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8/8/2019 Lutheran Confessions and Worship
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MarkPetersWithextensivequotationfromWorship,Gottesdienst,CultusDeieditedbyJamesBrauer
LPPCBible
Institute 10
TheLutheranConfessionsonWorship
S t . J o h n s L u t h e r a n C h u r c h , M o n e t t , M i s s o u r i
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TheLutheranConfessionsonWorship 2
TheLutheranConfessionsandChristianWorship
TableofContents
PREFACE ......................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTIONTOBOOKOFCONCORD ......................................................................4
WORSHIP .....................................................................................................................5
WORD..........................................................................................................................8
BAPTISM......................................................................................................................9
THELORDSSUPPER ...................................................................................................10CONFESSION/ABSOLUTION........................................................................................12
PRAYER ......................................................................................................................14
PRAISE .......................................................................................................................16
RITES/CEREMONIES ...................................................................................................18
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PREFACEBecause the Lutheran Confessions are documents from the 16th
century, some readers may ask how these writings are helpful in
addressing issues that the church faces today. After all, the
Confessionswerewrittenforothertimesandplaces;todayssituationisvastlydifferent.SomeLutheranssuggestthattoreachthosewhodo
not yet know Christ the church should put more stress on itsmissionary thrust andless on issues ofdoctrine. Theyobserve the
dramatic increase in interaction between church bodies, with the
result that many Lutherans have become acquainted with or havebegun to explore concepts and practices from other Christian
traditions. In addition, many Christian groups around them are
employing intheirworshipcustomsandpreferencesofpeoplewho
have livedoutside the Christian church. Lutherandefendersofthis
experimentationpointoutthattheessenceofworshipasdiscussedin
the Lutheran Confessions does not involve human tradition of anykind.Thusthoseinterestedprimarilyinevangelizationfeeltheycan
justifiably ask, What could we gain from examining historical
questionsonworship?
OtherLutheranswhoarewaryofchangemightask,Howcanthese
16th century writings be helpful in stemming the tide of change in
worshipamongLutheransinNorthAmerica?Indeed,theyseethat
patterns and concepts from other Christian traditions have spilled
intoLutheranworshipwithoutmuchdebateorscrutiny.Theresultis
worship practices never before seen in Lutheran congregations.
Perhaps remembering the Chinese proverb If an urn lacks thecharacteristics ofanurn, how canwecall itanurn? these readersmight ask, If worship among Lutherans is so diluted by other
traditionsthatitisnolongerrecognizableasLutheran,howcanitbe
calledLutheran?(fromWorship,Gottesdienst,CultusDeip.3)
ToooftenweheartheLutheranConfessionsusedinourLutheranchurchasthe
scapegoatforliberalideasaboutfreedominworship.ItistruethattheConfessions
statenospecificformforworship,andfurthermore,identifyBiblicalproofsthat
thereisnoonecorrectformforworshipandalsothatthereisnoformthatjustifies
us.SobasicallywehavetheWordofGodwithanOldTestamentfullofrulesand
regulationsaboutworshipandaNewTestamentpracticallyvoidofanyovertinstructionaboutworship,exceptthattherebenolaw.Whatthenarewetodo?
IntheLutheranchurchtodaywehaveanemiaofworship.Ourworshipbloodisso
thinandoxygen-deprivedthatwearebasicallysuffocatingourworshipwithforeignforms,ritualsfromotherdenominations,worshipsongsthatgenerallydonthavea
placeinworship,andagenerallackofknowledgeabouthowChristshouldbe
centraltoourworshiplife.Formostpeople(andpastorstoo)thismeansthatthe
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CCMsongthattheypickforSundayworshiphasJesusnameinitmorethanonce.
ButaChristocentrictheologyhasmuchmoretodowiththanjustsayingJesus
name.AswewalkthroughtheConfessionstogether,youllseejusthowspecificour
ConfessionsareabouthowweoughttoworshipChrist.Forbeginners,itsnotour
worship,butGodsgifttousthatweactuallyareabletoworshipChrist.Our
response,then,isagift;itsnotourworship,butChristswordsthatwearereturningtohimthroughWordandsong.Thatswhythecontentofworshipisso
important.
INTRODUCTIONTOBOOKOFCONCORDWeknowthatifeverymedievalworkmanbroughthisownmeasuringrodtoa
buildingsite,thelackofastandardwouldsoonwastetheresourcesandcreatean
unusablestructure.(11)
TheBookofConcordwasnotonlywrittenasaprescriptionforfuturedoctrine,but
asastatementandtestimonytothepuredoctrineoftheGospelthattheLutheranchurchtaughtintheeraoftheReformation.Howcanweuseittodayastherule
andnormoffaith?
Itsreallystrangeaswegothroughthisstudy,mostofthequotationsaretakenfrom
eithertheSmallorLargeCatechism,primarilyfromthesectionsontheLords
Prayer.SeemslikethereformersweretryingtotellusthattheLordsPrayerhassomethingtotellusabouthowweshouldworship.
