106 matching topics
Introduction
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
Scripture is read with Christ as its center and saving purpose.01Ground Rules of the ClassPart 1 · printed page 9
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“1. The Bible is our basic textbook; it is our only reliable guide. You don’t have to accept anyone’s opinion or tradition without Biblical support. But if it can be shown that a doctrine has a firm base in Scripture, then it must be accepted by all.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 9
02The Real Meaning of LifePart 1 · printed page 10
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“To be truly alive, that is, to experience the overflowing richness of the abundant, eternal life for which human beings were created, one must be in relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 10
03Where Can Answers Be Found to the Basic Questions of Life?Part 1 · printed page 11
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Since man’s fall into sin, human beings have sought the answers to basic questions about the meaning of life within themselves. Historically this quest has followed one of three paths: (Note the parallel between these three paths and the components in the “Image of God” in which man was originally created. cf. p. 41)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 11
04The Holy Scriptures, the Word of GodPart 1 · printed page 12
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE HOLY SCRIPTURES - THE WORD OF GOD Each and every word of the Bible is the Word of God. (Plenary Verbal Inspiration) -”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 12
05The Characteristics of the Word of GodPart 1 · printed page 13
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Because the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God it possesses certain divine characteristics. These characteristics include:”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 13
06Biblical InterpretationPart 1 · printed page 16
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION Why are there so many different interpretations of the Bible? As a result of sin, natural man resists and suppresses the truth of God. In his defiance he refuses to submit to the authority of God’s Word.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 16
07The Key to the Correct Understanding of the BiblePart 1 · printed page 17
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“WHAT IS THE KEY TO THE CORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE? Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, is the heart and center of the Scripture and therefore the key to its true meaning.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 17
08Basic Principles of Biblical InterpretationPart 1 · printed page 18
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“2. The content of the sixty-six books of the Biblical canon is unified and consistent. The Bible cannot contradict itself. The existence of apparent contradictions in the Biblical text is the result of the inadequacy of our reason or the limitations of our knowledge.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 18
09Scripture Interprets ScripturePart 1 · printed page 19
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Scripture Interprets Scripture! It’s the only way to ever get beyond an endless variety of conflicting opinions!”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 19
10The Canon of the BiblePart 1 · printed page 20
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Canon of the Bible The term “canon” refers to those books in the Jewish and Christian Bible considered to be divinely inspired Scripture. The word is derived from a Greek and Hebrew term which means “rule”, “measuring rod”, or “standard”. Thus the Biblical Canon is the collection of books which met the standard of divine inspiration and are recognized as the Word of God.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 20
11The Reliability of the Biblical TextPart 1 · printed page 22
How Scripture answers the basic questions of life and how Christians read the Bible faithfully.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The text of the Bible was originally written in Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT). The original copies (“autographs”) of the 66 books of the Bible are no longer in existence. The Hebrew and Greek texts of Scripture today are the result of meticulous comparison of thousands of manuscripts (hand written copies) and manuscript fragments (“Textual Criticism”).”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 22
God and Creation
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
All things were created through Christ, and fallen creation is reconciled through him.01Four Basic Views on GodPart 1 · printed page 25
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Four Basic Views on God Monotheism ---------- One God Polytheism ---------- Many Gods Pantheism ---------- Everything Is God Atheism ---------- No God 25”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 25
02The Attributes of GodPart 1 · printed page 29
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“2. God is transcendent. He is not a part of created reality, a mere projection or amplification of natural forces. He exists apart from and over creation. Exodus 3:13-14”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 29
03The Doctrine of CreationPart 1 · printed page 30
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE DOCTRINE OF CREATION The Bible teaches that God created the universe and everything that exists out of nothing in six days by His almighty Word. cf. Genesis 1:1-2:3”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 30
04Creation vs. EvolutionPart 1 · printed page 33
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“A denial of the Biblical doctrine of God as the Creator of the universe has far-reaching repercussions:”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 33
05The Length of the Creation DayPart 1 · printed page 35
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE LENGTH OF THE CREATION DAY In an attempt to reconcile the text of Genesis 1 with some form of “theistic evolution” it has been suggested that the six “days” (Hebrew - “Yom”) of creation are not literal, 24 hour, days but instead represent long geological, epochal periods of time which may have included millions of years. (cf. Psalm 90:4; II Peter 3:8)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 35
06The Creation of AngelsPart 1 · printed page 37
