The Before and After of Law and Gospel
O Come Emmanuel, and the imperative of Grace alone (you all can help me with this one)
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1/ What Princes Cannot Do (Psalm 146:7-8)
The LORD sets the prisoners free.
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
The LORD loves the righteous.
2/ Luther on the Proper Distinction Between Works and Faith (Law and Gospel)
From his Genesis 28:15 commentary.
It is clear and manifest enough that there is a difference between the Word, which promises, and the commandment, which orders to do something. Therefore the legends of the saints and all life should be divided into these two parts: the Word of God and our work. The former belongs to God alone; the latter is ours, namely, love, patience, and the castigating and crucifying of the flesh.
This is a life; but it is a life of works, and it does not take hold of the sanctity of the Word, which is the soul of life. Therefore the Word has to precede; for it is the Word and promise of God, who blesses, promises, receives us into grace, and forgives sins.
This surely must precede: “Your sins are forgiven you; I am your God; do not fear the devil; I am with you; I will protect you; I will not forsake you.”
But after the forgiveness of sins this follows: “Take up your bed and go home” (Matt. 9:6).
This precedes: “Take heart, My son”; that is, “First acknowledge Me as propitious, as placated, as being favorable, and as absolving you. First receive My blessing, in order that you may be freed from sin and death.
Afterwards, when you have been healed, take up your bed and walk; teach, and do works.”
Thus after Jacob has first been strengthened in faith because of grace and the blessing, he walks, works, and suffers, as is stated in what follows: “He awoke from his sleep, etc.”(LW 5.233)
There’s a lot more there. I’m really looking forward to this morning’s Worldwide Bible Class. Tune in if you can (10a central, Wednesdays) and we’ll look at this passage together. (www.wolfmueller.co/bible for the zoom link, etc.)
3/ Quick Reminder:
4/ The Command of Grace Alone
I’ve need wrestling with how best to say this thing that makes sense to me. There is a command, or energy, in the solas of the reformation.
(You can see me wrestling with this a bit here.) Help me out with this one. Share your thoughts in the comments.
5/ O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Packer found this. Nice!
6/ Repentance: Four Wrong Ways
In case you missed it.
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
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Not sure exactly what you're going for Pastor, but, perhaps there is something to the "positives" of the the Ten commandments that play into it? e.g.
1) You shall have no other Gods - I am the only God and I am your God
2) You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God - My Name alone is your salvation, and I give it to you
3) Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy - I am your rest alone, and I give it to you by My Word
4) Honor your father and your mother - My order of creation is sufficient alone, and I give it for your benefit
5) You shall not murder - I alone give life, and eternal life and I give it you
6) You shall not commit adultery - I alone am your faithful Husband, and I will not leave you
7) Property - I alone give gifts
8) Reputation - I alone give reputation
9/10) Daily Blessings - I alone sustain you
That God reveals Himself to us - that He gives us His Word and Spirit to grasp Him - all this is by grace alone - and to trust in what God gives (i.e. the positives from the 10C), that is faith alone.
Just some random thoughts that might help what you're wrestling with.
Thanks for all you do!
Thank you for introducing me to The Petersens.