Why do I continue to be a Lutheran in a place where most are Baptists or hold to some other flavor of Reformed or Arminian theology and at a time when so many who use the name Lutheran have departed entirely or, at least in part, from the Lutheran Faith?

The historic Lutheran Faith is Biblical. It teaches the truth about my sinfulness and God’s judgment upon sin and it teaches the truth about God’s eternal plan of salvation (John 3:14-18; Gal. 4:4-5; Eph. 1:3-14; etc.) — His love for us lost sinners and His desire to save us from the condemnation of His holy law which we justly deserve; His sending His only-begotten Son to redeem us by becoming true man, fulfilling the righteous demands of the law for us and then bearing on the cross the full punishment for the sins of the entire world. It teaches the truth about God’s working to save us — sending men to preach the Law, which points out our sinfulness, and His Gospel, which reveals to us how to receive mercy and forgiveness and be counted righteous and holy in God’s eyes through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. And it teaches the truth about the working of God’s Holy Spirit through His Word (and His Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper) to create and preserve in us saving faith in Christ Jesus (cf. Eph. 2:1-10).

Yes, I’ve studied and compared, at great length. I’ve listened to the arguments of Calvinists, Arminians, and just about every Christian denomination and non-denomination out there. Sad to say, in the end, the teaching of these other churches just does not agree fully with the Bible, leaving me no choice but to regard such teachings as “good words and fair speeches” which “deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:17-18).

And, I have to say that other faiths and churches do not meet my needs. How is that so? Well, as the Bible teaches (Eccl. 7:20; Ezek. 18:20; Matt. 5:20, 48; Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Gal. 3:10), I am a sinner and cannot measure up to God’s holy commandments, and the just punishment for sinners is death — temporal and eternal. To go to a church which only urges me to try harder and be more committed to Jesus and tells me how to live my life as a Christian, or worse yet, tells me that Christ only died for the elect and that I may or may not be among the elect, leaves me in despair over my sins and failures to live up to what God expects and requires of me.

In a truly Lutheran church (and there aren’t many of them left because Satan fights hard against them), the first thing I do in the church service is to confess my sins and sinfulness and look to God for mercy for the sake of the perfect righteousness and innocent sufferings and death of His Son, Jesus Christ. I’m like the tax collector in Luke 18:9ff. who would not even lift up his eyes toward heaven but beat upon his breast and said, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” And then the minister of God assures me, in the name of Christ, that my sins are forgiven because of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world (cf. John 20:21-23; Matt. 16:19; 18:18; Luke 24:46-47).

It is then that we come before the holy God as His forgiven people with our prayers and praises. God ministers to us and teaches us through the reading of the Holy Scriptures and through the exposition and application of those Scriptures by His called minister of the Gospel. We hear and learn the truth of our lost and sinful condition, but we are comforted in hearing that Christ died for all our sins and rose again on the third day that we might have God’s pardon and forgiveness and everlasting life — all through faith alone in Christ Jesus.

We offer up to God our gifts of thanksgiving and bring our prayers before Him. And then, before we go, God serves us yet again in the Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament of the Altar, by giving us to partake of the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. As the children of Israel partook of the Passover lamb, whose blood had been shed and was smeared on the doorposts and lintels of their homes in Egypt that the angel of judgment who struck down the firstborn among the Egyptians might pass over their homes (Exodus 12), so we are given to partake of Christ’s very body and blood which were given and shed for us on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins that God’s judgment upon this sinful world might pass over us and that we might be assured of eternal life through faith in our Savior who died for us and rose again (Matt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:23-29).

And while I neglected to mention it earlier, it is in the Lutheran Church where Baptism is administered in accord with the teaching of God’s Word. As St. Paul teaches in Romans 6, in Baptism we are joined to Christ in His death and in His resurrection and are brought under God’s new covenant which was established by the shedding of Christ’s blood for the sins of the world (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8-10). All our sins are laid upon Jesus, the Lamb of God who atoned for the sins of all; and, as Jesus was raised up again on the third day, we are raised up to new life in Christ Jesus as a new creation of God. Our sins are washed away and forgiven in Jesus’ shed blood, and we are children of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Acts. 22:16; Gal. 3:26ff.).

Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples for Him by going out into world, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and by teaching them to observe all that He taught and commanded (Matt. 28:18-20; cf. Mark 16:15-16). Since baptism is done in the name of the Triune God, it is God’s work and not ours. He works through Baptism to wash away our sins and to make us His redeemed children (Eph. 5:25-27; Tit. 3:4-7).

And, since little children are certainly included in the words “all nations,” “every one of you,” and “unto you, and to your children” (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-39), as well as in the whole households which were baptized, and since Baptism is called “the circumcision made without hands” (Col. 2:11-15), the Lutheran Church does not exclude little children from Baptism and the covenant blessings of forgiveness of sins and eternal life won for them by Christ Jesus but welcomes them as did Jesus, who even spoke of infants with the words, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16; cf. v. 15-17).