ThisbookgoesintodetailofeveryAmericandenominationandtheirviewsonworshipanditsroleintheChristianlife.TheearlyLutheranshadsimilarstruggles
todefineworshippracticesaroundthemandalsotodefinewhatworshipmeantfor
them.IfwebelievethatworshipisclearlydefinedintheseConfessions,weneedtocontinuetoaskthequestionstheyaskedthatwillbediscussedfromhereoninthis
study.
1. Isworshipsomekindofheavenlyfourthdimension?
2. IsitvaluedforitsabilitytogenerateaChristianlife?3. IsitapriestlyofferingoftheChurchofGod?
4. Isitmeasuredbyhowmanyconvertsitproduces?
5. IsitjudgedbyhowmuchtheHolySpiritseemstomovepeople?
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Ahelpfulquotefromthebookonthistopic:
Whenanyecumenicalexchangeoftraditionsisconsideredorwhen
missionworkwithnewgroupsofpeopleexposesdifferingtraditions
andformsofworship,thechurchdoesbestwhenitreturnstothe
primaryquestionsaroundsolascriptura,solagratia,andsolafideas
sheassesseswhatmaybeusefulinworship.(29)
Ofteninclassesonworship,reengineeringtheworshipservicetomaximize
evangelismresultsinadifferentapproachtoworshipthantheoriginal.Whywould
suchapracticebediscouraged?
Isthetheologyofworshipimportant?
Whoisthecenterofworship?
Lexorandi,lexcredendi.Define.
LatriaDefine.
GottesdienstDefine.
TobelieveinChristisworshipshighestact,inGreekcalledlatreia.Graceisnot
conferredonabelieverbytheactitself(exoperaoperato)apartfromfaith.What
doesthismeanforourviewoftraditionsinworship?
WORSHIP
AthanasianCreed,3This,however,isthecatholicfaith;thatweworshiponeGodintrinityandTrinityinunity,neitherconfusingthepersonsnordividingthesubstance.
Oneshouldnotethat,withintheConfessions,thereformersarereactingtotheir
situationagainsttheRomanchurchandtheAnabaptists(andmanyotherheretical
sectsthattheyname).Whenevertheytalkaboutworship,theyaretalkingaboutit
withtheunderstandingofreformingtheabusesbyRome.Themainabusewas
thinkingoftheMassexopereoperato,orthatbytheworkofdoingthemass,extra
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salvationwasavailableforthosegathered.Fromthisalsosprungtheabuseof
privateMassesforthedead.Apriestwouldbepaidbythefamilyofthedeceasedto
say,forexamplespurposes,20ormoremassesinarowtodecreasethedeceaseds
timeinpurgatory.Theconfessionsarenotarevoltagainstliturgicalworship,nor
aretheyabolishingceremonies.Butinsteadoffocusingonceremoniesherewewill
bediscussinghowworshipisofferedandtowhomworshipisoffered.
Actsofworshipinventedbymenarenotnecessaryforsalvation.Whatisnecessary
forsalvation?
ApologyIV,168-171Eveninourredeemedstatethereissinthatcouldbeimputedtous,[Adamssin,thesinsofforefathers]sowemustconstantlybeinworship.
Thosewho require otherservice orworship take honoraway from
Christandhissavingwork.Goddoesnotrequireperfectworshipbut
requiresustotrustthatthroughChristhehasreconciledustohimselfandthathewillaidusinourlives.Ourfleshdoubtsthispromisebut
theHolySpirit throughtheWordcreatesarelianceonGodsmercy,
whichtheprophetspraiseastrueworship.(54)
ApologyXV,18FortheydepriveChristofhishonorwhentheyteachthatwearenotfreelyjustifiedonaccountofChristthroughfaithbutthroughsuch
rites,andespeciallywhentheyteachthatsuchritesarenotonlyusefulfor
justificationbutevennecessary.
HowandwhycouldChristbedeprivedofhonor?
IsChristdeprivedofhonorinourworshipceremoniestoday?
TheexamplesoffalseworshipofGodfallintotwobroadcategories:
1. ThefirstcategoryreplacestherighteousnessoffaithinChrist,offered through themeansofgrace,witha teachingthatone
can earn salvation by his or her ownworksor theworksofothers:
a. ThatGodnecessarilygivesgracetothosewhodogoodworks,
b. ThatservicestoGodsuchasvowsofpovertycanmakesatisfactionforsin,
c. Thatonecanearnheavenbyhisorherownworks,d. That in teaching repentance no mention is made of
Christorfaithinhisredemption,
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e. ThatthegoodworksofanothercanmakeonegodlyorsaveonefromGodswrath,
f. That theMass,by theoutwardact, can take away thesinsofthelivingorthedead,
g. That without Gods Word or command a self-chosenworshipasawayofholinesscanbeestablished,and
h. That worship consists of using candles, vessels, orimages.
2. ThesecondcategorydivorcestheHolySpiritfromthemeansofgrace and thereby sets aside theministry of the Gospel thatJesusinstituted.ItteachesthattheHolySpiritcomesthrough
aninnerexperience,byonesownpreparationandworks,and
apartfromtheWordofGodandtheSacraments.
ApologyXV,42AndyetthechiefworshipofGodistopreachtheGospel.Andwhentheopponents(RC)preach,theytalkabouthumantraditions,aboutthedevotiontothe
saintsandsimilartrifles.Thisthepeoplerightlyloathe,andsotheywalkoutonthemimmediatelyafterthereadingofthegospel.
