Posts Posted in September 2018View All Posts >>
Our sins seem infinite when we consider our thoughts, words, and deeds: the things we think, and say, and do; the things we should have thought, should have done, and should have said. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Repentance and confession are not things we do simply because it is that time of the week. These things happen when we have a heartfelt sadness for sin. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
I suppose the desire to repent should be considered a good thing. However, basing the forgiveness of sin on this aspiration or on any other so-called good work is not good news. It is not the gospel. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Again, the object of this kind of religion is self; it is about how much devotion or how many deeds a person can muster. Further, will that be enough to appease God’s wrath? More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Here is the tormenting question that will beset a soul: Have I been contrite enough? Who could possibly say? How does one quantify contrition? More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
The object of our faith is Christ, not our works of the law. We are justified by faith in him, not by striving to be better. That would be putting faith in our own deeds instead of in the goodness and justice of Christ. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
I do not need to earn my salvation or prove, somehow, that I will do better. God is not subordinate to my actions, as though I need to do anything for him to be disposed to me in a favorable way. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
This is a superficial, thoroughly human, way of looking at sin—one that leaves the conscience troubled and rarely at peace with God. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Simply put: if you are acting in your own power, relying upon yourself to be a good person, you are sunk. From the moment you were born, you have never been good enough... More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Judas sold out Jesus, his rabbi and Lord, for thirty pieces of silver. Would his Lord not forgive him for doing so? Of course, Jesus would forgive his disciple; he loved him. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Knowledge of one’s sin is necessary but it is insufficient for salvation. Repentance from sin is also indispensable but regret and penance combined will not do for salvation. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
It is no accident that the gospels follow directly after the Old Testament. The offer of God’s grace must always follow on the teaching of the law. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
No one is exempt; all are born in sin and captivated by it, until they have faith. Even then, the forgiveness of God is necessary, for saints are still sinners. But here is the difference: they are repentant sinners. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
God uses his law to demolish the false righteousness of so-called saints and sinners too. He uses his Word to awaken us from the death of spiritual sleep. The effect is not that of a gentle alarm clock but rather, a jackhammer that jolts us into consciousness. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
The law’s job is to reveal sin and the wrath of God, and to convict the world of its unrighteousness and the judgment to come. That office is not closed. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
The law is always there to terrify consciences. The terror is so complete and overpowering that we have nowhere to turn, not even to ourselves. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Justification always comes through faith in God’s gracious promises in Christ. Being right with God is never a result of one’s devotion to God. The opposite is the case on two levels. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Let us be clear. We are all sinners, saved by the grace of God. Sin has produced a world of wickedness in a single human heart, let alone in all of humanity. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
It is not in our nature to love God or do good. That old nature must die, so that a new nature may be formed in us—a righteous nature given to us, that may love God. Working at it will not make us God fearing or good people. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
We may do some good on our own. For example, our own free will may be at work in civil matters. You may determine whether or not you will pay your taxes or stop when the light is red or if you will provide some service to your country. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
You will recall that we are dealing with theological errors that were refuted in Luther’s “Smalcald Articles.” We have seen that these errors were largely due to being in conflict with the chief article. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
We have already seen how human nature is not equal to the task. But even if some person is able to live a perfectly sinless life, that person was born into sin (original sin), and so, remains a sinner. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
People are able to choose to do some good but they are incapable of being good. Likewise, they are able to leave off from doing some evil, while remaining incapable of being sinners. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Though this passage in Isaiah depicts the coming Messiah, it may also be seen as a model for the godly life. Within it, we see that human beings have the capacity to learn and to think. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
The kingdom of God cannot be stormed by reason. Human reason is strong but it cannot bring itself to believe in the unseen, the unprovable. More
[0 Comments] [Log in to add a comment]
Click Here For Post Archives