers or authorities" (Col. 1:16), "archangel" (1 Thess. 4:16). Also among the evil angels there are ranks and classes of angels (Matt. 25:41). Satan is described as the "prince of the devils" (Luke 11:15). It is pointless, however, to try to invent complicated divisions and ranks of angels, since Scripture itself does not provide us with this information.
What are evil angels, and what do they do?
Originally, all angels God created were good and did His will perfectly. At some point after God created them, some angels chose to rebel against Him. They fell away from God and into great sin and evil. At that point, they were confirmed in their evil condition. There is no hope for them. In Matt. 8:29, they recognize that there will be a time when they must suffer eternal torment and punishment for their rebellion against God. Satan is the chief evil angel, the "prince of demons" (Luke 11:15). Here is how our Lord Jesus Christ describes Satan: "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). When precisely the evil angels rebelled and fell away from God we cannot say for sure, but we do know it was some time at the very beginning of the world. Most Christian church fathers believe that the evil angels' original sin was pride, based on the fact that Satan's temptation of Adam and Eve was an appeal to their pride. Also, 1 Tim. 3:6 indicates that pride was the cause of the devil's condemnation. The devil is our great enemy, "who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). The Bible tell us that the devil is the cause of unbelief in the world (Eph. 2:1-2). Every person who does not believe the good news of Christ Jesus is thinking and doing what the devil wants.
Unbelievers are described in the Bible as being in the devil's kingdom and under his power (Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13). The very fact that people do not realize this, and even deny it, is the devil's greatest deception. The devil is so deceptive, at times he will even disguise himself as an "angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14). In fact, the Old Testament once refers to Satan as "Lucifer" which means, "light bearer" (Isa. 14:12; KEV). We need to keep in mind that all the Bible says about evil angels, and their eternal punishment, is for the purpose of making us recognize the need to repent and to believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ, who has ransomed mankind by His death, and saved us for eternal life, not in hell, but in heaven.
What do good angels do?
Good angels enjoy the blessing of being able to see God. They are in the immediate presence of God, always beholding His great glory, majesty and power (Matt. 18:10). This is called the "beatific vision" which all Christians will enjoy one day when they are in heaven.
God's Word reveals the following things about the activity of good angels: They praise God (Is. 6:3; Luke 2:13), and they are the Lord's servants in the world and in the Church (Ps. 103:20-21; Heb. 1:14). God sends angels to serve and to protect Christian believers in their work and their callings in life (Ps. 91:11 - 12). They attend to the dying (Luke 16:22). They care for children (Matt. 18:10). Angels are deeply interested in all that occurs in the Church. They adore and take great joy in the work of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world (Luke 2:13; Eph. 3:10). They rejoice over every sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). Scripture mentions the presence of angels at every great event in the Kingdom of God. Angels were present when God gave His law on Mount Sinai (Deut. 33:2; Gal. 3:19).
Angels were present at the conception, birth, resurrection and ascension of our Lord (Luke 1:26;2:11;Mark 1:13; 24:5 ff, Acts 1:1off). Angels will come with Jesus when He returns on the last day (Matt. 13:41 ff; 24:31). The Bible tell us that angels are present in the public worship of Christians (1 Cor. 11:10). God also uses angels to help the family and to preserve law and order (Gen. 24:7; Matt. 18:10; Dan. 10:13).
How are we to treat angels?
We need to praise and thank God for good angels. We are told that we are to take care not to offend them through sin and unbelief (1 Cor. 11:10; 1 Tim. 5:21). But the Scriptures are also clear that we must not pray to angels, nor offer them our worship. The angels themselves protest any worship given to them (Rev. 22:8-9).
As believers, we have the privilege of having angels surrounding us and protecting us and working to do God's good and perfect will In our lives. Our hope and trust is always in God, whom we know sends His angels to watch over us and to see us through whatever difficulty in life may come our way. Because of our Lord Jesus Christ's perfect life and sacrificial death for the sins of the world, we have the assurance of the complete and total forgiveness of all our sins. We know that God loves and cares for us as His own dear children. Furthermore, we know that the Lord sends His angels to care for us in order that some day we may join them, and all the company of heaven, in seeing God and singing His praises for all eternity.
Additional copies of this pamphlet may be obtained at no cost by calling Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3040 and requesting stock number S14944.
c 1998 The Office of the President The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 1333 South Kirkwood Rood, St. Louis, Missouri 63122
What about the Bible?
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible continues to be the best selling book of all time. Throughout the ages, the Bible has provided inspiration, comfort and guidance to those who have read it. But is the Bible merely an inspirational book? It is this, but so much more!
Let's spend a few moments reviewing some important truths about the Bible.
What is the Bible?
The word "Bible" is from a Greek word that means "book" What is this "good book"? That question has a two-part answer.
First, the Bible is actually a collection of books-66 of them to be exact-from the first book, Genesis, to the last, Revelation. These books cover thousands of years and were written in either Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek. There are many different kinds of writing in the Bible: historical narrative, prophecy; poetry, speeches, letters, and so on. From a merely human perspective, there is no question that the Bible is a masterpiece of literature.
Second, the much more important answer to the question, "What is the Bible?" is this: The Bible is the Word of God. The Bible is the collection of the thoughts-even the very words- that God gave to the authors of the biblical books. The Bible is a gift God has given to His church. It is not a collection of ancient fables and myths. The Bible is the sure and certain means that God the Holy Spirit uses to communicate God's Word to us today.
How did we receive the Bible?
The Bible itself explains how we received it. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16). We read elsewhere that, "Prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet. 1:21).
