Lutheran Confessions and Worship

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

Lutheran Confessions and Worship

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Transcript of Lutheran Confessions and Worship