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March - 2009 - July
| News and Notes - CONVENTION REMINDER |
| Psalm 146 ------ Prayer for Grace to be led into all truth - TLH |
| Apology of the Augsburg Confession - Article 5 [first part] |
| 2009 Delegate Convention Report |
| 2009 Convention President's Report |
| 2009 Convention Lutheran Reformation Hour Report |
| Hymn 425 ------- Prayer for Our Country - TLH |
~ NEWS and NOTES ~
Eternal Savior Ev. Lutheran Church in Arbor Vitae, WI
Infant Baptism: Isaiah William Yeomans, born to Dave and Julie Yeomans, was baptized in the Name of the Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Ghost before the congregation on March 8, 2009.
Confirmation: Anna Jean Yeomans was confirmed in the Holy Christian Faith before the congregation on May 24, 2009 and received into communicant membership.
Adult Baptism: Mr. Clive William Dutson was baptized in the Name of the Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Ghost before the congregation on May 31, 2009 and received into communicant membership.
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Our Savior's Ev. Lutheran Church
in Morris, IL
will be hosting the 2010 delegate convention.
Dates are set for
June 16, 2010
(pastors) and
June 17-18, 2010
(for delegates and pastors)
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(Psalm 146)
1 ¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
2 While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
5 ¶ Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:
9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
10 The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.
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FOR GRACE TO BE LED INTO ALL TRUTH (50)
[TLH p.107]
Enlighten our minds, we beseech Thee, O God, by the Spirit which proceedeth from Thee, that, as Thy Son hath promised, we may be led into all truth; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord.
Amen.
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Article V (IV II): Of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law.
1] Here the adversaries urge against us: If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments, Matt. 19:17; likewise: The doers of the Law shall be justified, Rom. 2:13, and many other like things concerning the Law and works. Before we reply to this, we must first declare what we believe concerning love and the fulfilling of the Law.
2] It is written in the prophet, Jer. 31:33: I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts. And in Rom. 3:31, Paul says: Do we, then, make void the Law through faith? God forbid! Yea, we establish the Law. And Christ says, Matt. 19:17: If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Likewise, 1 Cor. 13:3: If I have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 3] These and similar sentences testify that the Law ought to be begun in us, and be kept by us more and more [that we are to keep the Law when we have been justified by faith, and thus increase more and more in the Spirit]. Moreover, we speak not of ceremonies, but of that Law which gives commandment concerning the movements of the heart, namely, the Decalog. 4] Because, indeed, faith brings the Holy Ghost, and produces in hearts a new life, it is necessary that it should produce spiritual movements in hearts. And what these movements are, the prophet, Jer. 31:33 shows, when he says: I will put My Law into their inward parts, and write it in their hearts. Therefore, when we have been justified by faith and regenerated, we begin to fear and love God, to pray to Him, to expect from Him aid, to give thanks and praise Him, and to obey Him in afflictions. We begin also to love our neighbors, because our hearts have spiritual and holy movements [there is now, through the Spirit of Christ a new heart, mind, and spirit within].
5] These things cannot occur until we have been justified by faith, and, regenerated, we receive the Holy Ghost: first, because the Law cannot 6] be kept without [the knowledge of] Christ; and likewise the Law cannot be kept without the Holy Ghost. But the Holy Ghost is received by faith, according to the declaration of Paul, Gal. 3:14: That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 7] Then, too, how can the human heart love God while it knows that He is terribly angry, and is oppressing us with temporal and perpetual calamities? But the Law always accuses us, always shows that God is angry. [Therefore, what the scholastics say of the love of God is a dream.] 8] God therefore is not loved until we apprehend mercy by faith. Not until then does He become a lovable object.
9] Although, therefore, civil works, i.e., the outward works of the Law, can be done, in a measure, without Christ and without the Holy Ghost [from our inborn light], nevertheless it appears from what we have said that those things which belong peculiarly to the divine Law, i.e., the affections of the heart towards God, which are commanded in the first table, cannot be rendered without the Holy Ghost. 10] But our adversaries are fine theologians; they regard the second table and political works; for the first table [in which is contained the highest theology, on which all depends] they care nothing, as though it were of no matter; or certainly they require only outward observances. They in no way consider the Law that is eternal, and placed far above the sense and intellect of all creatures [which concerns the very Deity, and the honor of the eternal Majesty], Deut. 6:5: Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with all thine heart. [This they treat as such a paltry small matter as if it did not belong to theology.]