Because people knew that the Bible was the actual Word of God, it was copied and re-copied with painstaking care and attention to detail, letter by letter, word by word. Though today we no longer possess the actual, original text of the Bible, we can be certain that the Holy Spirit has preserved the Word of God for us. Careful study of the many thousands of copies of the New Testament reveals that though there are minor differences between the various copies, there is no place where any key teaching of the Bible is contradicted.
Our English Bibles are translations from the original languages. When we use reliable translations, we can be sure that we have the true Word of God. Whatever the Word of God is in Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek, it is also the Word of God in English, or in any other language, as long as the translation is faithful to the original languages. Reliable translations include the King James Version, the New King James Version, the old Revised Standard Version, the New International Version and the New American Standard Bible.
Why is the Bible so important?
Someone may say, "The Bible is important to me because it tells me what to do" and another person might say, "The old stories remind me of my childhood" or "The Bible is a guidebook for daily living:" These answers all have a grain of truth, but they miss the real reason why the Bible is so important: It is the sure and certain source for knowing who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us.
Jesus said, "The Scriptures testify about me" (John 5:39). The main message of the Bible is the good news of God's work to reconcile the world to Himself through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Throughout Old and New Testaments, the central message of the Scripture is the account of how God was in the world preparing it to receive His Son and then what His Son did when He was here. It also tells how the church received this glorious message of salvation, and how it grew and spread throughout the known world. Luther once compared the Bible to the swaddling clothes the baby Jesus was wrapped in. Thus the Bible is Christ-centered.
Our Lord Jesus said, "If you remain in my Word, truly you are my disciples" (John 8:31). The Divine authority and reliability of the Bible does not rest on the persons God used to write the Bible, nor on the endorsement of the Bible by the church, but rests entirely on the fact that it is the Word of the Lord. How do we know this? This confession of the Bible's complete authority is part of the certainty of the faith God gives to us as a gift.
Real human beings were given real words from God to write down. As our Lord Jesus Christ was both true God and true man, so the Bible is truly the Word of God and also the writing of human beings. Even as our Lord Jesus took on human flesh free from sin and error, so God used human beings to provide a written revelation of Himself that is free from error. Thus, we believe that the Bible is both incapable of error (infallible) and free from error (inerrant).
The Bible has a very important distinction one needs to keep in mind in order to understand the Bible correctly: the difference between Law and Gospel. The Bible reveals God's perfect holiness and righteousness, and His expectation of perfection. His Law, summarized best in the Ten Commandments, reveals our sinful rebellion and our inability to save ourselves. The Gospel is the joyful news that our Lord Jesus Christ has given us complete forgiveness from our sins through His life, death and resurrection for us. The proper distinction between Law and Gospel is the key to understanding the Bible correctly.
The most important message of the Bible is not the Law of God. The Bible is not merely a collection of principles for daily living. The Bible is not a textbook that answers every possible question we may have. Nor for that matter is the Bible a book that predicts every last detail about the future. The central and most important teaching in the Bible is the Gospel, the good news of God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the message that predominates throughout the Bible, from Old Testament to New Testament. Thus the Bible is Gospel-centered.
We know that the Bible was not given merely for the sake of itself. We are not saved because we own a Bible. We are saved by our Lord Jesus Christ, who is revealed in the Bible. We believe the Bible because it is the Lord's Word. We believe in Him, thus we believe His Word to be true. We receive what He has given. He has given us the Scriptures. Thus, the Bible is the foundation and touchstone for everything that the church believes, teaches, confesses and practices. Why? Because the Bible is the inspired, Christ-centered and Gospel-centered Word of the Lord.
How Do We Use the Bible?
The Bible is foundational for the church's ministry. The Bible was never intended to stand alone or apart from the community of faith we call the Christian church. It is sad when some people think that, if they just read the Bible, they can stay away from church. We receive our Lord's gifts with joy and do not say, "We want this, but not that" It would be misleading if our high respect for the Scriptures was used to drive a wedge between the Bible and the church. The church is the gathering of God's people around the Lord's Word and Sacraments. The Scriptures are the sure and certain revelation of God's Word and thus are to be read, studied and meditated on by Christians at church and at home.
We Lutherans realize that Scripture must be interpreted according to the central truth of the Bible, the Gospel, not picked apart and made to teach things that actually conflict with the Gospel. Therefore, we pay close attention to the grammar and words of the Bible, seeking out the intended meaning, which is the plain sense of the text. We recognize that God the Holy Spirit works through the Scriptures to create and sustain the church as it comes together around the preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments.
Whenever the Word of God is preached, taught, studied, read, learned or meditated on, the Holy Spirit is actively turning people from their sin and drawing them to Christ for their salvation. Thus, we will want to be in the Word daily. At home we read and meditate on the Word through our private and family devotions. At church, our hymns and liturgy are anchored in the Word of God. Our pastors preach to us on the basis of the Scripture lessons appointed for each Sunday in the church year. Our school teachers lead our children into a deeper knowledge of the Word of God. In Sunday school, children learn the Biblical accounts and thus have a foundation for their lives. In youth and adult Bible studies, the Scriptures are studied in a variety of ways so they can inform and enlighten us and help us understand how we live out our lives as His people.
What a blessed gift the Holy Scriptures are to us and to all people! Everything God wants us to know about Himself is contained in His Word. Through the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit reveals the truth about our sinful condition and the joyful news of God's saving work for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Truly, God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (Ps. 119:105). For that reason we pray, "Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word."
Additional copies of this pamphlet may be obtained at no cost by calling Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3040 and requesting stock number S14913.
c 1998 The Office of the President The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 1333 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63122
World Trade Center, New York, destroyed by Muslim Terrorist Fanatics, 2001
What about Death and Dying?