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Creation of Angels “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.” (Nicene Creed, 325 AD)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 37
07Divine ProvidencePart 1 · printed page 38
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“All that exists is the handiwork of God with a beginning and an end as determined by the Creator Himself. God is constantly and actively present with all that he has made, keeping and sustaining, directing and governing. “From Him and to Him and through Him are all things.” (Romans 11:36) Without that ongoing divine participation and preservation the universe would disintegrate into chaos.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 38
08The Doctrine of ManPart 1 · printed page 40
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE DOCTRINE OF MAN The universe was fashioned as a home for mankind. God created man in His own image after His own likeness, giving him dominion over every living thing that moved on the earth.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 40
09The Image of GodPart 1 · printed page 41
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Ability to Reason and Communicate Rationally (vs. 20,23)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 41
10Humankind as Male and FemalePart 1 · printed page 43
The triune Creator, his attributes, providence, creation, humanity, and the image of God.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“God created both man and woman in His image, equal to one another and interdependent upon one another.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 43
Sin, Death, and the Devil
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
The promised Seed enters the wreckage of sin to defeat the devil and death.01The Doctrine of SinPart 1 · printed page 50
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE DOCTRINE OF SIN Sin is the natural condition of every human being. The Bible teaches that human sinfulness is not merely a series of errors, wrong actions, or bad habits. Sin is primarily what we are; not just what we do. The sinful thoughts, desires, words, and actions that we commit are the symptoms of the disease, not the disease itself. Our sinfulness begins at the instant we become human, before we have ever done anything.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 50
02Original Sin and Actual SinPart 1 · printed page 52
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“ORIGINAL SIN AND ACTUAL SIN Original sin is the total corruption of our whole human nature which we have inherited from Adam through our parents. Original sin has brought guilt and condemnation on all people, left everyone without true fear and love of God (spiritually blind, dead, and enemies of God, cf. p.11), and causes everyone to commit all kinds of specific transgressions of the law of God.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 52
03The Fall into SinPart 1 · printed page 55
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE FALL INTO SIN Sin was introduced into the perfection of God’s good creation when Eve and Adam yielded to the temptation of the devil and deliberately chose to disobey the will and command of the Creator. The Biblical account of the Fall into Sin provides a graphic description of the tactics which Satan successfully used against our first parents in the Garden of Eden. (cf. Genesis 3:1-7) He continues to use the same approach today with equally devastating results. The parallel account of the temptation of Christ (cf.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 55
04The Tactics of TemptationPart 1 · printed page 56
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“STEP 6 Present sin as the path to “The Fall Into Sin” by Hugo van der Goes - 1470 happiness and self- fulfillment. (vs. 5)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 56
05The Tactics of Counter-TemptationPart 1 · printed page 58
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“COUNTER-TEMPTATION TACTICS (Matthew 4:1-11) STEP 1 Focus on God’s Will Instead of Personal Needs and Desires. (vs.1-4)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 58
06The Aftermath of the Fall into SinPart 1 · printed page 60
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE AFTERMATH OF THE FALL INTO SIN 1. SHAME AND GUILT - “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” (Genesis 3:7) (Note: Adam and Eve failed to recognize the real problem. They were not ashamed of being naked. They were ashamed of themselves. They expressed their guilt by concealing the portion of their bodies used to express love, our most intimate and personal emotion.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 60
07God’s Response to Man’s Fall into SinPart 1 · printed page 62
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“GOD’S RESPONSE TO MAN’S FALL INTO SIN 1. The righteous decree of the law must stand - “when you eat of it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17). God who is just and holy cannot ignore, overlook, or tolerate sin. The tragic consequences of man’s disobedience are clearly defined. (Genesis 3:14-19)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 62
08Death, the Final Result of SinPart 1 · printed page 63
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“1. Spiritual Death - the disruption of the relationship between God and man as a consequence of unbelief and sin. There can be no real life apart from God in Christ. Those who are physically alive but trapped in unbelief and cut off from God are already dead spiritually.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 63
09The Devil, Mankind’s Ancient FoePart 1 · printed page 66
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE DEVIL - MANKIND’S ANCIENT FOE “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 66
10The Problem of EvilPart 1 · printed page 70
The fall, original and actual sin, temptation, evil, death, and God’s response to sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“God did not create evil. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) The potential for evil came into being when God created angels and men with free will. From that point on the possibility existed that free will would be exercised in disobedience, and thus evil would become a reality. Satan seems to suggest as much when he tempts Eve with the half-truth, “When you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5).”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 70
Law and Gospel
God’s accusing and guiding Law and his saving promise in the Gospel.
