Lutherna View of Church and State

LESSON TWELVE

2007-2008

SANCTIFICATION

I. Christ in action: absolution (p. 166)

A. Mt. 18:18,20.

B. Augsburg Confession: Art. XI “Confession”.

“It is taught among us that private absolution should be retained and not allowed to fall into disuse.” (quoted, p. 166)

II. Possibility or reality? (p. 166)

A. To reformers and well into nineteenth century:

1. Evangelicalism was God’s way of salvation.

2. Not only in the offering of it to men.

3. But also in the applying of it to their hearts.

B. Last century, however:

1. The evangel began to be seen more as the divine offer of grace.

2. And, not so much as the divine application of grace.

C. Answer to “Where in the world is God?

1. Found in the gospel.

2. Modern evangelicals, however, see the gospel.

a. Not as the means of applying God’s love to the sinner, as much as,

b. They see it as information about the love of God.

c. Understand it as an “offer of grace”.

d. Not as the “application of grace”.

e. No power in gospel itself to them.

f. Only their decision to accept it has power.

3. Lutheran church

a. Has always stressed that the gospel is both.

b. Both the offer of grace and the means of its application.

4. A.C., Art V. “The Office of the Ministry.” “To obtain such faith God instituted the office of the ministry , that is, provided the gospel and the sacraments. Through these, as through means, he gives the Holy Spirit, who works faith, when and where he pleases, in those who hear the gospel....” (quoted, p. 167)

III. Gospel: history or power? (p. 167)

A. Evangelicals see it more as mere historical data.

B. They believe in “making a decision to commit yourself to Jesus”.

C. Bible, not just historical information, but also the living power of the living God.

1. Jn 6:63.

2. Ro 1:16.

IV. A personal gospel (p. 168)

A. Testimony to all nations (Mt 24:14)

B. But not just for general consumption.

C. Church also to apply it individually.

D. Jn 20:21-23.

E. Forgiveness spoken publicly or privately is actually His forgiveness.

F. Confession - Receive absolution (forgiveness)

V. Confession to a pastor. (p. 169)

A. Recently, private confession almost gone.

B. Counseling is not escape from the guilt of sin.

C. Revivalism draws those hounded by guilt.

1. Told to seek a fresh experience of conversion.

2. Looking to inner feelings.

D. Bible has another view.

1. Ro 7:24,25.

2. Answer not reform, but rescue.

3. Reform will follow rescue.

4. Need to listen to God.

5. Is really a return to baptism.

6. Jn 8:36.

7. We get actual forgiveness by the word of His gospel.

VI. Confession to a neighbor. (p. 171)

A. Pastors have the prime responsibility for hearing confession and pronouncing absolution.

B. Practice not limited to pastoral care.

C. Jas 5:16.

D. We need more than sympathy or good advice from fellow Christians.

E. Need more than closeness, trust, mutual accountability.

VII. God at work. (p. 172)

A. 1Jn 4:10-12.

B. He reveals His love in only one place - the word of His gospel.

C. Comes not only in preaching, sacraments and absolution.

D. Also comes through interaction with Christian friends.

VIII. The encouraging word (p. 173)

A. We want our masks.

B. Leads to loneliness.

C. Peace of Christ is real healing.

D. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “He who is alone with his sin is utterly alone.” (quoted, p. 173)

E. Ecc 4:9,10.