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As Christians we have a unique perspective on death, a perspective that is radically different from the world around us. This pamphlet is intended to help you, or someone you know, face death and understand what death is, and how Christians face death and deal with grief.
What is death?
The Bible teaches that death is not an annihilation in which we cease to exist. The Scriptures teach that death is the separation of our eternal soul from our mortal bodies. Our bodies rest in the grave, awaiting the final day when soul and body shall be reunited. At the moment of death, our souls, and the souls of all those who die in faith, immediately are in the presence of Christ, and will enjoy His presence, peace and joy until the great day of the resurrection of all flesh.
Is Death Natural?
It is popular to think of death as something that is "natural." Some people even are heard to say, "Death is a friend." Nothing could be further from the truth! Death is a horrible reality. It is the enemy we each face at the end of our lives. Death is the awful curse that fell on creation through the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Through that sin, death came into the world and so death spread to all of humanity because all people sin.
God did not create human beings to die, but to live-to live forever and enjoy Him forever. Death was not part of our created nature, but only something that came about as a result of the sinful disobedience of our first parents-a sinful disobedience that has been passed down to every human being since that time.
Why must Christians die?
Scripture clearly indicates that Christians too must pass through death to life. We learn that our body is actually dead right now because of sin ("The body is dead because of sin" Rom. 8:10). And so Christians too must die.
The sting of death and sense of God's judgment is a horrible punishment on those who have no faith in Christ as their Savior. They face, at the end of their life, only the prospect of an unknown future, or a terrifying vision of eternal damnation. However, the death of a Christian is not death in as full a sense as it is for the non-Christian. For the Christian, eternal life and joy follows death, for our Lord Jesus Christ is the One who walks with them through the "valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23).
What is the Christian's response to death and dying?
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil" These familiar words of Psalm 23 chart the direction for a Christian individual or family facing the reality of death. Here God identifies our greatest enemy in such times - fear. Since none of us among the living has ever tasted death, we respond to the prospect of death (whether our own or that of someone we love) with fear. Fear is natural.
Now, if fear is the enemy, who is our ally? The Psalmist continues: "For thou art with me; thy rod and staff, they comfort me." Jesus, our Good Shepherd, the One who laid down His life for the sheep, is our companion on the dark, winding road that leads through the valley of the shadow of death. The journey is not optional. Sooner or later each of us, no matter how old or young, will walk that path. This will happen until that day when Jesus comes again-when, at the last trumpet, the faithful will be changed in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor. 15:51-52).
But here is the important part: I walk through the valley. The One who is with us in that journey, who leads us on, bears the scars of death in His living body. He was dead, but now He lives forevermore. All who believe and are baptized will be saved; they have a share in His victory over death. Christians, therefore, are able to see death not merely as an unfortunate reality to be endured, but as a defeated enemy. The resurrection of the body and the life ever lasting are the sure and certain realities promised to all who remain faithful unto death.
What happens after we die?
For the unbeliever, there is the "second death" (Rev. 20:14) in which his or her soul is immediately in the presence of Satan and immediately begins to suffer the torment of eternal punishment in hell, from which there is no possibility of escape. On the day of judgment, their body joins the soul in hell.
Those who trust in the redemption won by Christ our Lord pass from death to life. This is why the Bible uses so many comforting images to describe the death of the child of God. Here are some of the phrases the Holy Spirit uses to describe a Christian's death: being gathered to one's people; departure in peace; departure and being with Christ; a turning away from the evil to come; sleep; rest; passing from death to life; deliverance from all evil; and, finally, gain.
Gain? How can death be gain? When a baptized child of God passes through death - a son or daughter of God who has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God - then death is gain. Through death the children of God pass into an eternity of joy and peace with their heavenly Father.
Each Christian, therefore, may rejoice in the life that Christ has won and gives to him or her through the Word and Sacraments. When we die, our souls await the final consummation of all things on the day Christ returns. We shall receive glorified bodies that are free from tears, pain, sickness and age perfectly renewed and glorified resurrection bodies.
In these new and glorified bodies, we shall spend all eternity in heaven, enjoying the presence of God and all His saints, forever and ever. The overwhelming joy of this truth is almost too much for us to even begin to comprehend, but it is true!
How do Christians face death?
Christians face death as they face life with their eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. We cling to the promises of His Word, which, when facing death, seem even more wonderful and powerful. One of the most beautiful promises our Lord gave to us is found in John 14:2-3 where he says, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."
We realize that no matter how our lives may end, there is one thing of which we can be absolutely certain. We shall pass from death to life, from this life to the life beyond, with our Lord. And there we shall rejoin all of our loved ones and others who have gone before us trusting in Christ their Savior.
How does a Christian deal with grief?
Christians should not hesitate to cry~ Our Lord wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. We too find ourselves in tears at the pain of our loss. But we do not sorrow in the same way as those who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep (1 Thess. 4:14). We look forward to a grand reunion with loved ones who have died in faith. Still, we miss them. The separation can seem overwhelming at times. This pain is part and parcel of grieving; it is to be understood, not resisted.
Grieving for most people is a journey. It is a journey from the initial pain of parting, toward healing and reconciliation with our loss. The pain gradually subsides, but the loss remains. Grief has many dimensions and may seem unpredictable in its ebb and flow; yet in Christ we find strength along the way. For in this journey we are not alone.