But, getting back to the Lutheran Church service, it concludes with the blessing God commanded Moses to speak over His people, recorded in Numbers 6:24-26 : “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: the LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” And the blessing includes the promise: “And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them” (v. 27).

We leave the service with God’s blessing upon us. And, indeed, we are blessed, for we have forgiveness for all our sins in Christ Jesus and we have the certainty of eternal life for Jesus’ sake! God’s face shines upon us in grace and mercy. He looks upon us in favor as His redeemed children and sends us forth in the peace of sins forgiven! We are sent out into the world — to our jobs, our schools, our stations in life — with God’s blessings and we cannot help but show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of the darkness of our sin and into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9)!

[Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

Many consider it a light thing to misuse God’s name in their language and speech. They curse, swear, lie and deceive by it. Some use God’s name or His Word, the Bible, to support their own false beliefs and teachings. Some use it superstitiously, as though their use of God’s name or things connected with it will bring them good luck and fortune. And, all too seldom, is God’s name used rightly to pray to Him, to praise and glorify Him, and to give Him thanks!

God says that He “will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” It is not a trivial offense with God to abuse His holy name, but a serious offense which will bring His wrath and judgment!

This commandment condemns us all for our misuse of God’s name and for our neglect to use it rightly in ways that bring to the LORD God honor and glory and praise. God’s Word applies to each of us, when it says, “The LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”

Our only hope is in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, for He kept this commandment perfectly for us and used God’s name rightly. Jesus called upon His Father in prayer and praises. He taught God’s Word rightly. And His whole life brought honor and glory to God’s holy name – whether that be through His manner of living, His teaching or His miracles.

And, in His death and resurrection too, Jesus brought honor and glory to God’s holy name. He willingly carried out His Father’s will and went to the cross and bore the guilt and shame and punishment for the sins of all mankind that God might show us mercy and give to us forgiveness in His Son, Christ Jesus. And Jesus rose again and is ascended to the right hand of His Father and continues His work of bringing life and salvation to lost sinners.

Jesus, rightly prayed, “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent…” (John 17:1ff.).

Jesus Christ, on the tree of the cross, brought glory to His Father’s name and bore the full punishment for all our sins. He desires that we, too, bring God glory by repenting of our misuse of God’s name and of our failures to live and speak in ways that bring God’s name glory. He desires that we turn to Him for mercy. And, in His Word, He promises that forgiveness for all our sins and life everlasting, as well as the help to use God’s name rightly, are ours through faith in Jesus’ name.

And placing our faith in Jesus – trusting in Him alone for forgiveness and life – brings glory to God’s name!

O LORD God, forgive us for taking Your holy name in vain, and for neglecting to use it rightly. Graciously help us to hallow Your name among us. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ and His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross to redeem us. Amen.

[Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.]

Today, the 29th of September, is Michaelmas, from Michael’s Mass, a feast day celebrated in the Western Church since the mid-fifth century when a basilica near Rome was dedicated in honour of Michael the archangel on Sept. 30, with celebrations beginning on the eve of that day, Sept. 29. The feast is now kept in honour of Michael and all angels in some Western churches.

And, if you paid close attention, you will have noted that all our Scripture readings today make reference to the angels or to Michael himself. We see the angels protecting believers in Psalm 91 and young believers in Matthew 18. And Michael’s work in resisting Satan and his forces in the world is mentioned in Daniel 10 and 12, with Revelation 12 describing Michael’s battle with Satan and Satan being cast out of heaven and onto the earth until Judgment Day, when Satan and his evil angels will be cast into the eternal fires of hell (cf. Matthew 25:41).

There are all kinds of false beliefs out there concerning the angels. Some even suggest that good people will become angels when they die. But, to learn the truth, we need to look to the Scriptures and to what God Himself tells us about the angels.

The Bible teaches that the LORD God, when He created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1-2), also created a great number of angels to carry out His commands and do His will. The Bible says that God “maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire” (Psalm 104:4; cf. Nehemiah 9:6; Exodus 20:11; Colossians 1:16; Psalm 103:20-21; Daniel 7:9-10).

It describes the angels as spirits of great power and strength when it says: “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure” (Psalm 103:20-21; cf. 2 Kings 19:35).

According to the Bible, a large number of these angels sinned and fell away from the LORD God shortly after the creation (cf. Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:9). The Bible speaks of the devil (or Satan) and the other evil angels who fell away with him being reserved unto the judgment of eternal torment in hell (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Matthew 25:41).

The Bible also warns us that, until the last day, these evil spirits continue to oppose God and His will and seek the destruction of God’s works, especially seeking to lead believers away from God and back into sin and unbelief. It tells believers to ”be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8; cf. Genesis 3:1ff.; Revelation 12; John 8:44; Job 1-2; Matthew 4:1-11). It cautions followers of Christ to “put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11-12).

