Quasimodo Geniti

 

Quasimodo Geniti - The First Sunday after Easter - Doubting Thomas, 2026, broadcast earlier in 2025.

 

The Hymn #206        Jesus Christ My Sure Defense

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

As newborn babes: desire the sincere milk of the Word.

Hear, O My people, and I will testify unto thee: 

O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto Me.

Psalm. Sing aloud unto God, our Strength: 

make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17

The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19 

Collect

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who have celebrated the solemnities of the Lord’s resurrection may, by the help of Thy grace, bring forth the fruits thereof in our life and conversation; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual       

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. Christ, our Passover, is sacrificed for us. Hallelujah!

V. The angel of the Lord descended from heaven: 

and came and rolled back the stone from the door 

and sat upon it. Hallelujah!

The Gospel               

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22     
The Sermon Hymn #656        Behold a Host     

       

He Knows and Guides Us

Communion Hymn # 200       I Know that My Redeemer      

The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
Hymn #285        How Precious Is the Book Divine

Prayers and Announcements

• In our prayers] - Sarah Buck, Pastor Jim Shrader and Christine, Kermit Way, Dr. Lito Cruz, members and friends.
• Pray for our country, our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
  

KJV 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

KJV John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

First Sunday After Easter

Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank Thee, that of Thine ineffable grace, for the sake of Thy Son, Thou hast given us the holy gospel, and hast instituted the holy sacraments, that through the same we may have comfort and forgiveness of sin: We beseech Thee, grant us Thy Holy Spirit, that we may heartily believe Thy word; and through the holy sacraments day by day establish our faith, until we at last obtain salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

He Knows and Guides Us

KJV John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Everything was darkness and fear, uniting for strength against the Jews and the stout door. Not knowing is scary. We have lights, locks, chains, extra doors, and noises - and we hope that will do the job. This is the extreme on both sides - the disciples were completely lost and afraid - Jesus was there human/divine - the Word of Creation in Genesis 1 and John 1.

The time between the tortured crucifixion of Jesus and His Resurrection were frightening and chaotic. He knew what had to happen, and everyone either read, heard, or dismissed such passages as Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. The disciples were so afraid of the Jewish leaders that they barred the door shut. Jesus appeared to them and said the most comforting Word - Peace be to all of you (plural).

20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

They were mixed up, confused, and afraid, but the Good Shepherd was fearless and compassionate. There were so many episodes in the past. 

• The disciples even accused Jesus - Do you not care if we die? 
• When Jesus suggested help for a huge group of pilgrims following them, "We don't have enough money!"  Our tendency is to respond to fears and agony, pressures and confusion, often - simply the reality of the seemingly unknown future. Our response is not adequate because the Son Himself has us in His hands.

21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Peace and forgiveness go together in the New Testament. That is because faith in Jesus Christ gives us access to God's grace. Jeru-salem means "a place of peace," which is ironic, only because they would not listen to God as the catastrophic battle moved to an end (70 AD). Another revolt and the city was smashed even worse (Bar Kokba Rebellion, 132-36 AD, obliteration.) The Christian believers were scattered before the Roman Army arrived, because the believers were already driven away. That war increased the Christians and saved many lives as a result. They were not counting the numbers, but the faith.

Breathing on and speaking to the disciples was not new by itself, since they were led by the Holy Spirit, but they were assured of Jesus' forgiveness through this act, carried out to the believers and among the believers. Thus the primary work of the Holy Spirit is to 

John 168 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

John 16 8 και ελθων εκεινος ελεγξει τον κοσμον περι αμαρτιας και περι δικαιοσυνης και περι κρισεως 9 περι αμαρτιας μεν οτι ου πιστευουσιν εις εμε

Thus this act in the locked room is to carry out the primary work of the Spirit - to conquer sin through faith in the Savior, whose many miracles and Resurrection give people forgiveness of sin through faith in Him.

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

If someone has never doubted the Savior, then that person should re-examine the situation. This is important because we all doubt Him in various ways. Therefore, we need a constant stream of trust in the Good Shepherd and thankfulness for that forgiveness. The Son of God is so great and we are so tiny that we tend to move in the wrong direction, which should begin in forgiveness and continue on the True Vine (John 15).

Enchanted Peace is derived from the famous WWII Peace Rose.