The Law exposes the wound; the Gospel delivers Christ and his finished work.01The LawPart 1 · printed page 74
God’s accusing and guiding Law and his saving promise in the Gospel.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE LAW “We unanimously believe, teach, and confess that the Law is properly a divine doctrine, in which the righteous, immutable will of God is revealed, what is to be the quality of man in his nature, thoughts, words, and works, in order that he may be pleasing to God; and that it threatens its transgressors with God’s wrath and temporal and eternal punishment.” (Formula of Concord, 1577)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 74
02The Purpose of the LawPart 1 · printed page 75
God’s accusing and guiding Law and his saving promise in the Gospel.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“(cf. Romans 1:21; Ephesians 4:18-19; I Corinthians 8:7) God also reveals His Law in Scripture. The written Law was given in summary form to the Children of Israel through Moses on Mt. Sinai (cf. Exodus 20:1-21). In the Ten Commandments God told Israel how His holy will for all mankind applied to them in a special way as his chosen people. The New Testament repeats the moral content of the commandments in a more general context for all people (cf. Matthew 5:17-48; 19:17-18; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:19).”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 75
03The GospelPart 1 · printed page 76
God’s accusing and guiding Law and his saving promise in the Gospel.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“While the Law is revealed in nature, conscience, and the Bible, the Gospel is revealed to us only in the Bible.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 76
04The Proper Distinction Between Law and GospelPart 1 · printed page 78
God’s accusing and guiding Law and his saving promise in the Gospel.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel C.F.W. Walther 1884 1. The doctrinal content of all of Holy Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, consists of two diametrically opposite teachings, namely the Law and the Gospel.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 78
Jesus Christ, Savior of the World
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
Jesus, true God and true man, is the Savior of the world.01True Man, True God, the Two Natures in ChristPart 1 · printed page 83
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“In the person of Jesus Christ God and man become one. We use the word “incarnation” (“to become flesh” - John 1:14) to describe this reality.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 83
02Messianic ProphecyPart 1 · printed page 85
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“MESSIANIC PROPHECY “The New Testament was in the Old concealed; The Old is in the New revealed.” - St. Augustine”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 85
03Christ’s State of HumiliationPart 1 · printed page 90
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Philippians 2:6-8 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!””
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 90
04Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin MaryPart 1 · printed page 91
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY GHOST BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY” Holy Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ was conceived in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary did not have sexual intercourse prior to the birth of Christ.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 91
05Suffered under Pontius PilatePart 1 · printed page 95
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE” “He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised and we esteemed him not...He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgement he was taken away.” Isaiah 53:3,7-8”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 95
06Crucified, Dead, and BuriedPart 1 · printed page 99
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““CRUCIFIED, DEAD, AND BURIED” All four Gospels include accounts of the crucifixion, the climactic event of Jesus’ role as the Suffering Servant. (Matthew 27:31-50; Mark 15:20-37; Luke 23:26-46; John 19:16- 30) Death by crucifixion was a particularly gruesome and excruciating method of execution reserved for rebellious slaves and those found guilty of treason against Rome. Most Christians have little awareness of the agony which Christ endured to pay the awful price for our salvation.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 99
07Archaeology and the Trial and Execution of JesusPart 1 · printed page 105
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“ARCHAEOLOGY SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON THE TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF JESUS! Within the last few decades, archaeological discoveries in Israel have significantly enhanced our understanding of the crucifixion process and our awareness of the accuracy of the Bible’s account of the Lord’s trial and execution. Neither of the dramatic discoveries listed here were the result of deliberate exploration. Instead, they took place by accident as modern building projects were undertaken in the area around Jerusalem.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 105
08Christ’s State of ExaltationPart 1 · printed page 106
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Philippians 2: 9-11 “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.””
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 106
09He Descended into HellPart 1 · printed page 107
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““HE DESCENDED INTO HELL” “For Christ died for sins, once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.” (I Peter 3: 18-20; cf. also Colossians 2:13-15; Ephesians 4:8-10)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 107
10The Third Day He Rose AgainPart 1 · printed page 109
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD” “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter and then to the Twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 109
11The Physical Resurrection of Jesus ChristPart 1 · printed page 110
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“1. That He is what He claimed to be, the Son of God! “He was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.” (Romans 1:4)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 110
12He Ascended and Sits at the Father’s Right HandPart 1 · printed page 111
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND SITTETH ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY” “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 111
13He Will Come to Judge the Living and the DeadPart 1 · printed page 113
The person, humiliation, exaltation, resurrection, reign, and return of Jesus Christ.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Christ will come again with glory and with power to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31,32). The day “The Last Judgment” by Michael Wohlgemut - 1493 of the Lord’s return is known only to God (Mark 13:32). On that great and terrible day, the justice and righteousness of God will be demonstrated before all of humanity, assembled before the Judgement Seat of Christ. Scripture urges us to be ready at all times for His coming (Matthew 24:44).”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 113
God’s Plan of Salvation
Grace and the biblical vocabulary that announces what Christ has accomplished for sinners.
