At the Induction of Rev. Thomas Beneke’s induction as missionary of the Free Evangelical Synod in South Africa (FELSiSA) in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Newcastle (KwaZulu/Natal) Rev. Christoph Weber preached the following sermon as representative of the Mission of Lutheran Churches (MLC): Einführung Thomas Beneke 10.05.2015 Rogate
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. (Isa 40:2 NIV) For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (2Co 6:2 NIV)
It is the joyous festive season of Easter, because the Lord Jesus Christ has victoriously risen from the dead and lives now and forever. He has started up a new song with his resurrection. The new creation gives hope, life and salvation to those, who were caught up in darkness and the shadow of death. He has cemented the new proclamation of the Lord’s tender mercies, the forgiveness of all sins, of redemption fulfilled and vicarious satisfaction accomplished. The Lord’s has heard the cries of his people and has granted lasting help, deliverance and salvation from all evil. This gospel is to be preached to the ends of the world including those, who are poor, forgotten and outcast. They too are to hear of the Lord’s favour and of his marvellous salvation. It’s the lasting melody and cantus firmus of the Churches proclamation and mission in this world. Come and taste how friendly your God is +
Good Christian men, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The Lord of life is risen today!
Sing songs of praise along his way;
let all the earth rejoice and say:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Praise we in songs of victory
that love, that life which cannot die,
and sing with hearts uplifted high:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Your name we bless, O risen Lord,
and sing today with one accord
the life laid down, the life restored:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Cyril A. Alington (1872-1955)
Thank you for this latest newsletter Pasor Maronde and may the Lord of the Church continue to bless your work and endevours – especially in your support of the training of future pastors in Africa at our Seminary in Pretoria: SPLMS Newsletter – Spring 2015
Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God. (Ezekiel 34,30) The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: he is Lord of all (Acts 10:36)
“God Himself Is Present”
by Gerhard Tersteegen, 1697-1769
Translated by Frederick W. Foster, 1760-1835
1. God Himself is present:
Let us now adore Him
And with awe appear before Him.
God is in His temple–
All within keep silence,
Prostrate lie with deepest reverence.
Him alone God we own,
Him, our God and Savior;
Praise His name forever.
2. God Himself is present:
Hear the harps resounding;
See the hosts the throne surrounding!
“Holy, holy, holy”–
Hear the hymn ascending,
Songs of saints and angels blending.
Bow Thine ear To us here:
Hear, O Christ, the praises
That Thy Church now raises.
3. O Thou Fount of blessing,
Purify my spirit,
Trusting only in Thy merit.
Like the holy angels,
Who behold Thy glory,
May I ceaselessly adore Thee.
Let Thy will Ever still
Rule Thy Church terrestrial
As the hosts celestial.
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #4
Text: Hab. 2:20
Author: Gerhard Tersteegen, 1729, cento
Translated by: Frederick W. Foster, c.1826, alt.