I looked out on the front parsonage garden this morning, after some rain.  At least 60 roses are in full bloom, all waiting to become seeds (hips) and in some cases pruned away. Jesus Christ has given us clear, simple examples to understand His ministry to us. Remaining with Him means being fruitful in His Kingdom. Cleansing (being forgiven) makes us fruitful. The rose (or grape vine) is never dormant but can become that way without the source.

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Doubting Thomas is really Believing Thomas, because he traveled to Kerala, India with the Gospel and established Christianity there. We got to know a family from Kerala and attended the wedding of the older daughter. We often talked about how the Gospel there spread in various parts of the world, truly a global network.

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

This event is unique to the Fourth Gospel and easily remembered by its drama and meaning. The mainline/apostate ministers and teachers mock this passage (and the Fourth Gospel), thus proving their inability to let the Gospel take effect and guide their lives. Nothing is more powerful than the Spirit working to teach us about Christ and His benefits. The longer we live, the more we realize that truth.

Maundy Thursday - 2026 - based on 2025

 

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Palm Sunday 2026, Previous Broadcast

 

http://ichabodthegloryhasdeparted.blogspot.com/search/label/Palm%20Sunday%20-%202025

Lent 4 2026

 

Laetare - The Fourth Sunday in Lent, 2026.

 

Bethany Lutheran Church

10 AM

Pastor Gregory Jackson

That Zoom link was wrong, but the link to YouTube below will work very well.

Click here for YouTube for this day.

The Hymn #263       O Little Flock Fear Not Thy Foe
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

Rejoice ye with Jerusalem and be glad with her:  all ye that love her.

Rejoice for joy with her: all ye that mourn for her.

Psalm. I was glad when they said unto me: 

Let us go into the house of the Lord.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

Collect

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual 

The Gospel 
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #316    O Living Bread from Heaven 

 Seek And Expect from Him Nourishment for the Soul

KJV John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

This passage from the Fourth Gospel first teaches us about miracles and God's ability to provide for us. The vast crowd  was convinced - for the moment - about Jesus' miracles and willingness to serve them. However, the disciples expressed a lack of faith about what Jesus could do.

I will repeat a story I have told before, because it shows how fear can turn into faith during stress. My boss asked me to have lunch with another insurance agent. He was stricken with anguish about whether he could succeed and provide for his family. I asked him about his faith, whether he trusted in God, Creation, the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and His miracles. And he said he did. I asked, "You believe in God, Creation, the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, His miracles, dying for our sins and rising from death? You are telling me that you believe all these things but do not trust that God will take of you and your family?" He smiled and cried at the same time. A perfectionist, he was stuck in WRONG! 

We all go through times of terrible stress, which stirs up fear in our hearts. The opposite of fear is not money, popularity, or prosperity - it is faith in God's wisdom and care for each and every one of us. "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

People followed Jesus because the miracles gave them faith in the Savior. But that faith was shallow and easily attacked. The disciples knew many examples of what He could do, but they doubted.

John 6:3-5   3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

Jesus used the view to challenge what they could see from an elevated place, as a huge group moved toward them. The crowd was walking along the sea. Jesus said to Philip, "How can we buy bread, so they can eat."

6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

Jesus was testing His disciples' faith, because He already knew what He was going to do. Philip figured the cost, and said there was not enough to take care of them. So that was a great contradiction, even before the crowd arrived. They had just seen a number of miracles, but the wonder did not care over to this crowd streaming toward them.

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

Andrew is the chairman of the finance committee. There is one is every congregation. I called the committee the Puddleglums in one congregation and only a few people thought it was funny. "What are five small barley loves and two small fish?" That is the definite mark of not trusting in what God can do. With the disciples stymied, Jesus created some order, having the men sit down in a grassy area (fresh water was nearby). There were about five thousand men, so the entire crowd was very large with women and children.

11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

Jesus gave thanks (as we always should) and passed them to the disciples, who gave them to all who sat down, the fish as much as they wanted. Those who deny miracles cannot fathom how God can do such a thing, and yet every day scientists marvel that so many plants and animals have incredible abilities to do what we could never imagine ourselves. And we are the pinnacle of creation evolution (they think). Yesterday I learned that blueberries are not blue. They only pretend. A thin layer of wax scatters light so they look blue.