Redemption, propitiation, reconciliation, and justification name dimensions of Christ’s saving gift.01GracePart 1 · printed page 116
Grace and the biblical vocabulary that announces what Christ has accomplished for sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““If by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 116
02The Vocabulary of SalvationPart 1 · printed page 117
Grace and the biblical vocabulary that announces what Christ has accomplished for sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Vocabulary of Salvation The Bible uses a rich variety of language to describe the saving work of Jesus Christ. Each of these compatible interpretations emphasizes a different aspect of that work and serves to enhance our understanding of what God has done for our salvation.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 117
03RedemptionPart 1 · printed page 117
Grace and the biblical vocabulary that announces what Christ has accomplished for sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“1. Redemption The term “redemption” is derived from a Latin root meaning “to buy back”, thus meaning the liberation of any possession, object, or person by payment of a ransom. In Greek the root word means “to loose” and so “to set free”. The term is used of freeing from chains, slavery, or prison. The Bible uses the concept to teach that Jesus Christ has paid a complete, substitutionary, ransom price, namely the shedding of His blood to set the captive free from slavery to sin and death.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 117
04New CovenantPart 1 · printed page 119
Grace and the biblical vocabulary that announces what Christ has accomplished for sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“2. New Covenant A “covenant” is an arrangement between two parties involving mutual obligations. In the cultures of the ancient Near East such covenant agreements were characteristically sealed in the blood of a sacrificial animal. Thus the Old Testament Hebrew idiom for establishing a covenant literally means - “to cut a covenant” (cf Genesis 15:9f.; Jeremiah 34:18). The covenant concept is the predominant description of the arrangement which established the relationship between God and His people in the Old Testament.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 119
05PropitiationPart 1 · printed page 121
Grace and the biblical vocabulary that announces what Christ has accomplished for sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“3. Propitiation “Propitiation” means the turning away of anger by the offering of a gift. Our loving God cannot be indifferent to sin and its disastrous consequences in the lives of His people. Sin provokes the anger of God and His wrath descends upon those who choose to live in sin. Unlike human anger which is often simply an irrational lack of self- control, the anger of God is the stern opposition of His holy nature to all that is evil. (cf. Psalm 11:5-7; Romans 1:18) Forgiveness necessarily involves the laying aside of God’s anger.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 121
06Reconciliation and AtonementPart 1 · printed page 123
Grace and the biblical vocabulary that announces what Christ has accomplished for sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“4. Reconciliation - Atonement Reconciliation (Latin - “to bring together again”) and Atonement (Anglo-Saxon “to overcome separation” - literally “at - one - ment”) are two very similar terms which both refer to the restoration of friendly relationships and of peace where before there had been alienation and hostility. Both terms imply the removal of the offense which caused the disruption of peace and harmony. In Scripture they refer to God’s action in removing the barrier of sin which separated Him from fallen mankind by the sacrifice of His Son.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 123
07JustificationPart 1 · printed page 125
Grace and the biblical vocabulary that announces what Christ has accomplished for sinners.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“5. Justification Justification is the declarative act of God by which He establishes persons as righteous, that is in right and true relationship to Himself. In Greek, justification is a forensic term - that is, it applies to the law court and the act of acquitting or vindicating someone. To be justified, in a Biblical sense, means to be declared “not guilty”. It has to do with the innocence of a person. Justification in Scripture is a verdict not a process or quality in man.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 125
Conversion and Sanctification
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
The Spirit calls through the Gospel and keeps believers in the faith of Christ.01The Natural Condition of ManPart 1 · printed page 130
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“No human being can by his own reason or strength decide to believe in Jesus Christ. “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (I Corinthians 2:14) Natural man is, even at his best, spiritually blind, dead, and hostile to the things of God for his salvation. (cf.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 130
02Conversion, the Work of the Holy SpiritPart 1 · printed page 131
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Bible contains many different terms which describe that work of the Holy Spirit by which He changes the spiritually blind, dead, and resisting unbeliever into a believing child of God. Once again, the variety of terminology serves to highlight different dimensions of what God does to bring men to faith and enriches our understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 131
03The Holy Spirit Works through the Means of GracePart 1 · printed page 133
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“4. Enlightenment - God’s action in removing the spiritual blindness of natural man by bringing him to faith in Christ Jesus. “I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive the forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” (Acts 26:18; cf. also Isaiah 9:2; John 1:14; 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:6; I Peter 2:9)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 133