Christians find that family and friends are God's gifts to help them bear the pain of loss, which at times seems unbearable. Such company is important in dealing constructively with grief. It must be consciously sought out by those who mourn. Most who mourn find it very helpful to tell the story of the death of those they love to family and to trusted friends. The repeated narrating of that story brings release and insight into the joy and sorrow of the parting. Friends and family will want to lend a listening ear and heart for such telling and retelling; it is a rare privilege to be entrusted with such treasures. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2).
Above all, Christian mourners will turn to the worship fellowship of the church and the rich comfort of God's holy Word and Sacrament for healing along the path of grief. For Jesus Christ abides within His church through His sacred means of grace. Through these channels He bestows the riches of His forgiveness, life and salvation now, and to all eternity One day we too shall stand with that great multitude of heaven who hear these blessed words:
"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21 :3).
Additional copies of this pamphlet may be obtained at no cost by calling Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3040 and requesting stock number S14912.
c 1998 The Office of the President The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 1333 South Kirkwood Rood, St. Louis, Missouri 63122
What about the Gospel?
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This pamphlet has been prepared to show you how much we need the Gospel, why it is such good news, how we receive it and how we respond to it.
We cannot really understand how good the message of the Gospel is until we understand how bad our situation is without it. We are poor miserable sinners. We sin daily and deserve nothing but God's wrath and punishment.
Without Jesus Christ, our situation would be totally hopeless. The Scriptures describe human beings as dead in trespasses and sin. Without the mercy and cleansing of God through the blood of Jesus Christ, there awaits for us only everlasting punishment in hell. Thus, we need the Gospel desperately!
What is the Gospel?
The word "gospel" is a translation of a Greek word that means, "announcement of good news." The Gospel is the good news that God the Holy Trinity decided not to abandon humanity when Adam and Eve first fell into sin. God decided then and there that sin and death would not have the last word. He promised to send a Savior.
When the time was right, God sent His Son into our world to be born of the Virgin Mary~ Our Lord Jesus Christ lived a perfect life for us. On the cross, he received the penalty and punishment for the sins of the whole world, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Jesus rose from the dead, victorious over our ancient enemies: sin, death and the devil.
Therefore, each Christian is able with great joy and confidence to declare before the whole world: "My Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death."
What glorious good news! The one, true eternal and all-powerful God came into our world to live, suffer, die and rise again for us. We, who are unholy and unrighteous, receive the forgiveness of all our sins and thus receive the perfect holiness and righteousness of Christ our Savior-as a free gift-purely because of His love for us. That is good news! That is the Gospel!
How do we receive this great salvation in our lives today?
How do we personally receive the forgiveness Christ won for the entire world? How does what happened on the cross nearly 2,000 years ago flow into our lives today?
Here too there is very good news. God, through His Gospel, offers us forgiveness and help against sin in more than one way. God is surpassingly rich in His grace. He gives His Gospel to us through His Word, through Baptism, through the Sacrament of the Altar, and through confession and absolution. These are the ways God enters our lives today to apply to us personally the great salvation Christ won for the world.
The Holy Spirit works through the Word of the Gospel to create and sustain faith in our heart that Christ is the Savior of the world, and thus our Savior too. The Bible is the Word of God, written down for our learning and edification. The Scriptures are filled with the Good News of Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us. Through the almighty, Spirit-filled Word, God gathers us into His church, which is truly the mother that begets and bears every Christian through the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is present, effective and active through the Word when it is proclaimed, heard and meditated upon.
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is water included in God's command and combined with God's Word; or as St. Paul says in Holy Scripture, "The washing of water with the word" Through Baptism, we are made par takers of Christ's death and resurrection. Therefore, we know that Baptism works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal life to all who believe. Since Baptism is connected to the Word and promise of God, it is truly a life-giving water, rich in grace-a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit.
Christ has provided a special application of the Gospel through confession and absolution. Confession is admitting our sins to God and receiving His forgiveness from our pastor, as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven. Thus, by divine ordinance, Christ Himself has entrusted absolution to his Christian church and commanded us to absolve one another from sins.
The Lord's Supper is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself, for us Christians to eat and to drink. In the Lord's Supper, Christ's body and blood are given to us as our treasure and gift which sustains our faith and life in Him. If you are heavy-laden and feel your weakness, go joyfully to the sacrament and receive refreshment, comfort, and strength.
Those who want to be forgiven by God and who want to enjoy His presence in their lives, hunger and thirst for the Word and Sacraments. With the psalmist we say, "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" God has provided the means to receive Him. So, Christians hunger and thirst for God's Word, absolution, the Sacrament, etc. We have the certainty that God meets us and gives us what we need in His means of grace. The forgiveness Christ won for the world on the cross is applied to us personally by God through His Word and Sacraments. What a joy for us to know that where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
Thus, we believe that we cannot, by our own reason or strength, believe in Jesus Christ our Lord, or come to him; but the Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel, enlightens us with His gifts, sanctifies and keeps us in the true faith. In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church he daily and richly forgives all of our sins, and the sins of all believers.
How does God cause us to respond to His Gospel?
We love God, because He first loved us. Our Lord is at work in us both to will and to do what is pleasing to Him. Christians look to the Ten Commandments to know what is pleasing to God and wish to serve Him in gratitude for the great salvation that is theirs in Christ.
From the Word of God we learn that God wants us to put Him first, above any other person or thing, to respect His name and not misuse it, to hear and obey His Word. Children are to honor and obey their parents and others in authority We are to look out for the welfare of others, doing nothing to hurt or harm our neighbor. We are to live sexually pure and decent lives, with husbands and wives loving and honoring each another. In looking out for our neighbor's welfare and helping him to improve and protect his property and business, we are also to take care not to lie about our neighbor, but to help, support and defend him in every need, and, finally, we are to be content with what we have been given, and not want what is not ours.