ThisabovestatementaffirmsourLutheranunderstandingofSolaScriptura.WhyisitsoimportanttoupholdtheseReformationtruths?
TheLutheransoftheConfessionswereparticularlydisturbedabouttheworshipof
themonksandnunsbeingconsideredmoreholythantheworshipofthepeople.
WhydidRomeconsidertheirworshipmoreholyandhowcanweavoidfuture
errorssuchasthis?WhatisapopularviewamongLutheransthatcomescloseto
thisheresy?
ApologyXXIV,89Itisahorribleteachingtoattributeasmuchtotheworkofthe
priestastothedeathofChrist.
FC,EpII,13WealsorejectandcondemntheerroroftheEnthusiasts.Theyimagine
thatGodwithoutmeans,withoutthehearingofGodsWord,andalsowithouttheuseoftheholySacraments,drawspeopletoHimselfandenlightens,justifiesandsaves
them.(WecallpeopleenthusiastswhoexpecttheheavenlyilluminationoftheSpiritwithoutthepreachingofGodsWord)
LutheransrejectthatGoddrawsanyonetofaithoutsidethemeansofWordand
Sacrament.Whatisyourreactiontothisstatement?
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WORDACXV,42ThechiefworshipofGodistopreachtheGospel.
ItwascommonplaceinLutherstimetoonlyhearasermononceaquarter.TheLutheransstartedpreachingeverySundayandmanytimesduringtheweek,which
Imsurecausedastir!ThepreachingoftheGospelwasthehallmarkoftheReformation,henceSolaScriptura.
FC,EpitVII,10,13ThereasonforourpositionagainstthesacramentariansonthismatterarethosewhichDr.LuthersetforthinhisGreatConfession:theWordofGod
isnotfalseordeceitful
LCIII,53ThecomingofGodskingdomtoustakesplaceintwoways:first,itcomes
here,intime,throughtheWordandfaith,andsecond,ineternity,itcomesthroughthe
finalrevelation.Now,[intheLordsPrayer]weaskforbothofthesethings:thatit
maycometothosewhoarenotyetinitandthat,bydailygrowthhereandineternal
lifehereafter,itmaycometouswhohaveattainedit.
Whatpetitionisthisreferringto?Whatdoesitmeanthatwehaveattainedit?
SCIIIThekingdomofGodcertainlycomesbyitselfwithoutourprayer,butweprayin
thispetitionthatitmaycometousalso.
HowdoesGodskingdomcome?GodskingdomcomeswhenourheavenlyFather
givesusHisHolySpirit,sothatbyHisgracewebelieveHisholyWordandlead
godlyliveshereintimeandthereineternity.
SoundslikewedonthaveanythingtodowithGodskingdomcoming.
HowdoesGodskingdomcome,then,throughworship?
FC,SDXI,77Accordingtohisnormalarrangement,theFatherdrawspeoplebythe
powerofhisHolySpiritthroughthehearingofhisholy,divineWord,aswithanet,
throughwhichtheelectaresnatchedoutofthejawsofthedevil.Forthisreasonevery
poorsinnershouldactinsuchawayastoheartheWorddiligentlyandnotdoubtthat
theFatherisdrawingpeopletohimself.FortheHolySpiritwillstobepresentwithhis
powerintheWordandtoworkthroughit.ThisisthedrawingoftheFather.
Whatisthedoctrineofelection?
Howdoesthatinformourworshippractices?
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LCIV,18This[Word]too,iswhereit(Baptism)derivesitsnaturesothatitiscalleda
sacrament,asStAugustinetaught,whentheWordisaddedtotheelementorthe
naturalsubstance,itbecomesasacrament,thatis,aholy,divinethingandsign.
WheredoesBaptismderiveitsauthorityandfacility?
FC,EpitII,4However,GodtheHolySpiritdoesnoteffectconversionwithoutmeans,
butheusesthepreachingandthehearingofGodsWordtoaccomplishit,asitis
written(Romans1:16),thegospelisapowerofGodtosave.
HowdoestheHolySpiritconvert?
JustliketheSacramentsweareabouttodiscuss,doesthesinsofthepastormake
himaworthy/notworthytolistentopreacher?Doeshislifestylenegatethewords
heispreaching?
BAPTISMSCIVBaptismisnotsimplyplainwater.InsteaditiswaterenclosedinGods
commandandconnectedwithGodsWord.
BaptismisoneofthethreemeansthatGodconnectsustosalvation.TheothersaretheWordofGodandtheLordsSupper.Seequoteabove(FC,EPII,4).Issalvation
possibleoutsideofBaptism?HowdoesourBaptisminformourworshipanddailylife?ThereformersclearlydistinguishedthatthewaterinBaptismhasnopower
outsidetheWord.ThusitistheWordofGodthatissalvific,andtheSacramentthat
isthesignandassuranceofsalvation.
HowdoesBaptisminformourunderstandingoftheDivineService?