11] But Christ was given for this purpose, namely, that for His sake there might be bestowed on us the remission of sins, and the Holy Ghost to bring forth in us new and eternal life, and eternal righteousness [to manifest Christ in our hearts, as it is written John 16:15: He shall take of the things of Mine, and show them unto you. Likewise, He works also other gifts, love, thanksgiving, charity, patience, etc.]. Wherefore the Law cannot be truly kept unless the Holy Ghost be received through faith. Accordingly, Paul says that the Law is established by faith, and not made void; because the Law can only then be thus kept when the Holy Ghost is given. 12] And Paul teaches 2 Cor. 3:15 sq., the veil that covered the face of Moses cannot be removed except by faith in Christ, by which the Holy Ghost is received. For he speaks thus: But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 13] Paul understands by the veil the human opinion concerning the entire Law, the Decalog and the ceremonies, namely, that hypocrites think that external and civil works satisfy the Law of God, and that sacrifices and observances justify before God ex opere operato. 14] But then this veil is removed from us, i.e., we are freed from this error when God shows to our hearts our uncleanness and the heinousness of sin. Then, for the first time, we see that we are far from fulfilling the Law. Then we learn to know how flesh, in security and indifference, does not fear God, and is not fully certain that we are regarded by God, but imagines that men are born and die by chance. Then we experience that we do not believe that God forgives and hears us. But when, on hearing the Gospel and the remission of sins, we are consoled by faith, we receive the Holy Ghost so that now we are able to think aright concerning God, and to fear and believe God, etc. From these facts it is apparent that the Law cannot be kept without Christ and the Holy Ghost.
15] We, therefore, profess that it is necessary that the Law be begun in us, and that it be observed continually more and more. And at the same time we comprehend both spiritual movements and external good works [the good heart within and works without]. Therefore the adversaries falsely charge against us that our theologians do not teach good works while they not only require these, but also show how they can be done [that the heart must enter into these works, lest they be mere, lifeless, cold works of hypocrites]. 16] The result convicts hypocrites, who by their own powers endeavor to fulfil the Law, that they cannot accomplish 17] what they attempt. [For are they free from hatred, envy, strife, anger, wrath, avarice, adultery, etc.? Why, these vices were nowhere greater than in the cloisters and sacred institutes.] For human nature is far too weak to be able by its own powers to resist the devil, who holds as captives all who have not been freed through faith. 18] There is need of the power of Christ against the devil, namely, that, inasmuch as we know that for Christ's sake we are heard, and have the promise, we may pray for the governance and defense of the Holy Ghost, that we may neither be deceived and err, nor be impelled to undertake anything contrary to God's will. [Otherwise we should, every hour, fall into error and abominable vices.] Just as Ps. 68:18 teaches: Thou hast led captivity captive; Thou hast received gifts for man. For Christ has overcome the devil, and has given to us the promise and the Holy Ghost, in order that, by divine aid, we ourselves also may overcome. And 1 John 3:8: For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 19] Again, we teach not only how the Law can be observed, but also how God is pleased if anything be done, namely, not because we render satisfaction to the Law, but because we are in Christ, as we shall say after a little. It is, therefore, manifest that we require good works. 20] Yea, we add also this, that it is impossible for love to God, even though it be small, to be sundered from faith, because through Christ we come to the Father, and the remission of sins having been received, we now are truly certain that we have a God, i.e., that God cares for us; we call upon Him, we give Him thanks, we fear Him, we love Him as 1 John 4:19 teaches: We love Him, because He first loved us, namely, because He gave His Son for us, and forgave us our sins. Thus he indicates that faith precedes and love follows. 21] Likewise the faith of which we speak exists in repentance, i.e., it is conceived in the terrors of conscience, which feels the wrath of God against our sins, and seeks the remission of sins, and to be freed from sin. And in such terrors and other afflictions this faith ought to grow and be strengthened. Wherefore 22] it cannot exist in those who live according to the flesh who are delighted by their own lusts and obey them. Accordingly, Paul says, Rom. 8:1: There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. So, too, Rom 8:12-13: We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 23] Wherefore, the faith which receives remission of sins in a heart terrified and fleeing from sin does not remain in those who obey their desires, neither does it coexist with mortal sin.
24] From these effects of faith the adversaries select one, namely, love, and teach that love justifies. Thus it is clearly apparent that they teach only the Law. They do not teach that remission of sins through faith is first received. They do not teach of Christ as Mediator, that for Christ's sake we have a gracious God, but because of our love. And yet, what the nature of this love is they do not say, neither 25] can they say. They proclaim that they fulfil the Law, although this glory belongs properly to Christ; and they set against the judgment of God confidence in their own works; for they say that they merit de condigno (according to righteousness) grace and eternal life. This confidence is absolutely impious and vain. For in this life we cannot satisfy the Law, because carnal nature does not cease to bring forth wicked dispositions [evil inclination and desire], even though the Spirit in us resists them.