What a joyful privilege we have to serve God and others! He gives us the opportunity to bear witness to our Lord through both our words and our deeds.
How is the Gospel obscured?
The Gospel is obscured by well intentioned people who want to encourage a life of good works, and end up making Christians think that it is by their works that they are saved. This is a great danger. Through His Word and Sacraments, Jesus is constantly working in our lives to forgive our sins and strengthen our relationship with God. God always receives the credit for our salvation. He is the one working in us. This is not something we can do. Our good works are the result of God's love in our hearts and lives. Our good works in this life do not save us, only Christ saves us. Works serve our neighbor and show to the world that we are grateful for God's mercy in our lives.
Another way the Gospel can he obscured is when too much emphasis is put on an emotional response to the Gospel. Some Christians believe that unless they have some sort of ecstatic, charismatic experience, or feel some sort of "spiritual high," they are not really Christians. It is truly sad that some people look into their own hearts for the security that they are children of God, instead of putting their hope and trust in the objective work of Christ for them, and in the means God uses to come to them - His Word and Sacraments.
If we find ourselves beginning to ask, "Am I doing enough?" or thinking, "It doesn't matter what I do, for God will forgive me anyway" then we are at risk of losing Christ and His forgiveness. We look always to Jesus and put our hope and trust in Him. He is our Savior. And, that's good news!
All blessing, honor, thanks and praise to Father, Son and Spirit, the God who saved us by His grace. All glory to His merit! 0 Triune God in heaven above, you have revealed your saving love. Your blessed name we hallow.
Additional copies of this pamphlet may be obtained at no cost by calling Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3040 and requesting stock number S14914.
c 1998 The Office of the President The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 1333 South Kirkwood Rood, St. Louis, Missouri 63122
What About Living together Without Marriage?
Increasingly men and women choose to live as husband and wife without being married. These next few meditations will answer some questions asked about living together.
What is marriage?
We learn from the Word of God that marriage is the lifelong, exclusive union of one man and one woman, as husband and wife. Marriage is a part of God's creation. Thus, we read in God's Word, the Bible: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Gen. 2:24; cf. Matt. 19:56; Eph. 5:31). Elsewhere we read, "Since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband" (1 Cor. 7:2). And, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral" (Heb. 13:4). Marriage is such a precious blessing that God inspired the Apostle Paul to describe marriage as a picture of Christ's relationship with His bride, the church (Eph. 5:22-33).
Why is it wrong for a couple to live together without marriage?
Simply stated, a couple that lives together as man and wife without being married is sinning. God's Word is clear: "you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.... Having lost all sensitivity; they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more" (Eph. 4:17-19). Our Lord Jesus Christ once helped a woman living with a man who was not her husband to recognize that what she was doing was wrong (John 4:1-18). Lutheran Christians believe that the sixth commandment, "you shall not commit adultery," means, "We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do; and husband and wife love and honor each other" (Luther's Small Catechism [CPH: 1986], p.10).
All of this is another way of stating the obvious: Men and women are not to live together as husband and wife, unless they actually are husband and wife. This is as true for 80-year-olds as it is for 18-year-olds. It is also true for the least in our society to the most powerful leader of the free world.
James D. Puttler, 1950
Why does the church care about what two consenting adults do?
The church cares because God cares. The Lord's Word is very clear in its condemnation of sexual activity outside of marriage. Consider these passages: "Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers... will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10).
"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people" (Eph. 5:3).
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauch .... .1 warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:19-21).
Why is living together such a serious problem?
Because God's Word clearly shows that it is sinful for couples to live together without marriage, people who persist in behavior that God rejects and condemns as sin are choosing a course that may lead to eternal punishment. God's Word is clear: "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left" (Heb. 10:26). And again, we read: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God.... The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life" (1 Thess. 4:3-7).
Isn't the church being "judgmental"?
The church is declaring the truth of God's Word. On behalf of Christ and His people, pastors have the responsibility to speak clearly to couples living together and to proclaim the Word of God to them, both Law and Gospel. It is never easy for a pastor, or a congregation, to deal with couples who are living together without marriage. It is important for both pastors and congregations to deal with these situations pastorally and faithfully, in a caring manner. Couples, and their parents, are tempted to say, "So what? Everyone else is doing it; and besides, we live in changing times." In proclaiming the truth of God's Word about these situations, the church is being faithful, not judgmental.
Shouldn't a couple find out if they are compatible?
Secular research has demonstrated that living together without marriage results in a relationship that it less stable and less fulfilling than marriage. Furthermore, couples who live together have a much higher risk of divorce when they finally do marry. Living together is a bad idea, even from a purely human perspective. One study notes, "Those who cohabited before marriage have substantially higher divorce rates than those who do not; the recorded differentials range from 50 percent to 100 percent higher" ("The Relationship Between Cohabitation and Divorce" [1992], Demography, 29:357-374). Studies conducted at Yale and Columbia Universities found that "the dissolution rate for women who cohabit premaritally with their future spouse is, on average, nearly 80 percent higher than the rates of those who do not" ("Commitment and the Modern Union," American Sociological/Review, [1988],53:127-138).
How does the church deal with these situations?
The church, and the church's pastors, will inform couples living together without marriage that what they are doing is sinful. These conversations will take place in a loving manner; but in faithfulness to the Word of God, such conversations need to take place. These situations cannot be ignored or overlooked. It may be necessary to place unmarried couples living together under church discipline in order to help them realize the seriousness of the situation. This response may offend people. They may become angry at the church, or the church's pastor. Sometimes an entire family is upset when a situation they have ignored is finally dealt with. The Word of God has a way of cutting through all issues and exposing our sinfulness. That is the work of the Law of God, which shows us our sin. Offending people is certainly not the church's goal, nor is it the church's desire only to have people recognize their sin. The church wants people to see their sin, so that they may see their Savior The proclamation of the Gospel is the church's highest priority. The church proclaims the Law of God so that people are able to hear and believe the good news that "The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). The church wants people to hear and believe the Gospel, for only the Gospel has the power to change lives and behavior for the better.