"That nothing be lost" is a command not to be wasteful, which applies in so many different ways. Those who are frugal can give a purpose to many different things, often through sharing. I have to point out that pruning roses for their beauty is also a way to make them more productive, because with plants nothing much grows after forming the seed pod. The plants we call "weeds" are named for their ability to flourish being left alone, crowding out the more delicate.

So this very special food from God was to be treated as unique and not to scattered like trash. This was a meal to remember.

13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. 15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

In teaching people about pastoral counseling, I remind them of the dangers of trying to do everything all the time. Now I have three named examples of Jesus deliberately alone, in Mark 1, Luke 5, and here in John 6:15. 

Jesus was fulfilling His assigned duty when people wanted to make him the King and He withdrew. Most people want to work, because it is satisfying and healthy. Others make it an obsession and leave what is genuinely valuable behind. God ordained the Sabbath, which Christians changed to Sunday, to listen to God's Word and to enjoy peaceful time with family and others.

The Communion Hymn #388   Just As I Am (Elliot)
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn # 50          Lord Dismiss Us 

 By Norma A. Boeckler

Prayers and Announcements

• Medical care - Randy Anderson (hospital), Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Sarah Buck, Lorie Howell, Kermit Way. Norma's appointment went well.
• My Good Shepherd has been sent to most households. Ask for more if needed.

Reminiscere 2026

 use computer !!

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Video from 2025 - https://youtu.be/fNzpD0k6OAk

The Hymn #301   Kingo    He That Believes                         

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

Be Thou my strong Rock: for an house of defense to save me.

Thou art my Rock and my Fortress: therefore for Thy name’s sake lead me and guide me.

Psalm. In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in Thy righteousness.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

Collect

O Lord, we beseech Thee, mercifully hear our prayers and, having set us free from the bonds of sin, defend us from all evil; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual  

Gradual

V. Thou hast with Thine arm redeemed Thy people: the sons of Jacob and Joseph.

Tract. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness.

V. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving.

V. Know ye that the Lord, He is God.

V. It is He that hath made us and not we ourselves: we are His people and the sheep of his pasture.

     

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #148      Lord Jesus Christ, My Life

The Famous 1 Corinthians 13 Chapter

The Hymn #311        Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior                           

The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #657                 Beautiful Savior 

You have posted regarding catechisms of the Missouri Synod. I draw your attention to three versions of a brief statement: 1897, 1922 and 1932.

 

Many people contribute research, ideas, and findings. Below is an extensive lesson on the Brief Statements of the LCMS. I have permission to copy and paste it.

***

Dear Pastor Jackson,

You have posted regarding catechisms of the Missouri Synod.  I draw your attention to three versions of a brief statement: 1897, 1922 and 1932.  Franz Pieper was primarily responsible for the first two and perhaps for the third, as far as I know.

The 1897 brief statement lacks universal justification.  It says, “faith in Christ as the only way to obtain salvation, the Scripture sums up in the article of justification.” It quotes John 3:36. And, “alone by grace, on account of the perfect merit of Christ, He justifies them, i.e. He regards as righteous all those who believe in Christ, i.e., who believe on the authority of the Gospel, that for Christ’s sake their sins are forgiven them.”  Furthermore, it says, “this doctrine we hold, in harmony with our fathers, that it is the principal article of the Christian doctrine.”

I know universal or objective justification was held and debated before 1897, such as in the 1872 conference when the Synodical Council was formed.  Yet, it doesn’t appear in this brief statement.

The 1922 brief statement inches closer.  It says, “Since all mankind is reconciled with God through Christ’s vicarious life and passion, and God has the reconciliation brought about through Christ proclaimed in the Gospel that it might be believed by men; hence, for all men faith in Christ is the only way to obtain forgiveness of sins and salvation, as the Scripture of the Old and New Testament teaches (Acts 10:43; John 3:17, 17, 36). Under faith in Christ we understand faith in the Gospel, that is, faith in the forgiveness of sins purchased by Christ, not the human attempts, to fulfill God’s Law.”  Under justification, it says, “For the Christian religion is the faith that we have forgiveness of sins and salvation through faith in Christ without [our] own works and worthiness.”