BaptismiscommandedbyChrist.ItisaceremonyinwhichGodoffersus
thecontentofhispromise.Baptismsaves.ItiswaterconnectedtotheWord
ofGod.Faithreceivesthegiftoflife,salvationandtheHolySpiritthatcomes
fromGod.
LargeCatechismIV,65,67Thisactorceremony(Ger.Thisworkorgesture[theGermanwordactuallymeansoutwardappearance!])consistsofbeingdippedintothe
water(!),whichcoversuscompletely,andbeingdrawnoutagain.Thesetwoparts,
beingdippedunderthewaterandemergingfromit,pointtothepowerandeffectof
Baptism,whichisnothingelsethantheslayingoftheoldAdamandtheresurrectionof
thenewcreature(man),bothofwhichmustcontinueinusourwholelifelong.Thusa
ChristianlifeisnothingelsethanadailybaptismNow,whenweenterChrists
kingdom,thiscorruptionmustdailydecreasesothatthelongerwelivethemore
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gentle,patient,andmeekwebecome,andthemorewebreakawayfromgreed,hated,
envyandpride.ThisistherightuseofbaptismamongChristians,signifiedby
baptizingwithwater.
Doesthegesture,oroutwardsign,inaSacramentmakeadifference?
BydoingtheSacramentwrong,ormakingamistakewhilerecitingtheWord,make
theSacramentnullandvoid?
Whatistheoperativepart(s)oftheSacramentthatgive(s)salvation?
ACIX,1-3Concerningbaptismitistaughtthatitisnecessary,sincegraceisoffered
throughit,thatoneshouldalsobaptizechildren,whothroughsuchbaptismareentrustedtoGodandbecomepleasingtoHim.Rejected,therefore,aretheAnabaptists
whoteachthatthebaptismofchildrenisnotright.
WhatistheBiblicalproofforbaptizingchildren?
Mark19:14ButJesussaid,Letthelittlechildrencometomeanddonothinderthem,
fortosuchbelongsthekingdomofheaven.
Arechildrenbynaturesinful?
Whatisthebenefitofinfantbaptism?
1. 2.
THELORDSSUPPERACX,1-2ConcerningtheLordsSupperitistaughtthatthetruebodyandbloodof
ChristaretrulypresentundertheformofbreadandwineintheLordsSupperandare
distributedandreceivedthere.Rejected,therefore,isthecontraryteaching.
Isitbodyandbloodinthechaliceandthepaten?Orisitaspiritualrepresentationofthebodyandbloodwhichareinheavenwhereweascendtopartakeinaspiritual
feast?OrisittrulyChristsbodyandbloodin,withandunderthebreadandwine?I
supposewewillbearguingoverthisforever.IlovetheLutheranunderstandingof
bothaspects,thespiritualandthephysical.Itistrulypresent,butatthesametime
itisintercedinginheavenforus.OneofmyfavoritequotesfromLutheris:Iwould
rathereatonlythebodyofChristwiththepopethantoeatonlybreadwiththe
Zwinglians(aformofReformeddoctrine).
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LCV,8-9Now,whatistheSacramentoftheAltar?Answer:Itisthetruebodyand
bloodoftheLordChrist,inandunderthebreadandwine,whichweChristiansare
commandedbyChristswordtoeatanddrink.AndjustaswesaidofBaptismthatitis
notmerewater,sowesayheretoo,thatthesacramentisbreadandwine,butnot
merebreadandwinesuchasservedatthetable.Rather,itisbreadandwineset
withinGodsWordandboundtoit.
JustlikeBaptism,HolyCommunionhasaphysicalelementtiedtotheWordofGod.
Whatarethosewords?
FC,SDVII,50Here,intheinstitutionofhislastwillandtestamentandthisenduringcovenant(bond)andagreement(union),hedidnotuseflowerylanguagebutrather
themostappropriate,simple,unambiguous,andplainwords.
TheLutheraninterpretationoftheWordsofInstitutionareplainandsimple,just
likethelanguage.Take,eatmeansTake,eat.ThegeniusofLutherantheologyisthisdirectexplanationforverydifficulttopicssuchasthebodilypresenceinthe
LordsSupper.
FC,EpitomeVII,8-9Concerningtheconsecration,webelieve,teachandconfessthat
neitherhumaneffortnortherecitationoftheministereffectthispresenceofthebody
andbloodofChristintheHolySupper,butthatistobeattributedsolelyandaloneto
thealmightypowerofourLordJesusChrist.Inaddition,webelieve,teachandhold
withoneaccordthatintheuseoftheHolySupperthewordsofChristsinstitutionmay
undernocircumstancesbeomittedbutmustbespoken(recited)publically,asitis
written,Thecupofblessingwhichwebless(1Cor10:16).Thisblessingtakesplace
throughthepronouncementofthewordsofChrist.
Again,asinBaptism,theeffortormeritsofthepastorhavenoeffectonthe
institutionoftheSacrament.Ifyouhadapastorthatwasopenlysinful,wouldtheSacramentceasetobecometheSacrament?
LargeCatechismV,46However,youmaysay.ButthewordsareaddedAsoftenas
youdoit;sohecompelsnoone,butleavesittoourfreechoice.Answer:Thatistrue,
butitdoesnotsaythatweshouldneverpartakeofit.Indeed,preciselyhiswordsasoftenasyoudoitimplythatweshoulddoitfrequently(Lat;inintervals).