How can a couple living together resolve the situation?
A couple living together without marriage needs to take concrete steps to end the situation. They may choose to separate, with no plans for marriage. They may choose to separate until they are married-hopefully soon. It is important that they make a commitment to marriage counseling before their wedding, and perhaps also after their wedding. Some couples may choose to be married by an officer of the court. This is a completely valid marriage in the view of the church. Couples choosing this option are encouraged to have their marriage publicly recognized by the church as well. No matter what the decision, they will want to seek their pastor's counsel.
What is the ultimate solution to this problem?
There are many solutions we can identify. Christian families need to understand what is right and wrong. Early on, parents need to speak with their children about God's expectations in regard to marriage. Pastors and congregations will want to work patiently and lovingly with couples caught up in this sin. Concerned Christian congregations need to pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts and lives of those involved in this lifestyle in order to break down their resistance to God's Word. Christian congregations must not ignore the problem, but must deal with it faithfully. Congregations need to speak about this matter. Couples that recognize their sin need to hear God's comforting word of promise: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). If they choose to be married, they should do so with joyful confidence in God's forgiveness and His blessing on their marriage.
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version. c 1973, 1978,1984, by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Additional copies of this pamphlet may be obtained at no cost by calling Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3040 and requesting stock number S14945.
c 1998 The Office of the President The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 1333 South Kirkwood Road, St.Louis, Missouri 63122
What About the New Millennium?
As we approach the year 2001, the beginning of a new millennium, we hear more and more predictions about the end of the world. There is a great deal of confusion about the end of the world and what the new millennium might bring. What a blessing it is to have the Word of God to help us sort through the many speculations we hear about these things!
Will the world come to an end in the third millennium?
It is simply impossible to answer this question with either a definite "yes" or a definite "no" During his earthly ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ was asked when the end of the world would be. His answer was very clear. He said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt. 24:36). The Bible repeatedly warns us about trying to set a date for the return of Christ (Mark 13:32-33; 1 Thess. 5:1-3; 2 Pet. 3:10).We are not to speculate when Jesus will return. Rather, we are to be ready at all times for His return (Matt. 24:33,42-44; Luke 21:28; 1 Thess. 5:6).
What are the signs of the end times?
Every generation should expect Christ's return as they see the signs of the end times. The most important sign of the end is the preaching of the Gospel to all nations (Matt. 24:14; Mark 13:10). The time between Christ's birth and His return is the great missionary age - the time that God is calling all people to be saved. It is the time that was predicted by the Old Testament prophets (see Isa. 2:1-4; 42:6-7; 49:6; 52:10; Amos 9:11-12) end include wars, earthquakes, famines and widespread diseases. These are all indications of God's divine judgment. The Bible describes these signs in many places (see, for instance, Isa. 19:2; 2 Chron. 15:6; Matt. 24:6-8; Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:9-11,25-26; Joel 2:30-31). We are not to see every incident of natural disasters as a direct punishment from God (cf. Luke 13:1-5). The upheaval and troubles in the world of nature should always remind us that our present fallen world is under the curse of God on account of sin (Gen. 3:17; Rom. 8:19-22). These signs show us God's wrath and are signals to us that all sinners need to repent (Luke 13:3, 5; Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9). Christians especially are urged by God in His Word to regard these signs as "birth pangs" of a new and better world to come (Rom. 8:22; Matt. 24:8; Rev. 21:1-4). Believers in Christ can take comfort in God's promise to protect and preserve us even in the midst of suffering (Rev. 3:10; 7:3-4). Jesus warned us that trouble would lie ahead for His people (Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-20; 16:33). Because the world will continue to oppose the Kingdom of God, Christians can expect to suffer persecution in a variety of forms throughout the time between Christ's birth and His second coming. It is for this reason that God calls on us to endure to the end, and gives us the strength to do so (Mall. 24:9; Mark 13:9-13; Luke 21:12-19).
What will happen when Christ returns?
The Bible teaches that the following events will take place when Jesus returns:
1. Christ will come visibly and all people will see Him (Acts 1:11; Mall. 24:27,30; Luke 17:22- Other signs that the world will come to an 24,21:27,35; Mark 13:24-26; 14:62; Rev. 1:7).
2. Christ will come in glory surrounded by His angels (Matt. 13:39-43,49; 16:27; 24:30-31; 25:31; 2 Thess. 1:7; Rev. 19:11-14; Titus 2:13; Jude 14,21; 1 Pet. 4:13; Zech. 14:3).
3. When Christ returns, a bodily resurrection of all the dead will take place. Believers will be raised to salvation and unbelievers to damnation (John 5:27-29; 6:39-40,44, 54; Rev~20:11-15; 1 Cor. 15:12-57; Dan. 12:12). All believers, both the dead and the living, will be "caught up" to "meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess. 4:13-17). Death will be destroyed (1 Cor. 15:26,54-57; Rev. 20:14).
4. When Christ returns, He will judge all people, both the living and the dead (Matt. 25:31-46; John 5:27; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16; 2 Tim. 4:1,8; Jude 14-15; Rev.20:11-15). Believers will receive eternal salvation and unbelievers eternal damnation(Matt. 25:31-46; 1 Pet. 1:4-5, 7; 5:4; 1 John 3:2; Heb. 9:28; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Thess. 1:6-10). Satan and Antichrist will be destroyed (2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 12:10-11).