26] But some one may ask: Since we also confess that love is a work of the Holy Ghost, and since it is righteousness, because it is the fulfilling of the Law, why do we not teach that it justifies? To this we must reply: In the first place, it is certain that we receive remission of sins, neither through our love, nor for the sake of our love, but for Christ's sake, by faith alone. 27] Faith alone, which looks upon the promise, and knows that for this reason it must be regarded as certain that God forgives, because Christ has not died in vain, etc., overcomes the terrors of sin and death. 28] If any one doubts whether sins are remitted him, he dishonors Christ, since he judges that his sin is greater or more efficacious than the death and promise of Christ; although Paul says, Rom. 5:20: Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, i.e., that mercy is 29] more comprehensive [more powerful, richer, and stronger] than sin. If any one thinks that he obtains the remission of sins because he loves, he dishonors Christ and will discover in God's judgment that this confidence in his own righteousness is wicked and vain. Therefore it is necessary that faith [alone] reconciles and 30] justifies. And as we do not receive remission of sins through other virtues of the Law, or on account of these, namely, on account of patience, chastity, obedience towards magistrates, etc., and nevertheless these virtues ought to follow, so, too, we do not receive remission of sins because of love to God, although it is necessary that this should follow. 31] Besides, the custom of speech is well known that by the same word we sometimes comprehend by synecdoche the cause and effects. Thus in Luke 7:47 Christ says: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. For Christ interprets Himself [this very passage] when He adds: Thy faith hath saved thee. Christ, therefore, did not mean that the woman, by that work of love, had merited the remission of sins. For that is the reason He says: Thy faith hath saved thee. 32] But faith is that which freely apprehends God's mercy on account of God's Word [which relies upon God's mercy and Word, and not upon one's own work]. If any one denies that this is faith [if any one imagines that he can rely at the same time upon God and his own works], he does not understand at all 33] what faith is. [For the terrified conscience is not satisfied with its own works, but must cry after mercy, and is comforted and encouraged alone by God's Word.] And the narrative itself shows in this passage what that is which He calls love. The woman came with the opinion concerning Christ that with Him the remission of sins should be sought. This worship is the highest worship of Christ. Nothing greater could she ascribe to Christ. To seek from Him the remission of sins was truly to acknowledge the Messiah. Now, thus to think of Christ, thus to worship Him, thus to embrace Him, is truly to believe. Christ, moreover, employed the word "love" not towards the woman, but against the Pharisee, because He contrasted the entire worship of the Pharisee with the entire worship of the woman. He reproved the Pharisee because he did not acknowledge that He was the Messiah, although he rendered Him the outward offices due to a guest and a great and holy man. He points to the woman and praises her worship, ointment, tears, etc., all of which were signs of faith and a confession, namely, that with Christ she sought the remission of sins. It is indeed a great example, which, not without reason, moved Christ to reprove the Pharisee, who was a wise and honorable man, but not a believer. He charges him with impiety, and admonishes him by the example of the woman, showing thereby that it is disgraceful to him, that, while an unlearned woman believes God, he, a doctor of the Law, does not believe, does not acknowledge the Messiah, and does not seek from Him remission of sins and salvation. 34] Thus, therefore, He praises the entire worship [faith with its fruits, but towards the Pharisee He names only the fruits which prove to men that there is faith in the heart], as it often occurs in the Scriptures that by one word we embrace many things; as below we shall speak at greater length in regard to similar passages, such as Luke 11:41: Give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. He requires not only alms, but also the righteousness of faith. Thus He here says: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much, i.e., because she has truly worshiped Me with faith and the exercises and signs of faith. He comprehends the entire worship. Meanwhile He teaches this, that the remission of sins is properly received by faith, although love, confession, and other good fruits ought to follow. Wherefore He does not mean this, that these fruits are the price, or are the propitiation, because of which the remission of sins, which reconciles us to God, is given. 35] We are disputing concerning a great subject, concerning the honor of Christ, and whence good minds may seek for sure and firm consolation, whether confidence is to be placed 36] in Christ or in our works. Now, if it is to be placed in our works, the honor of Mediator and Propitiator will be withdrawn from Christ. And yet we shall find, in God's judgment, that this confidence is vain, and that consciences rush thence into despair. But if the remission of sins and reconciliation do not occur freely for Christ's sake, but for the sake of our love, no one will have remission of sins, unless when he has fulfilled the entire Law, because the Law does not justify as long as it can accuse us. 37] Therefore it is manifest that, since justification is reconciliation for Christ's sake, we are justified by faith, because it is very certain that by faith alone the remission of sins is received.
38] Now, therefore, let us reply to the objection which we have above stated: [Why does love not justify anybody before God?] The adversaries are right in thinking that love is the fulfilling of the Law, and obedience to the Law is certainly righteousness. [Therefore it would be true that love justifies us if we would keep the Law. But who in truth can say or boast that he keeps the Law, and loves God as the Law has commanded? We have shown above that God has made the promise of grace, because we cannot observe the Law. Therefore Paul says everywhere that we cannot be justified before God by the Law.] But they make a mistake in this that they think that we are justified by the Law. [The adversaries have to fail at this point, and miss the main issue, for in this business they only behold the Law. For all men's reason and wisdom cannot but hold that we must become pious by the Law, and that a person externally observing the Law is holy and pious. But the Gospel faces us about, directs us away from the Law to the divine promises, and teaches that we are not justified, etc.] Since, however, we are not justified by the Law [because no person can keep it], but receive remission of sins and reconciliation by faith for Christ's sake, and not for the sake of love or the fulfilling of the Law, it follows necessarily that we are justified by faith in Christ. [For before we fulfil one tittle of the Law, there must be faith in Christ by which we are reconciled to God and first obtain the remission of sin. Good God, how dare people call themselves Christians or say that they once at least looked into or read the books of the Gospel when they still deny that we obtain remission of sins by faith in Christ? Why, to a Christian it is shocking merely to hear such a statement.]