HowoftenshouldwehavetheSupper?
WhatpracticeisinformedbytheLutherantradition?
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2Howimportantisconfessionandabsolution/preparationbeforereceivingthe
Sacrament?
ApologyXXIV,11ForwehaveshowninourConfessionthatweholdthattheLords
Supperdoesnotconfergraceexopereoperato,nordoesitexopereoperatoconfermeritforothers,livingordead,theforgivenessofsins,guiltorpunishment.
Whatdoesthismean?
Howisthisview(exopereoperato)aliveandwellinChristianitytoday?
ApologyXXIV,19Nowtherearetwo,andnomorethantwo,basickindsofsacrifice.
Oneistheatoningsacrifice,thatis,aworkofsatisfactionforguiltandpunishmentthatreconcilesGod,conciliatesthewrathofGod,ormeritstheforgivenessofsinsfor
others.TheotherkindistheEucharisticsacrifice.Itdoesnotmerittheforgivenessofsinsorreconciliationbutisrenderedbythosewhohavealreadybeenreconciledasa
wayforustogivethanksorexpressgratitudeforhavingreceivedforgivenessofsins
andotherbenefits.
Whatarethetwokindsofsacrifice?WhichisfromtheLawandwhichfromthe
Gospel?
CONFESSION/ABSOLUTIONSCVHerereflectonyourwalkoflifeinlightoftheTenCommandments:whetheryouareafather,mother,son,daughter,master,mistress,servant;whetheryouhavebeen
disobedient,unfaithful,lazy,whetheryouhaveharmedanyonebywordordeed;
whetheryouhavestolen,neglected,wasted,orinjuredanything.
ApologyXII,99-100Forwealsoretainconfessionespeciallyonaccountofabsolution,
whichistheWordofGodthatthepowerofthekeysproclaimstoindividualsbydivine
authority.Thereforeitwouldbeunconscionabletoremoveprivateconfessionfrom
thechurch.
Haveyoubeentoprivateconfession?Whatwasyourexperience?
ApologyXIII,4-5Fortheserites(Baptism,HolyCommunionand
Confession/Absolution)havethecommandofGodandthepromiseofgrace,whichis
theessenceoftheNewTestament.Forsurelyourheartsoughttobecertainthatwhen
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wearebaptized,whenweeatthebodyoftheLord,andwhenweareabsolved,Christ
trulyforgivesusonaccountofChrist.AndGodmovesourheartsthroughtheword
andtheriteatthesametimesothattheybelieveandreceivefaithjustasPaulsays,
Sofaithcomesfromwhatisheard(Romans10:17).ForjustastheWordenters
throughtheearinordertostriketheheart,soalsotheriteentersthroughtheeyein
ordertomovetheheart.Thewordandtheritehavethesameeffect.Augustineputitwellwhenhesaidthatthesacramentisavisibleword,becausetheriteisreceivedby
theeyesandis,asitwere,apictureoftheWord,signifyingthesamethingastheWord.
Thereforebothhavethesameeffect.
WhatisthevisibleelementinConfession/Absolution?
Isitasacrament?
Doyouthinkthatthereformerseverwantedprivateabsolutiontofalloutofdisuse
asmuchasithastoday?
SAIII,VIII,2Becauseprivateabsolutionisderivedfromtheofficeofthekeys,we
shouldnotneglectitbutvalueithighly,justasalltheotherofficesoftheChristian
church.
WhatistheOfficeoftheKeys?(Cf.SCV)
Wheredoesthepastorgettherighttowithholdorretainsins?
ApologyXII,100-105Itwouldthereforebewickedtoremoveprivateabsolutionfrom
thechurch.Andthosewhodespiseprivateabsolutionunderstandneitherthe
forgivenessofsinsnorthepowerofthekeys.Asfortheenumerationofsinsin
confession,wehavesaidearlierthatwedonotbelievethatitisnecessarybydivine
rightTheministersofthechurchthereforehavethecommandtoforgivesins;theydonothavethecommandtoinvestigatesecretsins.Inaddition,theyabsolveusofthose
whichwedonotremember;thereforeabsolution,whichisthevoiceoftheGospelforgivingsinsandconsolingconsciences,doesnotneedaninvestigation.
TheabuseofprivateconfessionintheReformationwastheinvestigationofsecretsins,usingtheconfessionofthepenitentasaninvestigatorytool.Whatwouldkeep
youfromgoingtoprivateconfession?
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Doyoufeellikecorporateconfessionandabsolution(apracticethatwasnotused
untilthe1900s)isanadequatesubstituteforprivateconfession?
Isprivateconfessiononlyforthebigsins?
PRAYERSCIIIWiththesewordsGodwantstoenticeus,sothatwecometobelieveheistruly
ourFatherandwearetrulyhischildren,inorderthatwemayaskhimboldlyandwith
completeconfidence,justaslovingchildrenasktheirlovingfather.
Prayer:ThemostmisunderstoodandmostsimpleelementofChristianworship.