Titled: “Gott ist gegenwaertig”
Composer: Joachim Neander, 1680
Tune: “Wunderbarer Koenig”
“Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have not been true to me, and have neither remembered me nor taken this to heart? (Is 57,11) And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”So he went out and wept bitterly. (Mt 26:75)
If – if only we would love, trust and fear God above all things! All would be good and we’d be right back in paradise – in perfect righteousness, with divine image restored and at lasting peace at last. If only! But – and what a miserable but it is – but we don’t – not even a single week, day or even hour do we come close to loving, trusting and fearing him as much as we should and as would be appropriate and due to him in his goodness, mercy and caring. And we ourselves would probably also agree and venture, that that’s exactly what we would want to do: „If all others desert you, I will stand right here by you and never give way – not me, not never – because I’m so prepared and ready to even die with you. No question or doubt in my mind!“ Well, you know the story. A little girl, quite harmless questions really, not much more than rustling leaves in the evening breeze, a warming fire and a relaxed if boisterous bunch gathered around the flames, but dread and fear are just too much for poor, miserable and sinful souls – without lasting trust, too much doubt, fear and dread as well. We just can’t remain steadfast, instead fall quicker than a wink. A simple rooster (you find them on most church steeples in reformed lands because of this) announces the dreadful failure time and again and that just a few hours after the high and exalted promises and now in a flash all that highflying self-assurance and cocky reliance falling apart. Quite humiliating, shameful and disgraceful really. Couldn’t you even stay awake a few extra hours? Couldn’t you stand up to that maid? Oh yes, the excuses are many and ready at hand: The party was just too much, and the excitement and exhilaration of the magnificent entry under cheers from big and small just too much to stomach and then that grand finale in the upper rooms – even after him washing our feet and then giving his most precious and holy new testament to hold and keep us – but it all just didn’t meet the test and our own strength and passion and enthusiasm didn’t carry far – never mind through. No longer true and faithful, but trying to hide behind ignorance, betraying any previous knowledge or compromising ties in history. Not remembering him or at least not wanting too really any more, rather choosing not wanting to known him ever before or again! If – if only … yes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions and failed commitments and vows. It doesn’t only happen once, but three times, again and again adding up to countless calamities. Reason enough to wail and lament, cry and weep most bitterly if not despairingly.
Our Lord Jesus Christ reminds the disciples on the way to Emmaus, how all this suffering and mercy, death and dying, burial and descent into hell had to be and come about – starting off with Moses and going through all the Prophets and Psalms. The apostles themselves recorded this faithfully, so that we would not despair, but rather like St. Peter repent of our faithlessness and readiness to deny and betray, regret our lack of trust, courage and confessional spirit and anew put our hope on the one, who walks on the stormy waters and prevents us from sinking, who is raised from the grave and is alive to carry us through thick and thin and even through death’s dark vale. He’s the one, who opens our eyes to see that there are just much more and victorious on our side than could ever be against us. For if the living God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is for us, what could be against us? Nothing and nobody can pull us from his caring hands for he is greater than all and all and everything is in his hand. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. Therefore don’t be afraid. Peace be with you – now and always + Amen.
1. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
3. His oath, His covenant, and blood Support me in the whelming flood; When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found, Clothed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne! On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less“ by Edward Mote, 1797-1874
Die Kapitulation des “Dritten Reiches”, der Tag der Befreiung am 8. Mai vor 70 Jahren ist Anlass dieses Beitrages. Ist es notwendig, ein kirchliches Schuldbekenntnis abzulegen und wie ist ein solches Bekenntnis theologisch einzuordnen? Diesen Fragen widmet sich der Kommentar von Bischof Hans-Jörg Voigt D.D. von der Selbständigen Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche (SELK).
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70 Jahre liegt das Grauen nun zurück und lässt uns immer noch nicht los. Mir kommt der Schluss der Zehn Gebote aus Luthers Kleinem Katechismus in den Sinn: “Ich, der Herr, dein Gott, bin ein eifriger Gott, der über die, so mich hassen, die Sünde der Väter heimsucht an den Kindern bis ins dritte und vierte Glied; aber denen, so mich lieben und meine Gebote halten, tue ich wohl in tausend Glied.” Neulich erschien im Freiburger Verlag Herder das Buch “Wir Kinder der Kriegskinder”. Anne-Ev Ustorf beschreibt darin besonders am Beispiel von Flüchtlingsfamilien, wie die Erfahrungen der Väter und Mütter fortwirken können an den Kindern “bis ins dritte und vierte Glied” und wie befreiend und entlastend es sein kann, darüber ins Nachdenken einzutreten. “In der Forschung ist längst bekannt, dass traumatische oder belastende Erfahrungen, wenn sie nicht aufgearbeitet wurden, auf die nächste Generation übertragen werden können – man nennt diesen Prozess ,transgenerationale Weitergabe'”, schreibt Ustorf.