39] Again, [in the second place,] this fulfilling of the Law, or obedience towards the Law, is indeed righteousness, when it is complete; but in us it is small and impure. [For, although they have received the first-fruits of the Spirit, and the new, yea, the eternal life has begun in them, there still remains a remnant of sin and evil lust, and the Law still finds much of which it must accuse us.] Accordingly, it is not pleasing for its own sake, and is not accepted for its own sake. 40] But although from those things which have been said above it is evident that justification signifies not the beginning of the renewal, but the reconciliation by which also we afterwards are accepted, nevertheless it can now be seen much more clearly that the inchoate fulfilling of the Law does not justify, because it is accepted only on account of faith. [Trusting in our own fulfilment of the Law is sheer idolatry and blaspheming Christ, and in the end it collapses and causes our consciences to despair. Therefore, this foundation shall stand forever, namely, that for Christ's sake we are accepted with God, and justified by faith, not on account of our love and works. This we shall make so plain and certain that anybody may grasp it. As long as the heart is not at peace with God, it cannot be righteous; for it flees from the wrath of God, despairs, and would have God not to judge it. Therefore the heart cannot be righteous and accepted with God while it is not at peace with God. Now, faith alone makes the heart to be content, and obtains peace and life, Rom. 5:1, because it confidently and frankly relies on the promise of God for Christ's sake. But our works do not make the heart content, for we always find that they are not pure. Therefore it must follow that we are accepted with God, and justified by faith alone, when in our hearts we conclude that God desires to be gracious to us, not on account of our works and fulfilment of the Law, but from pure grace, for Christ's sake. What can our opponents bring forward against this argument? What can they invent and devise against the plain truth? For this is quite certain, and experience teaches forcibly enough, that when we truly feel the judgment and wrath of God, or become afflicted, our works and worship cannot set the heart at rest. Scripture indicates this often enough as in Ps. 143:2: Enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. Here he clearly shows that all the saints, all the pious children of God, who have the Holy Ghost, if God would not by grace forgive them their sin, still have remnants of sin in the flesh. For when David in another place, Ps. 7:8, says: Judge me O Lord, according to my righteousness, he refers to his cause, and not to his righteousness, and asks God to protect his cause and word, for he says: Judge, O Lord, my cause. Again, in Ps. 130:3 he clearly states that no person, not even the greatest saints, can bear God's judgment, if He were to observe our iniquity, as he says: If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquity, O Lord, who shall stand? And thus says, Job 9:28: I was afraid of all my works (Engl. vers., sorrows). Likewise Job 9:30: If I wash myself with snow-water, and make my hands never so clean, yet shalt Thou plunge me in the ditch. And Prov. 20:9: Who can say, I have made my heart clean? And 1 John 1:8: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. And in the Lord's Prayer the saints ask for the forgiveness of sins. Therefore even the saints have guilt and sins. Again, in Num. 14:18: The innocent will not be innocent. And Zechariah 2:13, says: Be silent O all flesh, before the Lord. And Isaiah 40:6 sqq.: All flesh is grass, i.e., flesh and righteousness of the flesh cannot endure the judgment of God. And Jonah says, 2:8: They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. Therefore, pure mercy preserves us; our own works, merits, endeavors, cannot preserve us. These and similar declarations in the Scriptures testify that our works are unclean, and that we need mercy. Wherefore works do not render consciences pacified, but only mercy apprehended by faith does.] Nor must we trust that we are accounted righteous before God by our own perfection and fulfilling of the Law, but rather for Christ's sake.
41] First [in the third place], because Christ does not cease to be Mediator after we have been renewed. They err who imagine that He has merited only a first grace, and that afterwards we please God and merit eternal life by our fulfilling of the Law. 42] Christ remains Mediator, and we ought always to be confident that for His sake we have a reconciled God, even although we are unworthy. As Paul clearly teaches when he says [By whom also we have access to God, Rom. 5:2. For our best works, even after the grace of the Gospel has been received, as I stated, are still weak and not at all pure. For sin and Adam's fall are not such a trifling thing as reason holds or imagines; it exceeds the reason and thought of all men to understand what a horrible wrath of God has been handed on to us by that disobedience. There occurred a shocking corruption of the entire human nature, which no work of man, but only God Himself, can restore], 1 Cor. 4:4: I know nothing by myself, yet am I not hereby justified, but he knows that by faith he is accounted righteous for Christ's sake, according to the passage: Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, Ps. 32:1; Rom. 4:7. [Therefore we need grace, and the gracious goodness of God, and the forgiveness of sin, although we have done many good works.] But this remission is always received by faith. Likewise, the imputation of the righteousness of the Gospel is from the promise; therefore it is always received by faith, and it always must be regarded certain that by faith we are, 43] for Christ's sake, accounted righteous. If the regenerate ought afterwards to think that they will be accepted on account of the fulfilling of the Law, when would conscience be certain that it pleased God, since we never satisfy the Law? 44] Accordingly, we must always recur to the promise; by this our infirmity must be sustained, and we must regard it as certain that we are accounted righteous for the sake of Christ, who is ever at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us, Rom. 8:34. If any one think that he is righteous and accepted on account of his own fulfilment of the Law, and not on account of Christ's promise, he dishonors this High Priest. Neither can it be understood how one could imagine that man is righteous before God when Christ is excluded as Propitiator and Mediator.