TheConfessionsextensivelydiscussprayer,especiallysincetheRomanchurchput
somuchemphasisonprayerearningmeritsinfrontofGod.AstheLordsPrayerteachesus,ourproperunderstandingofprayerinworshipisfirstGoddirectinghis
lovingactionstowardus,thenusofferingoursacrificeofpraise.
SCIII,1-2OurFather,youwhoareinheaven.
Whatdoesthismean?WiththesewordsGodwantstoenticeus,sothatwe
cometobelieveheistrulyourFatherandwearetrulyhischildren,inorder
thatwemayaskhimboldlyandwithcompleteconfidence,justasloving
childrenasktheirlovingfather.
ACXXVII,49-50Inaddition,thecommandsofGodandproper,trueserviceofGod
(Gottesdienst)areobscuredwhenpeoplehearthatonlymonksmustbeinthestateofperfection.ForChristianperfectionistofearGodearnestlywiththewholeheartand
yetalsotohaveasincereconfidence,faith,andtrustthatwehaveagracious,merciful
GodbecauseofChrist;thatwemayandshouldprayforandrequestfromGodwhateverweneedandconfidentlyexpecthelpfromhiminallaffliction,accordingto
eachpersonsvocationandwalkoflife;andthatmeanwhileweshoulddiligentlydo
externalgoodworksandattendtoourcalling.Thisistrueperfectionandtrueservice
ofGodnotbeingamendicantorwearingablackorgraycowl,etc.
Isperfectioninyourspirituallifedoingexternalgoodworks?
WhatisChristianperfectionaccordingtotheabovestatement?
HowwillGodhelpapersonthroughhisprayers?
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LCIII,98Moreover,aboveandbeyondallothersigns(prayer)hasbeeninstituted
preciselysothatwecanuseandpracticeiteveryhour,keepingitwithusatalltimes.
Wasthepracticeofdailyprayerabadone?Whatdidthemonksdothatweshould
emulate?
ACXXI,1,4Concerningthecultofsaintsourpeopleteachthatthesaintsaretobe
rememberedsothatwemaystrengthenourfaithwhenweseehowtheyexperienced
graceandhowtheywerehelpedbyfaithAccordingtoScripture,inallourneedsand
concernsitisthehighestworship(Gottesdienst)toseekandcalluponthissameJesus
Christwithourwholeheart.Butifanyonedoessin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChrist,therighteousone.(1John2:1)
Shouldwepraytosaints?Cantheyhelpus?
Whatisthehighestworshipaccordingtotheaboveparagraph?
LCIII,92Thusthispetition[Andforgiveusourtrespasses)reallymeansthatGoddoes
notwishtoregardoursinsandpunishusaswedailydeservebuttodealgraciously
withus,toforgiveashehaspromised,andthustograntusajoyfulandcheerful
consciencesothatwemaystandbeforehiminprayer.
LCIII,82Thus,yousee,Godwishestoshowushowhecaresforusinallourneedsand
faithfullyprovidesforourdailysustenance.Althoughhegivesandprovidesthese
blessingsbountifully,eventothegodlessandrogues,yethewishesustoaskforthem
sothatwemayrealizethatwehavereceivedthemfromhishandandmayrecognizein
themhisfatherlygoodnesstowardsus.Whenhewithdrawshishand,nothingcan
prosperorlastforanylengthoftime,asindeedweseeandexperienceeveryday.
ApXXI,20Trustinmercyarisesfromboththepromiseandthebestowalofmerits.SuchtrustinthedivinepromiseandinthemeritsofChristmustprovidethebasisfor
prayer.ForwemustbecompletelycertainthatweareheardonaccountofChristand
thatbyhismeritswehaveagraciousFather.
Ihadneverthoughtaboutthisuntilnow.TrustinChristsmerits(hisdeathandresurrection)mustprovidethebasisofprayer.Ifnot,howcouldwestandinfront
ofGodandaskforthetrivialthingsweaskfor?TheFathersgracioushandisonly
visiblethroughtheSon.GodsgoodwillandpleasuredoesnotexistoutsideJesus.
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LCI,84Secondandmostimportant,weobservethemsothatpeoplewillhavetime
andopportunityonsuchdaysofrest,whichotherwisewouldbeunavailable,toattend
worshipservices(Gottesdienstszuwarten:ServicesoftheWord;DivineServices)that
is,sothattheymayassembletohearanddiscussGodsWordandthentoofferpraise,
song,andprayertoGod(inLatin;hymns,psalmsandspiritualsongsfromEph.5:19).
WhyshouldwehavechurchonSunday?
WhatstheprimarypurposeofauniversaltimefortheServiceoftheWord?
LCIII,110Atsuchtimes[oftemptation]ouronlyhelpandcomfortistorunhereand
seizeholdoftheLordsPrayerandtospeaktoGodfromourheart,DearFather,youhavecommandedmetopray,letmenotfallbecauseoftemptation.Thenyouwillsee
thatthetemptationhastoceaseandeventuallyadmitdefeat.
Whatsthebestprayertoprayinatimeoftemptation?
WillGodhearourprayerevenifwedontgetcreativeorprayfromtheheart?(Eg,
willGodhearaninsincereprayer?)