Beim Stichwort “Schuld” müssen wir aus kirchlichem Blickwinkel genauer hinsehen. Schuld und Vergebung sind etwas sehr Persönliches. Um Vergebung bitten kann ich nur für etwas, das ich selbst begangen habe. So habe ich nach und nach begriffen, dass ich selbst nicht schuld bin an den historisch einmaligen Ungeheuerlichkeiten, die von 1933 bis 1945 begangen wurden. Jeder hat heute Jesus Christus für seine eigenen Sünden um Vergebung zu bitten. Es ist wichtig, diesen geistlichen und theologischen Schuldbegriff ernst zu nehmen, denn es hat Gott viel gekostet, dass er die Sünden der Welt seinem einzigen Sohn auf die Schultern legte. Es liegt nämlich auch eine gewisse Versuchung darin, fremde Schuld zu bekennen. Sie lässt sich nämlich leichter meiden als die eigenen Lieblingssünden. Zu einem geistlichen Gebrauch des göttlichen Gesetzes, das mir meine Sünden zeigt, gehört auch ein solches geistliches Verständnis von Schuld.
Auf der anderen Seite hat Gottes Gesetz auch eine politische Bedeutung. Wir stehen als Bürger dieses Landes in einer gesellschaftlichen und politischen Mitverantwortung für die Folgen der Schuld, die von 1933 bis 1945 durch Deutsche getan wurden. Deshalb ist auch von gesellschaftlicher Schuld zu sprechen, denn die lutherische Theologie kennt neben dem oben angesprochenen, Sünde aufzeigenden Gebrauch des Gesetzes (usus legis elenchticus) einen politisch-gesellschaftlichen Gebrauch des Gesetzes (usus legis politicus).
In diesem gesellschaftlich-politischen Sinn ist es auch erforderlich zu bekennen, dass unsere Kirche, die damals in verschiedenen selbstständigen evangelisch-lutherischen Bekenntniskirchen bestand, schuldig geworden ist, weil sie eben auch Teil der damaligen Gesellschaft war. Vorherrschende Anschauungen, die sich eher aus politischen Haltungen und nicht haltbaren Vorurteilen speisten, hatten auch in der Kirche Geltung erlangt. Wir bekennen eine gesellschaftliche Mitschuld am Völkermord an mehr als 6 Millionen Juden. Als Kirche bekennen wir, dass es auch in den Vorgängerkirchen der SELK antijüdische Einstellungen gab, wenn zum Beispiel “von den schädlichen Einflüssen des jüdischen Geistes” auf das “deutsche Volksleben” (Evangelisch-Lutherische Freikirche, 1935) die Rede war. Behinderte Schutzbefohlene, Judenchristliche Gemeindeglieder oder Amtsträger und eine jüdische Diakonisse wurden der Diskriminierung ausgesetzt und schließlich sogar zur Deportation freigegeben. Ich greife in meinem Büro ins Bücherregal und schlage die “Agende der Evangelisch-lutherischen Kirche Altpreußens” aus dem Jahr 1935 auf Seite 177 auf und lese: “Geburtstag des Führers – Herr, unser Gott, am heutigen Tage gedenken wir in besonderer Weise des Führers und Kanzlers unsers Volkes. Du hast ihn mit deiner Barmherzigkeit bisher geleitet und sein Wirken mit Erfolg gesegnet.” Die schon seit 1933 erkennbare Ausgrenzung von Mitbürgern, die dem nationalsozialistischen System unlieb waren, wurde gar nicht vermerkt. 1938 wurde dann den Pfarrern ohne Not der Treueeid auf den Führer Adolf Hitler abverlangt. Hier sind schweres Unrecht und tiefe moralische Schuld zu bekennen.
Die Frage eines Schuldbekenntnisses wurde in der Vergangenheit in unserer Kirche reflektiert. Mir ist bewusst, dass das, was ich hier schreibe, über das hinausgeht, was bisher zu diesem Thema gesagt wurde.