04FaithPart 1 · printed page 135
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“FAITH Knowledge To Know the True God As Revealed In His Word Faith comes through hearing the message and the message is heard through the “Faith comes through hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 135
05Sanctification, the Work of the Holy SpiritPart 1 · printed page 136
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“SANCTIFICATION THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The term “sanctification” (Latin - “to make holy”) refers to the spiritual growth of the believer which follows upon justification. This process of renewal is the work of God the Holy Spirit through which the Christian is restored, step by step, in the image of God, righteousness of life, and holiness of conduct.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 136
06The Causes of SanctificationPart 1 · printed page 138
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Causes of Sanctification The God who creates faith also produces sanctification by His infinite power. “For it is God who works in you both to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) (cf. also I Thessalonians 5:23-24; Ephesians 2:10) God must make the unwilling willing. He must give the strength and power to conquer sin.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 138
07Saint and Sinner at the Same TimePart 1 · printed page 141
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Sanctification is progressive but never perfect. The Christian is a saint, clothed with the righteousness of Christ, whose righteousness, or perfect obedience, is imputed to him by faith. But at the same time, he remains a sinner, though his sin is covered through forgiveness in Christ. The sinful nature, with which all men are conceived and born, is not done away with when a person is born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Its guilt is forgiven, but the “Old Adam” remains, always attempting to drag us back into the old way of sin.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 141
08Preservation in the FaithPart 1 · printed page 142
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Bible plainly teaches that it is possible for a believer to fall away from the faith (apostasy). A persistent pattern of willful, deliberate sin will destroy a faith relationship with the Lord. The effect of impenitent sin on the spiritual life of the believer is cumulative. If sin is allowed to dominate the heart is “hardened” and repentance becomes all the more difficult. The further one departs from Christ the more difficult it is to return. (cf.”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 142
09Why Some and Not OthersPart 1 · printed page 149
The Holy Spirit’s work of conversion, faith, sanctification, preservation, and Christian life.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““Why Some and Not Others?” Why are some people saved while others are damned? (“Cur alii, alii non?”) This perplexing question has troubled Christian thinkers for many centuries. It has aptly been called the “cross of the theologians” (“crux theologorum”). The itch to answer the “cross of the theologians” has led many astray. We must be content with what Scripture says, bowing in humble adoration before the superior wisdom of God (Romans 11:33). The pertinent Scriptural principles may be summarized as follows:”
Life with God, Part 1, printed page 149
The Means of Grace
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Christ places forgiveness within reach through his Word, Baptism, and Supper.01The Word of GodPart 2 · printed page 153
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Word of God God offers and conveys His grace in His Word. The Bible uses the term “Word of God” in three different but closely related ways. It can refer to Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh (the Incarnated Word) (John 1:1-14). It can refer to the oral Word of proclamation, in public preaching and teaching and individual witness (the Inculcated Word) (Romans 10:8). And it can also refer to the written Word of God, the Sacred Scriptures themselves (the Inscripturated Word) (2 Peter 1:19).”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 153
02The SacramentsPart 2 · printed page 155
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE SACRAMENTS The term “sacrament” does not occur in the Bible. It is a Latin word which originally referred to a solemn commitment, most commonly to the military oath of a Roman soldier. In a Christian context, the term first came to be applied to the baptismal commitment of allegiance to Christ and renunciation of the devil. Eventually its use was broadened to refer to Baptism itself and later also to the Lord’s Supper.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 155
03Holy BaptismPart 2 · printed page 157
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“WHAT IS BAPTISM? Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water used by God’s command and connected with God’s Word. WHICH IS THAT WORD OF GOD? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!” WHAT DOES BAPTISM DO FOR US? Baptism works forgiveness of sin, delivers from death and the devil and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. WHAT IS GOD’S PROMISE?”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 157
04The Nature of BaptismPart 2 · printed page 158
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Baptism is a genuine means of grace. It is no more and no less than a divinely ordained means whereby God in a special manner conveys and imparts to the person baptized the forgiveness of sins provided for him by Christ’s death and resurrection. In the water and the Word of Holy Baptism, God creates or strengthens faith. Thus Scripture correctly describes Baptism as a “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). In Baptism the Holy Ghost incorporates the individual into the Body of Christ ( I Corinthians 12:13).”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 158
05Infant BaptismPart 2 · printed page 161