PRAISEAPXXIV,30Accordingly,withtheabrogationofLeviticalworship,theNewTestamentteachesthatnewandpuresacrificeswillbemade,namely,faith,prayer,thanksgiving,
confession,thepreachingofthegospel,sufferingonaccountofthegospel,andsimilarthings.
Thewordpraisehashadtheawfuldutyofcarryingalotofbaggagelately.Especiallyinthelightofcontemporarymusic,praisemusicistheonlyeligible
heartlanguageofthepeopletoday.Thereformersandfaithfulpastorsand
teachersofthechurchwouldprefertothinkthattheWordofGodandmusicofany
typethatrelatesfaithfullytothatWordistheheartlanguagethatweshouldbe
listeningto.Wecantellfromthequalityresourcesandenduringhymnodythat
cameoutoftheReformationthattheReformerswerelisteningtothatstill,small
voiceoftheWord.
ApologyXXIV,32Wereadilyconcedethatallwhowanttoincludetheceremonyofthe
Massheremaydosoaslongastheydonotinterpretitasamereceremonyordonot
meanthatbyitself(exopereoperato)theceremonyisbeneficial.
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ApologyXXIV,17AsacramentisaceremonyorworkinwhichGodpresentstouswhat
thepromisejoinedtotheceremonyoffers.
Istheorderofthemassevil?Dowecelebratethemass?
Isaceremonyevil?WhatisthecomfortofaceremonytoaChristian?
ApologyXXIV,18Nowtherearetwo,andnomorethantwo,basickindsofsacrifice.
Oneistheatoningsacrifice,thatis,aworkofsatisfactionforguiltandpunishment
thatreconcilesGod,conciliatesthewrathofGod,ormeritstheforgivenessofsinsfor
others.TheotherkindistheEucharisticsacrifice,Itdoesnotmerittheforgivenessof
sinsorreconciliationbutisrenderedbythosewhohavealreadybeenreconciledasawayforustogivethanksorexpressgratitudeforhavingreceivedforgivenessofsins
andotherbenefits.
WhenwepraiseChrist,whatareweoffering?
WhenwetaketheLordsSupper,whattypeofsacrificearewereceiving/doing?
(Trickquestion!)
ApologyIV51,57ThusitisnotenoughtobelievethatChristwasborn,suffered,and
wasraisedagainunlesswealsoaddthisarticle,whichistherealpurposeofthe
narrative:theforgivenessofsins.Thisworship,(Ger.highlypraisedGottesdienst)isespeciallypraisedthroughouttheProphetsandPsalms.Althoughthelawdoesnot
appeartoteachaboutthefreeforgivenessofsins,thepatriarchsknewaboutthe
promiseconcerningChrist,thatGodintendedtoforgivesinsonaccountofChrist.
Whatisthehighlypraisedworship?
LCIII,46Thispetition(Hallowedbythyname),then,issimpleandclearifweonlyunderstandthelanguage,namely,thattohallowmeansthesameasinouridiomto
praise,extol,andhonorbothinwordanddeed(works,samewordasforritual).
HowdowehallowGodsnamethroughtheliturgy?
ApologyXV,39Butourenemiesfalselychargethatweabolishgoodordinancesandchurchdiscipline.Wecanclaimthatthepublicliturgyinthechurchismoredignified
amongusthanamongtheopponentsTheychantpsalms,notinordertolearnor
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pray,butforthesakeoftherite,asifthisworkwerearequiredactofworship,orfor
thesakeoffinancialreward.ManyamonguscelebratetheLordsSuppereveryLords
dayaftertheyareinstructed,examined,andabsolved.ThechildrenchantthePsalms
inordertolearnthem;thepeoplealsosinginordereithertolearnorpray.
Whydowedowhatwedoinworship?
Abrieforderofworshipbeforeyougoaboutyourday:
SCVII,1-3Inthemorning,assoonasyougetoutofbed,youaretomakethesignof
theholycrossandsay:GodtheFather,SonandHolySpiritwatchoverme.Amen.
Thenkneelingorstanding,saytheApostlesCreedandtheLordsPrayer.Ifyouwish,youmayinadditionrecitethislittleprayeraswell:
(LuthersMorningPrayer)
Aftersingingahymnperhaps(forexample,oneontheTenCommandments)or
whateverelsemayserveyourdevotion,youaretogotoyourworkjoyfully.
RITES/CEREMONIESApologyVII,5[TheChurch]neverthelesshasitsexternalmarkssothatitcanbe
recognized,namely,thepureteachingofthegospelandtheadministrationofthe
sacramentsinharmonywiththegospelofChrist.
Iloveawell-doneliturgicalservice.Organ,choirsandbrass;fullpews;several
pastorsinliturgicalgarmentsandchausible;candlesandperhapsevenincense.But
whatoftheritesofthelocal,weeklyliturgies?Aretheyanylessholyorsacred?
WhatkindsofgoosebumpscrawlupyourarmwhentheyfireuptheoldHammond?
Orwhenthepastorcomesoutwithawhiterobethathasyellowsweatlinesalloverthecollar?Thetruthisthattheceremonies,nomatterthedcor,effort,orclass,alldistributethesamegifts.Themeritorworthinessoftheofficiantorpeopledoesnot
diminishChristsgiftstohispeople.