I think these statements could be understood without universal justification in mind or with universal justification in mind, depending on the understanding of reconciliation and “faith in the forgiveness of sins.”  Note that there is no mention of 2 Cor. 5:19.

The 1932 brief statement, as you know, brings universal justification into full bloom, but without as much emphasis and defense as in later statements, especially the 1983 theses.  Of reconciliation under the topic of redemption, it says, “In this manner God reconciled the whole sinful world unto Himself, Gal. 4:4, 5; 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:18, 19.” It repeats this under “Faith in Christ” and says, “faith in Christ is the only way for men to obtain personal reconciliation with God, that is, the forgiveness of sins, as both the Old and New Testament Scriptures testify, Acts 10:43; John 3:16-18, 36.”  Note the creation of a world justification and a personal justification.

Under “Justification,” it builds to a crescendo. “Scripture teaches that God has already declared the whole world to be righteous in Christ, Rom. 5:19; 2 Cor. 5:18-21; Rom 4:25; . . . He justifies, that is, accounts a righteous, all those who believe, accept, and rely on, the fact that for Christ’s sake their sins are forgiven.”

I don't understand how the whole world is righteous on the one hand, and God accounts as righteous all who believe (presumably without holding unbelievers as righteous).

Note the addition of the Romans and 2 Corinthians “sedes doctrinae” for universal justification.  Of course, by this time, Franz Pieper (1852-1931) had already produced Christian Dogmatics ca. 1917.  It is a surprise that the 1922 statement did not treat universal justification more thoroughly.

                          1897

A Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod by F. Pieper, 1897

Of Faith

Since Christ by His vicarious life, suffering, and death is the sole Redeemer of men, and since God has the salvation, which was wrought out by Christ, proclaimed to men through the Gospel, to the end that they may believe this salvation, and thus become sharers therein, we profess that faith in Christ is the only way for men to obtain salvation, as Christ Himself testifies: “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,” John 3, 36.

However, by faith in Christ we understand faith in the forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake, i.e., this confidence of the heart, that God by grace, for Christ’s sake, without our works, forgives all our sins, and receives us to everlasting life.

Of Justification

All its teachings regarding the love of God to a sinner-world, regarding the salvation wrought out by Christ, regarding the insufficiency of all men to acquire salvation through themselves, and regarding faith in Christ as the only way to obtain salvation, the Scripture sums up in the article of justification, by which it teaches the reason why, and the manner in which, a person is accounted righteous before God, and received unto eternal life. Holy Scripture, namely, teaches that God does not receive men on a basis of their own work and their own merit, as the blind world and nominal Christians imagine Him to do, but that without the deeds of the Law, alone by grace, on account of the perfect merit of Christ, He justifies them, i.e., He regards as righteous all those who believe in Christ, i.e., who believe on the authority of the Gospel, that for Christ’s sake their sins are forgiven them. Thus the Holy Spirit testifies through St. Paul: “There is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” Rom. 3:22-24. And again: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law,” Rom. 3,28.

This doctrine we believe with all our heart, and pray God to graciously preserve us and our posterity in the same. For this doctrine Christ is given the honor due Him., viz., that by His life, suffering, and death He is our only Redeemer, and only by this doctrine poor sinners receive this abiding comfort, that God is assuredly gracious to them. Regarding this doctrine we hold, in harmony with our fathers, that it is the principal article of the Christian doctrine;” this doctrine is the real secret of Scripture, by which Scripture is distinguished from all false books of religion; for only Scripture teaches this article, that men are saved by faith in Christ crucified, and not by their own works. We also profess that only where this article has entered into a heart by faith there are Christians, and there is the Christian Church found, while all men who do not believe this article must be numbered with the unbelieving, even though they are found in external communion with the Church.

 1922

The 1922 Brief Statement, F. Pieper

Of Redemption [final sentence]

This divine wonder of the incarnation of the Son of God occurred to the end that He might be the Mediator between God and man, viz., that [He] might fulfill the divine Law in man’s place, suffer and die, and in this way reconcile all mankind with God.

Of Faith in Christ

Since all mankind is reconciled with God through Christ’s vicarious life and passion, and God has the reconciliation brought about through Christ proclaimed in the Gospel that it might be believed by men; hence, for all men faith in Christ is the only way to obtain forgiveness of sins and salvation, as the Scripture of the Old and New Testament teaches (Acts 10:43; John 3:16, 17, 36). Under faith in Christ we understand faith in the Gospel, that is, faith in the forgiveness of sins purchased by Christ, not the human attempts, to fulfill God’s Law.