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“1. BECAUSE INFANTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE GREAT COMMISSION’S COMMAND TO BAPTIZE “ALL NATIONS.” The language of the Great Com- mission is deliberately inclusive. There is absolutely no suggestion that any age group or category of people is to be excluded from our Lord’s command to “make disciples” of everyone.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 161
06The Mode of BaptismPart 2 · printed page 167
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE MODE OF BAPTISM By divine command (Matthew 28:19) Baptism consists of the application of water in the name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Bible does not prescribe a specific method of application. Therefore the usage of the term “baptize” must determine how the water may be applied.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 167
07The Necessity of BaptismPart 2 · printed page 168
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE NECESSITY OF BAPTISM Baptism is not a matter of choice, a mere option which God makes available. Baptism is necessary because the Lord instituted and commanded it. But Baptism is not the only means of grace and it is therefore possible to be saved without being baptized. He who, like the penitent thief on the cross, cannot be baptized, but believes the Gospel will be saved. It is the absence of faith, not Baptism, which results in damnation (cf.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 168
08The Lord’s SupperPart 2 · printed page 169
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION? It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ together with the bread and wine, instituted by Christ for us Christians to eat and to drink.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 169
09Three Views on the Nature of Holy CommunionPart 2 · printed page 170
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“I. ROMAN CATHOLIC Transubstantiation The bread and wine are physically transformed into the body and blood of Christ as the priest speaks the words of consecration in the mass. They are no longer bread and wine but have permanently become the body and blood of Christ.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 170
10What Does the Bible Say?Part 2 · printed page 172
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“What does the Bible say? Transubstantiation and Representation are well-meaning attempts to explain the Sacrament and make it more comprehensible. However, both must be rejected because they fail to reflect that which Scripture teaches.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 172
11Three Views on the Purpose of Holy CommunionPart 2 · printed page 175
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Roman Catholic doctrine of the Sacrifice of the Mass teaches that the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross is repeated in an “unbloody” way every time the Mass is celebrated, for the benefit of those who are present and those in whose memory the Mass is being said.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 175
12What Does the Bible Say?Part 2 · printed page 178
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“What Does the Bible Say? Sacrifice of the Mass The Roman Catholic doctrine of the Sacrifice of the Mass strikes at the very heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The teaching that Christ’s death on the cross must be endlessly repeated in order that the sins of the faithful might now be forgiven necessarily means that the death of Christ ceases to be the only and all sufficient sacrifice for our sins. Thus a series of human actions is substituted for the “once for all” divine action of God in the person of His Son.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 178
13Closed Communion and Historic Christian PracticePart 2 · printed page 183
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““Closed Communion” is the practice of restricting participation in the Sacrament to communicant members of the local congregation and of sister congregations within our confessional fellowship. Since the days of the apostles, this practice has been the direct correlate of the Church’s affirmation of the presence of our Lord’s true body and blood in the Holy Supper.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 183
14The Proper Use of the Lord’s SupperPart 2 · printed page 188
The Gospel in Word and Sacrament, with extended study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Christian Questions with Their Answers (Prepared by Dr. Martin Luther for Those Who Intend to Go to the Sacrament)”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 188
The Doctrine of the Church
The biblical church, visible assemblies, doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, and church fellowship.
The church is Christ’s flock, gathered by his voice around his gifts.01Church in the New TestamentPart 2 · printed page 192
The biblical church, visible assemblies, doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, and church fellowship.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““Church” in the New Testament The New Testament word “church” (Greek - “ecclesia”) was used in secular Greek to refer to the town meetings of the Greek city states. The citizens were summoned to the gathering by the town crier who would move through the streets calling the people out. Accordingly the meeting was designated the “ecclesia” (“ek” = “out” : “kaleo” = “to call”), literally, the assembly of those who had been called out.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 192
02The Church, Visible and InvisiblePart 2 · printed page 194
The biblical church, visible assemblies, doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, and church fellowship.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Church - Visible and Invisible The Invisible Church - Inward Fellowship of Faith The Holy Christian Church is all the people of God; everyone, everywhere who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Membership in this church is not a matter of race, nationality, or denominational affiliation. It is an inward fellowship of faith. “Thus the Christian Church is physically dispersed among the pope, Turks, Persians, and Tartars, but spiritually gathered in one gospel and faith, under one Head, that is Jesus Christ.””