45] Again [in the fourth place], what need is there of a long discussion? [If we were to think that, after we have come to the Gospel and are born again, we were to merit by our works that God be gracious to us, not by faith, conscience would never find rest, but would be driven to despair. For the Law unceasingly accuses us, since we never can satisfy the Law.] All Scripture, all the Church cries out that the Law cannot be satisfied. Therefore this inchoate fulfilment of the Law does not please on its own account, but on account 46] of faith in Christ. Otherwise the Law always accuses us. For who loves or fears God sufficiently? Who with sufficient patience bears the afflictions imposed by God? Who does not frequently doubt whether human affairs are ruled by God's counsel or by chance? Who does not frequently doubt whether he be heard by God? Who is not frequently enraged because the wicked enjoy a better lot than the pious, because the pious are oppressed by the wicked? Who does satisfaction to his own calling? Who loves his neighbor as himself? Who is not tempted 47] by lust? Accordingly, Paul says, Rom. 7:19: The good that I would I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do. Likewise Rom 7:25: With the mind I myself serve the Law of God, but with the flesh, the law of sin. Here he openly declares that he serves the law of sin. And David says, Ps. 143:2: Enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. Here even a servant of God prays for the averting of judgment. Likewise Ps. 32:2: Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity. Therefore, in this our infirmity there is always present sin, which could be imputed, and of which he says a little while after, Ps. 32:6: For this shall every one that is godly pray unto Thee. Here he shows that even saints ought to seek remission 48] of sins. More than blind are those who do not perceive that wicked desires in the flesh are sins, of which Paul, Gal. 5:17, says: The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. 49] The flesh distrusts God, trusts in present things, seeks human aid in calamities, even contrary to God's will, flees from afflictions, which it ought to bear because of God's commands, doubts concerning God's mercy, etc. The Holy Ghost in our hearts contends with such dispositions [with Adam's sin] in order to suppress and mortify them [this poison of the old Adam, this desperately wicked disposition], 50] and to produce new spiritual movements. But concerning this topic we will collect more testimonies below, although they are everywhere obvious not only in the Scriptures, but also in the holy Fathers.
51] Well does Augustine say: All the commandments of God are fulfilled when whatever is not done, is forgiven. Therefore he requires faith even in good works [which the Holy Spirit produces in us], in order that we may believe that for Christ's sake we please God, and that even the works are not of 52] themselves worthy and pleasing. And Jerome, against the Pelagians, says: Then, therefore, we are righteous when we confess that we are sinners, and that our righteousness consists not in our own merit, but in God's mercy. 53] Therefore, in this inchoate fulfilment of the Law, faith ought to be present, which is certain that for Christ's sake we have a reconciled God. For mercy cannot be apprehended unless by faith, as has been repeatedly said above. [Therefore those who teach that we are not accepted by faith for Christ's sake, but for the sake of our own works, lead consciences into despair.] 54] Wherefore, when Paul says, Rom. 3:31: We establish the Law through faith, by this we ought to understand, not only that those regenerated by faith receive the Holy Ghost, and have movements agreeing with God's Law, but it is by far of the greatest importance that we add also this, that we ought to perceive that we are far distant from the perfection of the Law. 55] Wherefore we cannot conclude that we are accounted righteous before God because of our fulfilling of the Law, but in order that the conscience may become tranquil, justification must be sought elsewhere. For we are not righteous before God as long as we flee from God's judgment, and are angry with God. 56] Therefore we must conclude that, being reconciled by faith, we are accounted righteous for Christ's sake, not for the sake of the Law or our works, but that this inchoate fulfilling of the Law pleases on account of faith, and that, on account of faith, there is no imputation of the imperfection of the fulfilling of the Law, even though the sight of our impurity terrifies us. Now, if justification is to be sought elsewhere, our love 57] and works do not therefore justify. Far above our purity, yea, far above the Law itself, ought to be placed the death and satisfaction of Christ, presented to us that we might be sure that because of this satisfaction, and not because of our fulfilling of the Law, we have a gracious God.