Scripture teaches, viz., that God does not accept men on the basis of their own works, but without the works of the Law by grace alone for the sake of Christ’s perfect obedience does He justify all of them, that is, He reckons righteous those who believe in Christ, that is, believe that they are forgiven for Christ’s sake.

Of Justification

Thus the Holy Spirit testifies through St. Paul: “there is no distinction; they are altogether sinners and lack the glory, which they should have in God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption effected through Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23, 24).

And again: “so we now maintain that man is justified without the works of the Law, only through faith” (Romans 3:28). Only through this doctrine will Christ be given His glory that He is our Savior through His holy life and His innocent suffering and death, and only through this doctrine do poor sinners have continual comfort that God is truly gracious. We reject all doctrine in which human works and worthiness are mingled with Justification before God as apostasy from the Christian religion. For the Christian religion is the faith that we have forgiveness of sins and salvation through faith in Christ without [our] own works and worthiness.

                            1932

Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod (Adopted 1932)

Of Redemption

8. We teach that in the fulness of time the eternal Son of God was made man by assuming, from the Virgin Mary through the operation of the Holy Ghost, a human nature like unto ours, yet without sin, and receiving it unto His divine person. Jesus Christ is therefore “true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary,” true God and true man in one undivided and indivisible person. The purpose of this miraculous incarnation of the Son of God was that He might become the Mediator between God and men, both fulfilling the divine Law and suffering and dying in the place of mankind. In this manner God reconciled the whole sinful world unto Himself, Gal. 4:4, 5; 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:18, 19.

Of Faith in Christ

9. Since God has reconciled the whole world unto Himself through the vicarious life and death of His Son and has commanded that the reconciliation effected by Christ be proclaimed to men in the Gospel, to the end that they may believe it, 2 Cor. 5:18, 19; Rom. 1:5, therefore faith in Christ is the only way for men to obtain personal reconciliation with God, that is, forgiveness of sins, as both the Old and the New Testament Scriptures testify, Acts 10:43; John 3:16-18, 36. By this faith in Christ, through which men obtain the forgiveness of sins, is not meant any human effort to fulfill the Law of God after the example of Christ, but faith in the Gospel, that is, in the forgiveness of sins, or justification, which was fully earned for us by Christ and is offered by the Gospel. This faith justifies, not inasmuch as it is a work of man, but inasmuch as it lays hold of the grace offered, the forgiveness of sins, Rom. 4:16.

Of Justification

17. Holy Scripture sums up all its teachings regarding the love of God to the world of sinners, regarding the salvation wrought by Christ, and regarding faith in Christ as the only way to obtain salvation, in the article of justification. Scripture teaches that God has already declared the whole world to be righteous in Christ, Rom. 5:19; 2 Cor. 5:18-21; Rom. 4:25; that therefore not for the sake of their good works, but without the works of the Law, by grace, for Christ's sake, He justifies, that is, accounts as righteous, all those who believe, accept, and rely on, the fact that for Christ's sake their sins are forgiven. Thus the Holy Ghost testifies through St. Paul: “There is no difference; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” Rom. 3:23, 24. And again: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the Law,” Rom. 3:28.

18. Through this doctrine alone Christ is given the honor due Him, namely, that through His holy life and innocent suffering and death He is our Savior. And through this doctrine alone can poor sinners have the abiding comfort that God is assuredly gracious to them. We reject as apostasy from the Christian religion all doctrines whereby man's own works and merit are mingled into the article of justification before God. For the Christian religion is the faith that we have forgiveness of sins and salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, Acts 10:43.

19. We reject as apostasy from the Christian religion not only the doctrine of the Unitarians, who promise the grace of God to men on the basis of their moral efforts; not only the gross work-doctrine of the papists, who expressly teach that good works are necessary to obtain justification; but also the doctrine of the synergists, who indeed use the terminology of the Christian Church and say that man is justified “by faith,” “by faith alone,” but again mix human works into the article of justification by ascribing to man a co-operation with God in the kindling of faith and thus stray into papistic territory.

Yours in Christ,