Ich schreibe diese Zeilen in Demut mit dem Wissen, dass ich selbst wohl kaum die Kraft und die innere Freiheit aufgebracht hätte, dem Unrecht zu widerstehen. Ich schreibe diese Zeilen auch in dem Wissen, dass das deutsche Volk selbst furchtbar bitter für dieses Unrecht bezahlen musste. Zudem sind mir Beispiele von Einzelpersonen wichtig, die gegen die damalige Mehrheitsmeinung gehandelt haben. Ich denke an einen meiner Amtsvorgänger im Greifswalder Pfarramt, Pfarrer Gerhard Stief, der sich persönlich und direkt für die Entlassung eines jüdischen Gemeindegliedes aus dem Konzentrationslager eingesetzt hat. Der Mediziner Professor Bibergeil lebte in einer sogenannten “Mischehe”, weshalb die Intervention seines Gemeindepfarrers überhaupt erfolgreich sein konnte. Professor Bibergeil hat diese Zeit überlebt. Pfarrer Stief wurde unmittelbar nach dieser Intervention zum Wehrdienst eingezogen und fiel bald darauf an der Ostfront. Ich halte es für notwendig, solche Einzelbeispiele ebenfalls dem Vergessen zu entreißen, da sie für eine nachwachsende Generation Identifikation ermöglichen.
Sehr genau erinnere ich mich an den 8. Mai 1985. Ich war als junger Theologiestudent zu Besuch bei Großmutter in Zwickau. In Zwickau war es möglich, anders als in Dresden, “Westfernsehen” zu empfangen. So konnte ich mehr oder weniger zufällig die Rede des damaligen Bundespräsidenten Richard von Weizsäcker mit hören und sehen. Dort nannte er den 8. Mai 1945 einen “Tag der Befreiung”. Und im Moment dieser Rede war unmissverständlich anhand der Klarheit und Wahrhaftigkeit ihrer Gedanken klar, welche Bedeutung sie haben würde: “Niemand wird um dieser Befreiung willen vergessen, welche schweren Leiden für viele Menschen mit dem 8. Mai erst begannen und danach folgten. Aber wir dürfen nicht im Ende des Krieges die Ursache für Flucht, Vertreibung und Unfreiheit sehen. Sie liegt vielmehr in seinem Anfang und im Beginn jener Gewaltherrschaft, die zum Krieg führte. Wir dürfen den 8. Mai 1945 nicht vom 30. Januar 1933 trennen.” Wieder einmal hatte es 40 Jahre gedauert, bis solche Klarheit in aller Verworrenheit des Betroffenseins möglich war. Diese Klarstellung von Weizsäckers machte es erst möglich, dass das Leid der deutschen Kriegsopfer in angemessener Weise öffentlich thematisiert werden konnte.
Wo war Gott? In seiner Rede vom 8. Mai 1985 zitiert von Weizsäcker eine jüdische Weisheit: “Das Vergessenwollen verlängert das Exil, und das Geheimnis der Erlösung heißt Erinnerung.” In diesen Worten ist sehr viel Wahrheit enthalten. So halte ich die Erinnerungskultur in unserem Land für eine besondere Stärke. Erinnerung ist insofern Erlösung, als dass aus Erinnerung Einsicht und Verstehen wachsen, wenn sie denn ihr Urteil über das Geschehene an den Geboten Gottes und an seinem Willen bilden. Dies kann freilich nur in demütigem Bewusstsein eigener Schuldverfallenheit und Fehlsamkeit geschehen. In Christus gilt die große Verheißung aus dem Schluss der göttlichen Gebote auch uns: “Aber denen, so mich lieben und meine Gebote halten, tue ich wohl in tausend Glied.” Als Christen wissen wir, dass Erlösung letztendlich in Jesus Christus in seinem Opfertod am Kreuz ein für alle Mal geschehen ist. Der Philosoph Robert Spaemann hat einmal auf die Frage “Wo war Gott in Auschwitz?” die kürzeste und aus meiner Sicht einzig mögliche Antwort gegeben: “Er war am Kreuz.”
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Ein Kommentar von selk_news [8.5.2015]
Redaktion: SELK – Gesamtkirche.
selk_news Kommentare werden von ihren VerfasserInnen verantwortet.
Verfasser: Bischof Hans-Jörg Voigt D.D., Bischof@selk.de.
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Tel. +49-511-557808 – Fax +49-511-551588,
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Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. (Isa 58:1 KJV) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Gal 6:7 KJV)
The prophet is tasked to point his finger at his people’s transgressions. He’s to lay his finger on their sins. There’s no room for whitewashing their darkness. No reason to sweep anything under the carpet. Rather evil is to be called evil, just as war is not be camouflaged as peace, neither injustice as justice nor unrighteousness as righteousness. No, as messenger of the living God, he’s to speak out for the truth and let it be heard – loud and clear like a trumpet calling.
The triune God is not deceived – even if we very much tend to deceive ourselves and like to deceive others also. The truth will be out. There is no doubt about that, because God himself will bring forth into light, what was hidden. The sparrows will chirp it from the rooftops and the stones will proclaim, what is right. Just wait and see! There is a righteous judgement coming. God himself will judge the world – the living and the dead. Nobody will get away from this. There is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.
Still people try to get away with murder. It’s common practice to hide one’s own faults and highlight perceived positives. Whistle-blowers are shunned and even pushed aside – if not removed. Solidarity is demanded and excuses are sought – as if that would do.
We Christians are encouraged to admit our faults and wrongdoing: “I – a poor, miserable sinner!” Lord have mercy! It’s not on account of our own righteousness, but because of your great mercy that we come before you living God and judge of all and plead to you for the grace of forgiveness. He encourages us: “Ask and it will be given to you!” and also “If you, who are evil can give your children good things, how much more will the Father in heaven give his Holy Spirit to those, who ask him!” Trusting in him and hoping alone in his goodness and mercy, we are sure that we will reap the promised fruit of what Christ has sown for us and has come to fruition already on the holy festival of Easter: Forgiveness of sins, everlasting life and blessed salvation + Amen.
Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my god and King, The triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim, To spread through all the earth abroad The honors of your name.
The name of Jesus charms our fears And bids our sorrows cease, Sings music in the sinner’s ears, Brings life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin; He sets the prisoner free. His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood avails for me.
Look to the Lord, who did atone For sin, O fallen race. Look and be saved through faith alone, Be justified by grace.
See all our sins on Jesus laid; The Lamb has made us whole. His soul was once an offering made For every human soul.
To God all glory, praise, and love Be now and ever given By saints below and saints above The Church in earth and heaven.
Hymn # 276 from Lutheran Worship Author: Charles Wesley
The Lutheran Order of Service for Rogate (5th Sunday after Easter) is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s Word from the Holy Gospel of St. John in the 16 chapter the verses 23b-28(29-32)33 written by Pastor E.M. Mkhabela (Gamalakhe LC, KZN) in isiZulu (wz1527150517 Rogate) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1527150510 Rokate) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).
The readings for Rogate are:
The liturgical colour is white
May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this 5th Sunday after Easter called Rogate: Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! (Psa 66:20 NIV)
A collect for Rogate: O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through the same Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. (LSB Altar Book Pg.898)
If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)
We thank the Lutheran Heritage Foundation for supporting the distribution of hard-copies of these orders of worship and sermons throughout Southern Africa. If you also want a copy please do not hesitate to subscribe by writing to EAWWeber@bundunet.co.za.
The Lutheran Order of Service for Cantate (Fourth Sunday after Easter) is available here in isiZulu and seTswana too. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s Word from the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew in the 11 chapter the verses 25-30 written by my brother Rev. Peter C. Weber in isiZulu (wz1526150503Kantate) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1526150503 Kantate) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).
The readings for Cantate are:
The liturgical colour is white
May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this fourth Sunday after Easter called Cantate: O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things (Psa 98:1 KJV)
A collect for Cantate: O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through the same Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. (LSB Altar Book Pg.895)
If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)
We thank the Lutheran Heritage Foundation for supporting the distribution of hard-copies of these orders of worship and sermons throughout Southern Africa. If you also want a copy please do not hesitate to subscribe by writing to EAWWeber@bundunet.co.za.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. (2Ch 16:9 KJV) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience. (Rev 2:2 KJV)
Now that’s like watching the news full-time, but not some partisan channel. This is the real thing – world news live 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Nothing slips by his attentive eyes. He hears and perceives all and everything – and he never tires of this watching either. Yet it’s not just a passive consuming of the universal proceedings, but he takes an active part in this too. Shewing (showing!) himself strong on behalf of his people, fighting evil and building up his kingdom worldwide.
Reading the verse carefully however shows that he’s biased to those, whose “heart is perfect towards him.” If we remember the other biblical verses, where it mentions God looking down from the heavens and seeing that evil had multiplied excessively on earth and when evaluating all people the realization strikes home, that there is no one, not even one who is righteous, but that they have all sinned and fall short of the glory – perfection, holiness, righteousness and goodness – then this passage is rather disturbing too. That was in the days of Noah, that was the case with Sodom and Gomorrah (not even 10 righteous in that entire city) or even in the case of Ninive. This latter example from the prophet Jonah points us in the other and new direction of the new testament in the sense of the new covenant as we know it from Jeremiah 31:31ff.
Here and according to this new covenant the ever-watchful God – Father, Son and Holy Ghost – forgives the past iniquity and does not count the imperfections against his people, but creates a new heart and grants a new Spirit so his people so that they would trust him alone for their salvation – and not depend on their own holiness, which is able to carry them anywhere anyway. That’s why he forgives Ninive – all its people – and even has mercy on those many animals there too! God not condemning the godless, but rather forgiving, redeeming and accepting him into his very own family and heavenly fatherland. This new covenant and testament is new in comparison with the ancient way of the fathers, which was always the way of the law, do-et-des, do and reap the due reward – the way of all human religions and traditional ways of civil religion and political correctness, earning ones own justification and good standing by doing what is right and forsaking, what is wrong. Roman catholicism and charismatic pentecostalism are still very much caught up in this paradigm – depending on our own sanctity and holiness, achieved by being righteous and doing what is good in the sight of the law.
The new way of godly justification however puts vicarious satisfaction and imputed righteousness in its place. It’s no longer, what I am or what I have done, but rather what Jesus Christ did for me and how he has adopted me and made me his very own – incorporated me into his just and pure life and perfect being, so that it’s no longer me whose alive, but Christ in me. I’m dead to the the old ways, but revitalized in Christ’s new creation and being through faith. It’s not visible, but feasible through God’s very own doing through his means of grace – Word and Sacrament. Through the work of the Holy Spirit he has done this: Calling, enlightening, forgiving and thus keeping in and with Christ our Lord and Saviour. That salvation and sanctification and new creation in the faith is his work and labour. With never ending patience he has carried it through and will bring it to perfection and completion in his own time and according to his own good will.
For Christ’s sake God looks on mankind with favour and mercy. No longer aiming at wiping out humanity, but rather to save and deliver them from evil through the forgiveness of sins and the rich and unfailing deposit of his grace, mercy and peace. Come and taste, how friendly the Lord is. Nobody is put to shame, who trusts in him. Amen.
Scatter the darkness, break the gloom; Sun, reveal an empty tomb Shining with joy for all our sorrows, Hope and peace for all tomorrows, Life uneclipsed by doubt and dread: Christ has risen from the dead!
Bearing the standard from on high As the Lamb of God to die; He who for us, so cruelly treated, Lives again – our foes defeated! Where is your sting, O death and grave? Christ has shown his strength to save!
Banners of triumph, be unfurled! Trumpets, sound throughout the world! Crying and sighs give way to singing; Life from death, our Lord is bringing! Let there begin the jubilee – Christ has gained the victory! (Hymn by Stephen P. Starke *1955)
Wilhelm's space 