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 194
03The Church and the ChurchesPart 2 · printed page 196
The biblical church, visible assemblies, doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, and church fellowship.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Church and the Churches It is the will of God that every believer seek the outward fellowship of other Christians and participate together with them in Word and Sacrament, to praise and glorify God, and “The Church” by Rudolf Schäfer to encourage one another in our faith and life.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 196
04Doctrine, True and FalsePart 2 · printed page 199
The biblical church, visible assemblies, doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, and church fellowship.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Bible sternly warns against the dangers of false doctrine. Toleration of doctrinal error and church fellowship with those caught up in doctrinal error is firmly prohibited. Christians are called upon to “avoid” and “beware of” those whose teaching deviates from the truth of God’s Word. Doctrinal indifference is lovelessness. Our failure to confront those who hold to false teaching or who follow false teachers jeopardizes their salvation and serves to confirm them in their error.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 199
05The Lutheran ConfessionsPart 2 · printed page 203
The biblical church, visible assemblies, doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, and church fellowship.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS A “confession” is a formal written statement of what a Church believes and teaches. Actual practice within a church body must be judged by its confession. The Confessions of the Lutheran Church were written at the time of the Reformation and published in the Book of Concord in 1580. Congregations and pastors of the evangelical Lutheran Church are pledged to honor and uphold the Lutheran Confessions because they express the”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 203
06The Evangelical Lutheran Church as a True Visible ChurchPart 2 · printed page 205
The biblical church, visible assemblies, doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, and church fellowship.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Thesis I The one holy Christian church on earth, or the church in the proper sense of the term, outside of which there is no life and salvation, is, according to God’s Word, the sum total of all those who truly believe in Christ and are sanctified through this faith.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 205
07The Christian and the LodgePart 2 · printed page 209
The biblical church, visible assemblies, doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, and church fellowship.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““The Synod has declared itself firmly opposed to all societies, lodges, and organizations of an unchristian or antichristian character...Pastors and laypeople alike must avoid membership or participation in any organization that in its objectives, ceremonies, or practices is inimical to the gospel of Jesus Christ or the faith and life of the Christian Church. It is the solemn, God-given duty of every pastor properly to instruct his people concerning the sinfulness of all organizations that 1.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 209
The Keys and the Holy Ministry
Repentance, absolution, discipline, excommunication, and the public office of the ministry.
The risen Christ sends ministers to forgive sins in his name.01The Use of the KeysPart 2 · printed page 212
Repentance, absolution, discipline, excommunication, and the public office of the ministry.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““WHAT IS THE USE OF THE KEYS? The use of the keys is that special power and right which Christ gave to His church on earth, to forgive the sins of penitent sinners, but to refuse forgiveness to the impenitent as long as they do not repent. WHERE IS THIS WRITTEN? The holy Evangelist John writes in chapter 20, “Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION USE THE KEYS?”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 212
02Repentance, the Crucial IssuePart 2 · printed page 217
Repentance, absolution, discipline, excommunication, and the public office of the ministry.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Remitting or retaining is language that refers to the cancellation or continuation of a debt. Christ has paid the ransom price for the sins of mankind in His shed blood upon the cross. On the basis of that payment the church is now authorized to announce the cancellation of the debt of sin which man could never have paid for himself. This is the sweet and wondrous message of the Gospel. When that redemption is refused in unbelief and impenitence the debt remains fully in force.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 217
03Christian DisciplinePart 2 · printed page 221
Repentance, absolution, discipline, excommunication, and the public office of the ministry.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Christian Discipline When a brother or sister in Christ is living in manifest impenitent sin the community of God’s people is obligated to implement the process of Christian discipline. The motive in this process must always be humble, Christlike love which earnestly desires the restoration of the brother. While the permissive culture in which we live may scorn such action as judgmental and self-righteous, true love cannot look the other way when someone we care about is involved in a pattern of self-destructive behavior.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 221
04Excommunication, Tough Love in ActionPart 2 · printed page 222
Repentance, absolution, discipline, excommunication, and the public office of the ministry.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“Excommunication - Tough Love In Action When all else fails, in one final desperate attempt to bring the sinner to his senses, so that he may come to recognize the dire spiritual peril into which he has placed himself, the church resorts to excommunication (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Titus 3:10-11). A decree of excommunication is the formal pronouncement by the church that because of persistent impenitence an individual who has failed to respond in all of the steps in the process of Christian discipline is no longer a believer.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 222
05The Office of the Holy MinistryPart 2 · printed page 223
Repentance, absolution, discipline, excommunication, and the public office of the ministry.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Office of the Holy Ministry All the people of God in Christ Jesus are members of a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) with direct access to the Father through His Son. Every Christian becomes a part of this “universal priesthood of all believers” at the time of his Baptism. The authority/ responsibility of the Keys has been entrusted by God to His Church on earth. God Himself has established the office of the pastoral ministry for the public exercise of the office of the keys within the church on behalf of all.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 223
06Concerning the Holy MinistryPart 2 · printed page 225
Repentance, absolution, discipline, excommunication, and the public office of the ministry.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THESIS I The holy ministry or pastoral office is an office distinct from the priesthood of all believers.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 225