58] Paul teaches this in Gal. 3:13, when he says: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us, i.e., the Law condemns all men, but Christ, because without sin He has borne the punishment of sin, and been made a victim for us, has removed that right of the Law to accuse and condemn those who believe in Him, because He Himself is the propitiation for them for whose sake we are now accounted righteous. But since they are accounted righteous, the Law cannot accuse or condemn them, even though they have not actually satisfied the Law. To the same purport he writes to the Colossians 2:10: Ye are complete in Him, as though he were to say: Although ye are still far from the perfection of the Law, yet the remnants of sin do not condemn you, because for Christ's sake we have a sure and firm reconciliation, if you believe, even though sin inhere in your flesh.
59] The promise ought always to be in sight that God, because of His promise, wishes for Christ's sake, and not because of the Law or our works, to be gracious and to justify. In this promise timid consciences ought to seek reconciliation and justification; by this promise they ought to sustain themselves and be confident that for Christ's sake, because of His promise, they have a gracious God. Thus works can never render a conscience pacified, 60] but only the promise can. If, therefore, justification and peace of conscience must be sought elsewhere than in love and works, love and works do not justify, although they are virtues and pertain to the righteousness of the Law, in so far as they are a fulfilling of the Law. So far also this obedience of the Law justifies by the righteousness of the Law. But this imperfect righteousness of the Law is not accepted by God, unless on account of faith. Accordingly it does not justify, i.e., it neither reconciles, nor regenerates, nor by itself renders us accepted before God.
61] From this it is evident that we are justified before God by faith alone [i.e., it obtains the remission of sins and grace for Christ's sake, and regenerates us. Likewise, it is quite clear that by faith alone the Holy Ghost is received, again, that our works and this inchoate fulfilling of the Law do not by themselves please God. Now, even if I abound in good works like Paul or Peter, I must seek my righteousness elsewhere, namely, in the promise of the grace of Christ; again, if only faith calms the conscience, it must, indeed, be certain that only faith justifies before God. For, if we wish to teach correctly, we must adhere to this, that we are accepted with God, not on account of the Law, not on account of works, but for Christ's sake. For the honor, due Christ, must not be given to the Law or our miserable works.] because by faith alone we receive remission of sins and reconciliation, because reconciliation or justification is a matter promised for Christ's sake, and not for the sake of the Law. Therefore it is received by faith alone, although, when the Holy Ghost is given, the fulfilling of the Law follows.
[This section is quite indepth and will be continued in following issues]
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~~~ OFFICIAL [condensed] REPORT ~~~
for:
The 31st Annual ILC Delegate Convention
Hosted by:
Grace Ev. Lutheran Church of New Lenox, IL
Dale Schilling - Pastor
[with approved educational materials list added]
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[day 1] THURSDAY June 18, 2009
About 9:00 a.m.: opening worship service, conducted by Pastor Schilling. Sermon on Joshua 24:14-15 with the theme: "Fear God, Serve God, Choose God".
- 29 souls present - delegates, guests, women, and children.
After a quick recess to set up, the meeting opened with 3 pastors and 7 delegates present; and 5 women sitting in.
Conference Reports:
- President Pr. Latsch read his report which was accepted by all. [attached following these notes]
- Secretary Mr. Yeomans read the 2008 Convention report.
- The ILC financial statement was presented via Mr. Randy Pedersen. Short discussion RE: "alloted" vs. "expended". Acceptance was moved and passed.
- Missionary at Large:
Pastor Latsch notes that the office is still vacant at this time but let us remember we are still all witnesses for Christ.
- Visitor: (via Pr. Latsch) Pastor Finke didn't report any calls.
- Lutheran Reformation Hour sent a report:
[attached following these notes]
- Lutheran Theological Studies Center:
It is noted that Mr. Randy Pedersen is the only active student at this time.
- Illinois Lutheran Conference Website:
A brief report was given stating basic information regarding usage stats, updates, costs, etc. and noting that previously planned additions and updates are still pending.
Since the lunch being catered in was late in arriving, all voted to delay the break and press on with business.
- Congregational reports:
~ Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Midland, MI:
They are meeting at the parsonage; they make CD's each week to send out; 5 communicant members. They are now doing [worship service via] conference calling each Sunday morning.
~ Eternal Savior Ev. Luth. Church in Arbor Vitae, WI: reported they are still meeting at the Bolger Funeral Chapel in Woodruff, WI. Average of 22 souls in regular attendance - sometimes 1 or 2 visitors; 17 communicants (14 regularly); 2 confirmations; 1 adult baptism; 1 infant baptism; no confirmation students currently (2 will start in Fall); 6 children attend Sunday School. Weekly worship services are followed by Sunday School and any other classes, then Adult Bible Study - currently going through Ephesians.
~ Grace Ev. Lutheran Church of New Lenox, IL:
Average attendance: 42; communion: 27; Sunday School: 7; Bible Class: 10; 2 in confirmation class. Still meeting at the Lions Community Center, New Lenox as their building plans are not yet solidified. 2 funerals: 1 member who was in convalescent care, Jim Hofer, passed away, and also Phil Grakauskas. Visits to the sick are made.