The great number of angels who remained faithful to the LORD God are now, according to the statements of God’s Word, confirmed in their holy estate and continue to carry out God’s commands and serve the needs of Christians. God tells us in His Word that His angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Jesus says in regard to the angels who watch over little children who believe that “in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10; cf. 25:31). And, the Bible assures us that God “shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:11-12; cf. 103:20-21).

All of this teaches us of the great spiritual battle taking place — a battle we can’t even see with our eyes. Satan and his evil angels are working through nations and rulers to silence the preaching of God’s Word and to persecute and destroy the true visible church in this world that people would not hear of their lost and sinful condition and would never learn of God’s mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Satan and his cohorts are at work through false doctrine and temptations to lead people away from Christ and the salvation He won for all when He died on the cross and rose again.

That is why the Bible enjoins us in Ephesians 6:10-13: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand….”

And God’s good angels are watching over us and protecting us from Satan’s assaults by withholding nations and rulers, by keeping us from harm, by watching over us and protecting us that we are not swallowed up by Satan and his schemes.

We who trust in Christ alone for our salvation have the assurance of God’s Word in Psalm 91:9-12: “Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” And we are assured that in heaven, our “angels do always behold the face the Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).

“I thank Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou hast kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray Thee that Thou wouldst keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please Thee. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.” — Luther’s Small Catechism.

[Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Jeremiah 5:30-31

The prophet Jeremiah warned God’s people of the coming judgment and called upon them all to repent of their sins and return to the LORD God for mercy and forgiveness, right up to the end of the southern kingdom when the Babylonian armies executed God’s judgments upon Judah and Jerusalem and carried away those who survived as captives. God had even offered to spare Jerusalem for the sake of one righteous man, but none was found (Jer. 5:1).

Jeremiah’s prophecy in chapter five concludes with these words: “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” (Jer. 5:30-31).

The unbelievable and horrible thing which had happened in Jerusalem and Judah was that the prophets had departed from speaking the words of the LORD and prophesied falsely, telling the people that God was pleased with them and would not execute judgment against them. And the priests ruled the people by their own means and authority rather than in accord with God’s Word and calling, and the people loved to have it so.

The chapter ends with a question: “And what will ye do in the end thereof?” What would the people do when God’s judgment comes and they had continued on in impenitence and unfaithfulness to the LORD God who created them and redeemed them?

Sad to say Jeremiah’s words apply equally well in our day, to our churches and to spiritual leaders and to our land.

It is a shocking and horrible thing, but it is true. Our land and our churches are filled with prophets and pastors who twist and reject the clear and plain words of God which are recorded in the Bible to make them less offensive to their hearers. Instead of speaking for God, they speak on their own authority and proclaim their own views and opinions. Instead of rebuking sin and calling upon people to repent and look in faith to Christ Jesus and His cross as the only hope for lost and condemned sinners, they make people comfortable in their sins.

And, of course, the people love to have it so. Instead of going to a church where the pastor points out and rebukes sin as sin (meriting God’s anger and judgment) and calls upon all to repent and look in faith to Christ Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross to obtain God’s mercy and forgiveness, people choose to go to churches where their sins are accepted as the norm and where they will never be warned of God’s wrath and impending judgment upon sinners.

Instead of going to churches where the pastors speak for God and proclaim what God says in the Bible, they go to churches where the pastors speak their own opinions and hold forth the views of a “feel-good Christianity.”

God’s question in Jeremiah 5 still applies today: “And what will ye do in the end thereof?”

What will our people do who have not endured sound doctrine but, having itching ears, have heaped to themselves teachers who preach in accord with their own sinful ways and desires (2 Tim. 4:3)? What will they do when God’s judgment comes? Sad to say, many will hear Jesus say, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:23).

And, what will you do? If you are following the false teaching of so many preachers of our day and feel comfortable in your sinful ways, if you think that God is happy with you and will not judge you, perhaps because of your good works and life, what will you do when God comes in judgment and you learn that He does not grade on a curve, that He does not wink at sin, that He demands a perfect score in regard to your love for Him and your obedience to all His commandments? Cf. Matt. 5:20, 48; Lev. 19:2; Gal. 3:10; Rom. 3:9ff.

There is only one good answer! And that answer is to repent of your sinful ways and look in faith to Jesus Christ! Jesus fulfilled all God’s commandments perfectly in your stead, and Jesus Christ suffered and died to bear the full punishment for your sins and the sins of all. His resurrection on the third day is proof that God accepted His sacrifice for the sins of the world. Cf. Gal. 3:13; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Rom. 3:21ff.; 4:23ff.

Those who look in faith to Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross have God’s mercy and forgiveness — they will not be condemned in the day of judgment (John 5:24). But those who do not repent and look to Christ in faith remain under the wrath and condemnation of God for eternity.

It is as John writes in his Gospel: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (3:36)!

Have mercy upon me, O God, for I have sinned and gone astray. Grant to me Your pardon and forgiveness for the sake of Jesus and His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross for the sins of the world. Amen.

[Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.]