The Last Things
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
Christian hope rests in Christ’s bodily resurrection and his promise to raise the dead.01Physical Death and the AfterlifePart 2 · printed page 228
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“PHYSICAL DEATH AND THE AFTERLIFE Temporal death is the separation of the physical (“body”, “flesh”) and the non-physical (“soul,” “spirit”) elements of man. At the time of death, the body goes to the grave to return to the dust and await the resurrection of all flesh on the Last Day.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 228
02The Bible and the End TimesPart 2 · printed page 236
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Biblical View of Time From a Biblical point of view the central event of human history was the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Everything which preceded that event was anticipatory and everything which follows it is anticlimactic. The New Testament uses the terms “last times,” “fulfillment of the ages,” “last hour,” and “end of the ages” to describe the entire period between the first and second comings of Jesus Christ. Thus the “end times” began 2,000 years ago and will continue until the Lord returns in judgement.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 236
03The AntichristPart 2 · printed page 239
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Antichrist “Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour...Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the Antichrist- he who denies the Father and the Son...Dear friends do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 239
04The Second Coming of ChristPart 2 · printed page 247
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead. “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way that you have seen Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11; cf. also Matthew 24:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Hebrews 9:28) The fact of Christ’s Second Coming must be firmly maintained so that Christians are not lulled into a false sense of complacency or preoccupied with the things of this world. (cf. Luke 21:34-36; 1 Peter 3:2-4).”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 247
05The MillenniumPart 2 · printed page 248
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE MILLENNIUM Millennialism (Latin - “mille” [1,000], “annus” [year]) is the unscriptural doctrine that either before (“pre-millennialist”) or after (“post-millennialist”) the return of Christ the church will experience a literal period of 1,000 years of peace and prosperity on earth. The dominant millennialist view today is dispensational pre-millennialism which divides human history into seven specific eras or “dispensations” in each of which God deals with people in a distinct way.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 248
06The RapturePart 2 · printed page 249
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Rapture The concept of the “secret rapture” plays a critical role in dispensational premillennialism’s distorted view of the end times. The English word “rapture” is derived from the Latin verb “rapiemur” which means “to be caught up.” The term occurs in the Latin Vulgate’s translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:17 in which St. Paul is describing the climactic events of the last day:”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 249
07Brief Theses Against the MillenniumPart 2 · printed page 251
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“1. Any doctrine that is not only completely foreign to the Scriptures but also contrary to them and contrary to the chief doctrines of Scripture in what follows from it must be rejected and condemned. That the teaching of a thousand year reign of Christ on earth which is still to come is one such doctrine and will be demonstrated by the following.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 251
08The Resurrection of the BodyPart 2 · printed page 255
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes - I and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 255
09The JudgmentPart 2 · printed page 258
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT““We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) The eternal fate of every human being is decided at the instant of his death. (Proverbs 11:7; Revelation 2:10; Hebrews 9:27) On the last day all of humanity will be summoned before the judgement seat of God, at which time formal public pronouncement of sentence will take place. The basis of the judgement is one’s relationship with Christ.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 258
10The Biblical Doctrine of HellPart 2 · printed page 259
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Biblical Doctrine of Hell “Paradise Lost” by John Milton “A dungeon horrible, on all sides round As one great furnace flamed, yet from those flames No light, but rather darkness visible Served only to discover sights of woe, Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace And rest can never dwell, hope never comes That comes to all; but torture without end Still urges, and a fiery deluge, fed With ever burning sulfur unconsumed: Such place eternal justice has prepared For those rebellious, here their prison ordained In utter darkness, and their…”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 259
11The Biblical Doctrine of HeavenPart 2 · printed page 263
Death, Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell, and disputed end-times schemes.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“1. The Bible asserts that heaven is the dwelling place of God. (Deuteronomy 26:15; 1 Kings 8:30; Psalm 103:19; Isaiah 57:15; 63:15; 66:1; John 14:2; Acts 7:48)”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 263
Worship and Prayer
Christian worship, liturgy, the church year, and the shape of the Divine Service.
In worship, Christ serves his people with his Word and Sacrament, and faith answers in prayer and praise.01WorshipPart 2 · printed page 270
Christian worship, liturgy, the church year, and the shape of the Divine Service.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“To the Wonderful Things That God Has Done “What should occur in this house of God is that our dear Lord Himself speaks to us through His Holy Word, and that we, in turn, speak to Him in prayer and songs of praise.” (Martin Luther)”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 270
02Liturgical WorshipPart 2 · printed page 271
Christian worship, liturgy, the church year, and the shape of the Divine Service.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“LITURGICAL WORSHIP The Lutheran Church is a liturgical church. That means that the basic pattern of our worship is drawn from services that have been used by Christians for many centuries, all across the world. The components of the liturgy come from the Bible and serve to focus our worship on the Word of God and our response to it in faith.”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 271
03The Church YearPart 2 · printed page 273
Christian worship, liturgy, the church year, and the shape of the Divine Service.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“The Church Year Calendar”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 273
04An Outline of the Main Divine ServicePart 2 · printed page 275
Christian worship, liturgy, the church year, and the shape of the Divine Service.
EXACT SOURCE EXCERPT“the Propers within the service provides for both continuity and variety. The structure of the Main Divine Service may be outlined as follows:”
Life with God, Part 2, printed page 275