~ Our Savior's Ev. Lutheran Church in Morris, IL:
Average attendance: 20; communion: 15; Sunday School: 2; Bible class: 8; and 4 in confirmation class, and 1 baptism. Building roof is still "being" fixed. New furnace was installed. Some visitations to sick are also made.
~ Reformation Lutheran Church in Tinley Park, IL:
Meeting at LaQuinta Inn. Average attendance: 12; infrequent visitors; 10 regular communicants; 2 confirmands.
~ St. James Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Columbia Falls, MT:
As noted in agenda: Effective January 18, 2009 : All the members of St. James Lutheran Church that relocated to Arbor Vitae, WI have transferred membership, to Eternal Savior Ev. Luth Church.
~ Trinity Lutheran Church of Ballwin, MO:
Sent a report stating: weekly attendance is usually 20-25, comprised of 12-16 adults and 6-10 children. Usually 10-12 communicants. About 7-9 Adult Bible Study attendees and 4-6 children in Sunday School. There was 1 baptism in September 2008. The church meets every week. Pastor Schilling visits every two months and they use CD's or read sermons for the other weeks with the men alternating responsibilities for teaching and conducting the services.
~ California mission endeavor:
Three souls meet every week for worship using CD service recordings - plus participating in conference-call [worship] services with Pastor Sempert.
Just about 1:00 lunch was ready.
After lunch meeting resumed with the singing of Hymn 14.
It was moved and passed to have open floor discussions instead of committees:
Doctrine: No controversies for the Conference to discuss at this time.
Education: The education committee report from 1997 (revised 2005), the list of approved educational teaching materials recommended, was handed out with an additional item page.
Motion was made and passed to print the list of materials (and additional book) in the ILC Journal, noting the approved copyright dates, as newer updated copies use modern bible translations and should be avoided.
~ Level I, Primary or Preschool thru grade two:
"A Child's Garden of Bible Stories" and accompanying work sheets.
[copyright 1948 - scarce but used copies can be found.]
~ Level II, grades three thru six:
"One Hundred Bible Stories and accompanying workbooks and sheets.
[copyright 1950,1966 - scarce but used copies can be found.]
~ Level III, grades seven and eight: "Advanced Bible History" with accompanying workbooks and teacher's edition (or guide).
[copyright 1936 - New reprints available from Anchor Publications - used original copies can be found.]
~ Addition to approved materials: "Comprehensive Bible History"
[being reprinted by Anchor Publications - original printing by Concordia Publishing House, 1918]
Missions: Motion was passed to send $1000 gift to LRH.
Budget: Motion was made to keep the same budget as last year - all in favor.
Some discussion followed regarding the possibility that the ILC copier may need replacement soon. [It was deemed unnecessary to amend the budget as the potential purchase would likely be well below the amount allowed by simple agreement of the executive officers.]
Pastor Latsch presented a discussion guide on "Saints"
The day's meeting closed about 3:45 p.m. with Hymn 261 and prayer.
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[day 2] FRIDAY June 19, 2009
About 9:00 a.m. Meeting opened with singing of Hymn #30 and unison reading of Psalm 51.
Previous day's notes were read and accepted with a minor amendment.
Our Savior's Church in Morris, IL will host 2010 delegate convention.
Dates are set for
June 16, 2010 (pastors) and
June 17-18, 2010 (for delegates and pastors).
Papers for the 2010 convention:
1) Pastor Sempert volunteers to present a paper - RE: the large catechism.
2) Pastor Latsch volunteers a paper - RE: Islam.
Motion passed to retain current officers in their positions.
The ILC officers listing remains as follows:
Casuistry: Short discussion regarding wine at the Lord's Supper - clarification on use of wine in the Sacrament.
Motion made and passed to extend official thanks to Grace Ev. Lutheran Church of New Lenox for hosting this year's conference.
Meeting notes were reviewed and accepted.
Closing was about 10 a.m. with prayer, singing of Hymn 658, and benediction.