ACV,1,4ToobtainsuchfaithGodinstitutedtheofficeofpreaching,givingthegospel
andthesacramentsCondemnedaretheAnabaptistsandotherswhoteachthatweobtaintheHolySpiritwithouttheexternalwordofthegospelthroughourown
preparation,thoughtsandworks.
AreyoupreparedtoreceivetheSacramentthenexttimeyougotoCommunion?
AreyouagoodenoughChristian!?
ACXXVI,33Inaddition,itisalsotaughtthatallareobligedtoconductthemselves
regardingbodilydiscipline,suchasfastingandotherwork,insuchawayasnottogive
occasiontosin,butnotasiftheyearnedgracebysuchworks.
Whycouldwefast?Isitagoodpractice?
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ApologyVII,30-40Butjustasthedifferentlengthsofdayandnightdonot
underminetheunityofthechurch,sowemaintainthatdifferentritesinstitutedby
humanbeingsdonotunderminethetrueunityofthechurch,althoughitpleasesus
whenuniversalritesarekeptforthesakeoftranquility.Thus,inourchurcheswe
willinglyobservetheorderoftheMass,theLordsday,andothermoreimportant
festivaldaysTheopponentssaythatuniversaltraditionsoughttobeobserved
becausetheyarethoughttohavebeenhandeddownfromtheapostles.Suchreligious
people!Theywishtoretainritestakenfromtheapostles,buttheydonotwishto
retaintheteachingoftheapostles.
ACXXVIII,53-60HowthenshouldSundayandothersimilarchurchordinancesandceremoniesberegarded?Ourpeoplereplythatbishopsorpastorsmaymake
regulationsforthesakeofgoodorderinthechurchThesameappliestotheregulationofSunday,Easter,Pentecostorsimilarfestivalsandcustoms.Forthose
whothinkthattheSabbathhadtobereplacedbySundayareverymuch
mistakenYet,sinceitwasnecessarytoestablishacertaindaysothatthepeoplewouldknowwhentheyshouldassemble,itappearsthatthechurchdesignatedSunday
forthispurpose.Apparently,thiswasevenmorepleasingbecausepeoplewouldhaveanexampleofChristianfreedomandwouldknowthatitwasnotnecessarytokeep
eithertheSabbathoranyotherday.
Whydowekeepcertaintraditions?
Whyisunityinthechurchbykeepingfeastsandservicesonthesameday
important?
FC,SDX,2-3Inatimeofpersecutionthatdemandsconfessionofthefaith
particularlywhentheopponentsarestrivingeitherthroughviolenceandcoercionor
throughcraftanddeceittosuppresspureteachingandsubtlytosliptheirfalse
teachingbackintoourchurches-suchthings,evenindifferentthings,(adiophora)
mayinnowaybepermittedwithaclearconscienceandwithoutdamagingthedivinetruth.
Adiaphora:Thegoldennuggetwordforgettingawaywiththingsinthechurch.
Doweliveinatimeofpersecutioninthechurchtoday?Whatdoesthatentailforconfessional,liturgicalLutherans?
Ifwedoliveinatimeofpersecution,whatthingsshouldweholdontojusttobe
obnoxious?
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FC,SDX,9Therefore,webelieve,teachandconfessthatthecommunityofGodin
everytimeandplacehastheright,powerandauthoritytochange,reduceorexpand
suchpracticesaccordingtocircumstancesinanorderlyandappropriatemanner,
withoutfrivolityoroffense,asseemsmostuseful,beneficial,andbestforgoodorder,
Christiandiscipline,evangelicaldecorum,andthebuildingupofthechurch.Paul
teacheshowonemayyieldandmakeconcessionstotheweakinfaithinsuchexternal
mattersofindifferencewithgoodconscience(Rom14:1-23)andhedemonstratesthis
withhisownexample(Acts16:3and1Cor.9:10).
Haveyoueverseenritualsexpanded?
Sometimeschurchpracticesandliturgicalinnovationsseemnewtolaypeopleof
congregationswhentheirpastorsorcantorsstartdoingtheminchurch.Manyof
thesenewpracticesareactuallyquiteold.NamesomeusefulpracticesthathavefallenoutofdisuseinthechurchwhicharenotcontrarytotheWordofGod.Could
thesebeimplementedinyourparishwithoutoffense?
Remember-aboveall-thatthetrueworshipersofChristareidentifiedbymeans!His
presenceinourlivesisnotambiguousbutveryclear-andthatisauniqueheritage
thatLutheransaredefinitelyproudof!ChristispresentinWord,Baptismandhis
mostholyEucharist.Heisalsoconfirminghispresencewithyouinpersonal
devotions,theliturgicalceremoniesyoutakepartintoreceiveHisgifts,alloutward
signsandsymbolsofHispresence.AsyoustudyHisWordandpartakeinthese
gifts,mayyourfaithbestrengthenedandyourBaptismrenewedasyouliveinthe
highestformofworship-theforgivenessofsinsthroughthemeritofChristsdeath!
PaxDomini-DerHerrseimitEuch!(PeaceofChrist-TheLordbewithyou!)
CantorMarkPeters
Reformation2010