Luther's definition of Faith

and the sweet names of death.

Nov 03, 2022

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1/ Warning is Compassion (2 Chronicles 36:15)

The LORD God of their fathers
sent warnings to them by His messengers,
rising up early and sending them,
because He had compassion
on His people and on His dwelling place.

We often think of the preaching of the Law as cruel and difficult, but it is important to recognize that the LORD’s call to repentance is a gift. He warns us of danger because He does not want us to come into danger. He warns of punishment because He does not want to punish.

2/ Faith is a busy, active thing

Luther’s definition of faith (Preface to Romans, which is quoted in article III of the Formula of Concord). This is beautiful.

For, as Dr. Luther writes in the Preface to St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans:
Thus faith is a divine work in us, that changes us and regenerates us of God, and puts to death the old Adam, makes us entirely different men in heart, spirit, mind, and all powers, and brings with it [confers] the Holy Ghost. Oh, it is a living, busy, active, powerful thing that we have in faith, so that it is impossible for it not to do good without ceasing.
Nor does it ask whether good works are to be done; but before the question is asked, it has wrought them, and is always engaged in doing them. But he who does not do such works is void of faith, and gropes and looks about after faith and good works, and knows neither what faith nor what good works are, yet babbles and prates with many words concerning faith and good works.
[Justifying] faith is a living, bold [firm] trust in God’s grace, so certain that a man would die a thousand times for it [rather than suffer this trust to be wrested from him]. And this trust and knowledge of divine grace renders joyful, fearless, and cheerful towards God and all creatures, which [joy and cheerfulness] the Holy Ghost works through faith; and on account of this, man becomes ready and cheerful, without coercion, to do good to every one, to serve every one, and to suffer everything for love and praise to God, who has conferred this grace on him, so that it is impossible to separate works from faith, yea, just as impossible as it is for heat and light to be separated from fire.

This came up in today’s Worldwide Bible Class.

3/Paths to Lutheranism: Adam & Bethany Dirks

My friends Adam and Bethany Dirks told their story about becoming Lutheran on Issues, Etc. last week. It was a great listen.

4/ The Sweet Names of Death

I mentioned “the sweet names of death” when Pr Kachelmeier and I were answering questions on Issues last week, and Todd and Jeff asked to come on again to talk about the topic. Listen to the Sweet Names of Death conversation here.

5/ Reformation Reflection

Here is my Reformation Sunday Drive Home reflection on the depth of our sin and the work of the law.

Remember to go to your pastor's Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don't have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don't have old theology books, click here.)

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Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Lord's Blessings, Pastor Wolfmueller

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

www.wolfmueller.co