5. When Christ returns, a "new heavens and a new earth" will be created (2 Pet. 3:10-13). Nowhere, however, do the Scriptures teach that at His return Christ will establish a this-worldly, political kingdom or "millennium"
What is Millennialism?
Millennialism describes a variety of erroneous speculations about a supposed 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ, here on earth, during which there will be perfect peace and the complete victory of the church on earth. These views err in that they place too much emphasis on highly figurative language in certain portions of the Bible.
Dispensational Pre Millennialism divides God's dealings with our world into seven distinct "Dispensations:" From the age of innocence before the Fall, to the Millennial Kingdom, this theory holds that God is working through periods of history, culminating in a series of dramatic battles on earth, after which Christ will return in glory, destroy all His enemies, and establish a 1,000-year reign on earth of prosperity and peace, with worship centered around a rebuilt new temple in Jerusalem.
Historic Pre millennialism is the view that the return of Christ will be a one-time event following a period of intense suffering and tribulation. Christians will be resurrected from the dead and those still living will join Christ, who will destroy the Antichrist and Satan, and will begin a 1,000-year reign on earth. During this 1,000 years, there will be perfect tranquillity and peace. After the 1,000 years is over, Satan will be let loose for a little while and then the end will come in one last great battle. After that, the judgment will begin, sending people either to heaven or hell for all eternity.
Postmillennialism is the theory that after a 1,000-year period of peace and tranquillity, Christ will return, and the resurrection of all the dead will take place. Postmillennialists do not believe that the 1,000 years will be a literal 1,000 years, but it does claim that there will be a distinct period of peace and prosperity for the church before the return of Christ.
Amillennialism, however, is the teaching that there will be no millennium of perfect peace on earth before or after Christ's second coming. The Lutheran church, on the basis of the Bible, holds to this point of view. The Bible does not teach that there will be a definite 1,000-year period of time during which Christ will reign on earth visibly. Christ Himself said, "My kingdom is not of this world"(John 18:36); furthermore, the Bible clearly teaches that we Christians are looking for "new heaven and a new earth" (2 Pet. 3:13)-not an era of prosperity on the present earth.
What are Christians to be doing as the new millennium approaches?
God wants all people to come to believe and trust in His Son for their salvation and to lead holy lives in service to Him, eagerly awaiting with patience and perseverance His return on the last day (Rom. 13:12-14; Titus 2:1-13; 1 Pet. 1:13-15; 2 Pet. 3:11-12; 1 John 3:2-3; 1 Tim. 6:14; Matt. 25:14-30).
Our Lord says to us: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (Matt. 24:42). This is a constant theme in Scripture. St. Paul writes, "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled"(1 Thess. 5:6).
The Apostle Peter describes what Christians are to be doing: "In keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him" (2 Pet. 3:13-14).
As the end of the world draws closer, each day the Lord gives us is one more day to serve Him and to be a part of the great effort to proclaim the Gospel. This is the great mission Christ has given His church: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20). Our Lord promises to be with us until the end of the world (Matt. 28:20), as we continue to tell the good news about Jesus (Acts 8:35).
Finally, our Lord wants us to be watchful for His coming. We have the assurance that because of His death and resurrection for us, we have the full and free forgiveness of our sins. We may not know all the details about the end of the world, but we do not need to be anxious about them. Nor should we get all caught up in speculation about the end times. We live in the great period of the now and the "not yet." We have salvation in Christ right now. But we do not yet have the final blessing of our salvation: life forever with the Lord in heaven. Though we do not know when our Lord will return, we are able to look forward to His return with confident hope and joy (Rev. 22:20): "Yes, I am coming soon: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"
For further study Much of the information contained in this pamphlet is based on the excellent study from The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations titled, "The End Times: A Study on Eschatology and Millennialism"[September 1989]. You may purchase a copy from Concordia Publishing House.
Additional copies of this pamphlet may be obtained at no cost by calling Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3040 and requesting stock number S14946.
c 1998 The Office of the President The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 1333 South Kirkwood Rood, St. Louis, Missouri 63122
God's Love-God's Faithfulness
God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world.
John 3:16-17
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can't be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation.
Romans 8: 38-39
Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God's love for us.
Romans 5: 8
God our Father loved us and by his kindness gave us everlasting encouragement and good hope.
II Thessalonians 2: 16
This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins.
I John 4: 10
God's Forgiveness
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through Christ, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer. Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence. Because of his love he had already decided to adopt us through Jesus Christ He freely chose to do this so that the kindness he had given us in his dear Son would be praised and given glory. Through the blood of his Son, we're set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness.
Ephesians 1: 3-7
God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves. His Son paid the price to free us, which means that our sins are forgiven.
Colossians 1: 13-14
God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong.
I John 1:9
"In addition, all the prophets testify that people who believe in the one named Jesus receive forgiveness for their sins through him."
Acts 10:43
"Blessed are those whose disobedience is forgiven and whose sins are pardoned. Blessed is the person whom the Lord no longer considers sinful."
Romans 4:7-8
God's Salvation
Then whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:21
No one else can save us. Indeed, we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus...
Acts 4:12
I'm not ashamed of the Good News. It is God's power to save everyone who believes, Jews first and Greeks as well God's approval is revealed in this Good News. This approval begins and ends with faith as Scripture says, "The person who has God's approval will live by faith."
Romans 1: 16-17
It was not God's intention that we experience his anger but that we obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5: 9
God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world.