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ILLINOIS LUTHERAN CONFERENCE
President's report, 2009
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Another year has passed and there have been no major problems or developments in our Conference that I have to report. However, during the past year we have all witnessed many changes in our country and the rest of the world. Just to cite a few: we've seen changes in weather patterns, changes in civil government leadership, changes in what society deems right and wrong, and changes in churches as more and more of God's Word is ignored, altered, or thrown out. Nevertheless, through it all we have an unchanging God, for He says: "I am the LORD, I change not." (Malachi 3:6) And, the Lord has not changed His true Word but has preserved it as He continues to keep His unbreakable promise: "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." (Luke 21:33) We can and should take comfort in our Lord and His Word, for Jesus says: "in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
As time rolls on there will be more and more changes for the worse in this sin-sick world as the return of our Redeemer to judge the quick and the dead draws nearer, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." (2 Timothy 3:12-13) Indeed, there are more false prophets than ever before in churches which wear the label "Christian" yet this should not surprise us since our Lord Jesus has warned us, saying, "false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things." (Mark 13:22-23) Yes fellow Christians, you and I need to take heed: we need to continue to listen to the Lord's true Word; we need to continue to worship the true, triune God in Spirit and in truth; we need to continue to daily and sincerely repent of our sins, and to place and keep our full trust and confidence in Christ Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord, for "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) There is but one true Savior and one Way to God and heaven, and that will never change, for Jesus says: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
By God's grace our Illinois Lutheran Conference and its member congregations have held fast to the true God and His true Word for yet another year. We are sinful human beings and therefore we surely need the continued help of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ if we would remain faithful to Him until His return in glory, for let us never forget that He says: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5) Let us endeavor to feed regularly on God's Word in our congregations and in our homes lest we falter in our faith, because remember that the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh are always tugging at us and tempting us to neglect God's Word and Sacraments, and if we fall into the practice of neglecting the food that our souls need for their survival, then our faith will die, our churches will die, and our conference will die. God grant that we tenaciously cling to Christ Jesus and His Word, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4) "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest, which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Respectfully submitted by pastor Mark Latsch, ILC president
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[Lutheran Reformation Hour report for 2009 ILC Delegate Convention] [reproduced]
In January of this year, The Lutheran Reformation Hour cancelled the services of Pan American Broadcasting Company (who handled WWCR for us for years) and again began in March of 2009 broadcasting directly with World Wide Christian Radio out of Nashville, Tennessee. It was a good choice.
We are rejoicing that at last we have received correspondence from a Christian pastor in Nigeria. His letter, written on April 27, 2009 came in the mail this past week. That means that the broadcast has been received in Africa since it's inception again in March. He writes:
"Dear Beloved,
I am a local pastor a small Congregation here in the village.
I am a regular listener to your broadcast Sunday on WWCR 15.825 mhz shortwave. Your uncompromised Sound Biblical teaching have been a source of inspiration and encouragement to me. We are praying daily for you.
REQUEST: 1. Please if you come across 'GIANT PRINT REF. BIBLE' (KJV) for easy reading especially in the night. A used one is acceptable to me.
2. Send me some of your teaching/preaching on audio tapes.
Your help will be received with an open mind. Write on your packet or box, "free missionary/Religious Education materials of no Commercial value".
I love to be hearing soon from you.
Your brother in His Service
Pastor Mike E. Okorie
Enugu State, Nigeria"
It is not unusual to receive requests from the pastors in Africa, but it is difficult to know how or where to send, because so much is confiscated, stolen, or lost. We were so happy that he addressed that problem, because we have a LARGE PRINT BIBLE, that we can send, and also some smaller bibles, that we had purchased for that purpose.
Pray that the Lord blesses this endeavor, and that these words of Salvation are received by those who have requested help.
God has been merciful to us and allowed us to continue this ministry that began so many years ago. Because of His mercy and the dedicated contributors to this mission program, and occasionally a new contributor who has listened to the message, we are able to pay the stations and continue the work.
Our stations are:
WWCR on Sundays at 7am CST (Short Wave) $109.00 per week
Via the Internet WWCR1 (log on to WWCR.com and select 1.)
KERI on Sundays at 12 pm CST $55.00 per week
KTIC on Sundays at 7:30 am CST $80.00 per week
We are excited about the Internet broadcast because it will open it up for many listeners who have contributed for years without hearing the broadcast.
We are looking for another station for broadcasting here in St. Louis. There seems to be two that are possibilities at this time. This town needs an "uncompromised Sound Biblical teaching" on the air. There are so many preachers and so many bibles and so many false teachings in this "Lutheran" city.
We have recently purchased a transcribing machine so that eventually we will be able have all the sermon broadcasts in a printed version.
If it is possible we would also like to have as many of Pastor Shekner's sermons as we can. We know some were printed, but we do not know where they are.
Also, when Pastor Shekner died we were unable to get all of the reel to reel tapes to a bring here. If any one has a contact at Gloria Dei, we would appreciated their inquiring into this matter.
Tim has been copying the tapes to CD's for the stations, so it is a lot easier to send several sermons at once.
We want to thank the ILC for their support of the LRH. We also want to thank the individual congregations that sacrifice so that this ministry can continue. God willing, we will move ahead to His Glory.
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"The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich,
and he addeth no sorrow with it."
(Proverbs 10:22)
Amen.
Prayer for our country (TLH p.104)
IN TIME OF NATIONAL CALAMITY (30)
Most loving and gracious Lord God, who for our many grievous sins art pleased sorely to chasten us, we flee to Thy tender and fatherly compassion alone, beseeching Thee that, as a father pitieth his children, Thou wouldest pity us miserable sinners. Turn away Thy righteous wrath and give us not over to deserved death, but deliver us that we may now and evermore praise Thee, O gracious God and Father, who desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord.