"In the sixth place, the Word of God is not rightly divided when the preacher describes faith in a manner as if the mere inert acceptance of truths, even while a person is living in mortal sins, renders that person righteous in the sight of God and saves him; or as if faith makes a person righteous and saves him for the reason that it produces in him love and reformation of his mode of living."C. F. W. Walther, Thesis 10.
I will admit, this thesis is a rather challenging one to touch on with people. In a lot of ways, what the thesis says are truly matters of the heart, which are not easily discernable from outward appearances. Just because you "know" that Jesus died on the cross, and that His death was a sacrifice for sin, does not immediately mean that such knowledge brings salvation. Instead, it is when the head and heart together grasp this knowledge and cling to it as the firm foundation of life. It isn't merely head knowledge, but instead happens when head and heart are both turned to Jesus.
That's the same essential thing in the second part of this thesis. A person may hear of what Jesus did for them, and then may change their maner of life to live like God outlines as the new life in Jesus. However, that still may or may not reflect what that person is clinging to as the truth that defines their life. That person may be changing out of reasons other than that God has rescued them in Jesus.
Thus, the preacher simply cannot make a simple statement such as, "Know that Jesus died for you, and that is enough." Just knowing that isn't enough. Yes, the knowledge of what Jesus did is essential, but it is also insufficient by itself. That is why the preacher has to emphasize belief in what Jesus has done, and that it was done for that person.
By the same token, the preacher cannot say that you have proper faith simply because there has been a change in how you live your life. People change parts of their lives for many different reasons. Yes, a change in life to become more caring, compassionate, and loving could be an indication of faith, but could also be brought about for other reasons. Faith still is what clings to Jesus, and because it is a matter of where someone puts their trust, it is not easily discerned as to its presence or absence.
In case you ever wonder why preachers often spend a decent amount of time on what they preach, these matters are some of the reason. If I were to simply point someone to knowing what the Bible says, and indicating that such knowledge is sufficient for salvation, I am pointing someone in a wrong direction. Sure, we preachers can become too fine with our words, but we also take care to make sure our words are not careless, not directing people to the wrong place for their trust. Anywhere other than Jesus means that the preacher does exactly what this thesis speaks to.
I will admit, this thesis is a rather challenging one to touch on with people. In a lot of ways, what the thesis says are truly matters of the heart, which are not easily discernable from outward appearances. Just because you "know" that Jesus died on the cross, and that His death was a sacrifice for sin, does not immediately mean that such knowledge brings salvation. Instead, it is when the head and heart together grasp this knowledge and cling to it as the firm foundation of life. It isn't merely head knowledge, but instead happens when head and heart are both turned to Jesus.
That's the same essential thing in the second part of this thesis. A person may hear of what Jesus did for them, and then may change their maner of life to live like God outlines as the new life in Jesus. However, that still may or may not reflect what that person is clinging to as the truth that defines their life. That person may be changing out of reasons other than that God has rescued them in Jesus.
Thus, the preacher simply cannot make a simple statement such as, "Know that Jesus died for you, and that is enough." Just knowing that isn't enough. Yes, the knowledge of what Jesus did is essential, but it is also insufficient by itself. That is why the preacher has to emphasize belief in what Jesus has done, and that it was done for that person.
By the same token, the preacher cannot say that you have proper faith simply because there has been a change in how you live your life. People change parts of their lives for many different reasons. Yes, a change in life to become more caring, compassionate, and loving could be an indication of faith, but could also be brought about for other reasons. Faith still is what clings to Jesus, and because it is a matter of where someone puts their trust, it is not easily discerned as to its presence or absence.
In case you ever wonder why preachers often spend a decent amount of time on what they preach, these matters are some of the reason. If I were to simply point someone to knowing what the Bible says, and indicating that such knowledge is sufficient for salvation, I am pointing someone in a wrong direction. Sure, we preachers can become too fine with our words, but we also take care to make sure our words are not careless, not directing people to the wrong place for their trust. Anywhere other than Jesus means that the preacher does exactly what this thesis speaks to.
No comments:
Post a Comment