John 3:17
He wants all people to be saved and to learn the truth. There is one God. There is also one mediator between God and humans-a human, Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for all people to free them from their sins.
I Timothy 2:4-6
Real Peace-Now and Forever!
"I've told you this so that my peace will be with you. In the world you'll have trouble. But cheer up! I [Jesus] have overcome the world."
John 16:33
Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. Practice what you've learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9
Suddenly, a large army of angels appeared with the angel. They were praising God by saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will!"
Luke 2:13-14
"I'm leaving you peace. I'm giving you my peace. I [Jesus] don't give you the kind of peace that the world gives. So don't be troubled or cowardly."
John 14:27
Real Hope-Real Confidence!
Now that we have God's approval by faith, we have peace with God because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done. Through Christ we can approach God and stand in his favor. So we brag because of our confidence that we will receive glory from God. But that's not all. We also brag when we are suffering. We know that suffering creates endurance, endurance creates character, and character creates confidence. We're not ashamed to have this confidence, because God's love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
We have this confidence as a sure and strong anchor for our lives. This confidence goes into the holy place behind the curtain where Jesus went before us on our behalf.
Hebrews 6:19
Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually
Romans 12: 12
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has given us a new birth because of his great mercy. We have been born into a new life that has a confidence which is alive because Jesus Christ has come back to life. We have been born into a new life which has an inheritance that can't be destroyed or corrupted and can't fade away.
I Peter 1:3-4
Then you will have deeper insight. You will know the confidence that he calls you to have and the glorious wealth that God's people will inherit.
Ephesians 1: 18
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in our prayers for you. We thank God because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people. You have these because of the hope which is kept safe for you in heaven. Some time ago you heard about this hope in the Good News which is the message of truth. This Good News is present with you now. It's producing results and spreading all over the world as it did among you from the first day you heard it. At that time you came to know what God's kindness truly means.
Colossians 1: 3-6
May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15: 13
God did this so that we would be encouraged. God cannot lie when he takes an oath or makes a promise. These two things can never be changed. Those of us who have taken refuge in him hold on to the confidence we have been given. We have this confidence as a sure and strong anchor for our lives.
Hebrews 6: 18-19
Real Joy!
The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy. Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born...
Luke 2: 10-11
That inheritance is kept in heaven for you, since you are guarded by God's power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time.
You are extremely happy about these things, even though you have to suffer different kinds of trouble for a little while now. Although you have never seen Christ, you love him. You don't see him now, but you believe in him. You are extremely happy with joy and praise that can hardly be expressed in words as you obtain the salvation that is the goal of your faith.
1 Peter 1: 4b-6, 8-9
May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
Romans 15: 13
God can guard you so that you don't fall and so that you can be full of joy as you stand in his glorious presence without fault
Jude 24
Encouragement When Anxious or Impatient
Never worry about anything But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. See how farmers wait for their precious crops to grow. They wait patiently for fall and spring rains. You, too, must be patient Don't give up hope. The Lord will soon be here.
Brothers and sisters, follow the example of the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. They were patient when they suffered unjustly. We consider those who endure to be blessed. You have heard about Job's endurance. You saw that the Lord ended lob's suffering because the Lord is compassionate and merciful
James 5:7-8,10-11
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat or wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes.
"Can any of you add an hour to your life by worrying? "Don't concern yourself about what you will eat or drink. Quit worrying about these things. Rather, be concerned about his [God's] kingdom. Then these things will be provided for you.
Luke 12: 22-23, 25, 29, 31
I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me and heard my cry for help. He pulled me out of a horrible pit out of the mud and clay. He set my feet on a rock and made my steps secure.
Psalm 40:1-2
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God...
Romans 8:28
Trust the LORD, and do good things. Live in the land, and practice being faithful. Be happy with the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Entrust your ways to the LORD. Trust him, and he will act on your behalf. He will make your righteousness shine like a light, your just cause like the noonday sun. Surrender yourself to the LORD, and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37:37a
Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually.
Romans 12:12
We ask him to strengthen you by his glorious might with all the power you need to patiently endure everything with joy.
Colossians 1: 11
Encouragement When Discouraged
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, 0 Go4 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When may I come to see God's face? My tears are my food day and night. People ask me all day long, "Where is your God?"
I will remember these things as I pour out my soul: how I used to walk with the crowd and lead it in a procession to God's house. I sang songs of joy and thanksgiving while crowds of people celebrated a festival.
Why are you discouraged, my soul? Why are you so restless?
Put your hope in God, because I will still praise him. He is my savior and my God.
Psalm 42: 1-5
Dear friends, even though we say these things, we are still convinced that better things are in store for you and that they will save you. God is fair. He won't forget what you've done or the love you have shown for him. You helped his holy people, and you continue to help them.
Hebrews 6:9-10
God our Father loved us and by his kindness gave us everlasting encouragement and good hope. Together with our Lord Jesus Christ, may he encourage and strengthen you to do and say everything that's good.
II Thessalonians 2: 16-17
Turn your burdens over to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will never let the righteous person stumble.
Psalm 55:22
What can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us? God didn't spare his own Son but handed him over to death for all of us. So he will also give us everything along with him. Who will accuse those whom God has chosen? God has approved of them. Who will condemn them? Christ has died, and more importantly he was brought back to life. Christ has the highest position in heaven. Christ also intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or violent death separate us from his love? As Scripture says: "We are being killed all day long because of you. We are thought of as sheep to be slaughtered."
The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties. I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can't be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation.
Romans 8: 31-39
"I've told you this so that my peace will be with you. In the world you'll have trouble. But cheer up! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33