"When someone lies captive in a dungeon, he cannot be rescued unless the dungeon be broken open. Consequently, you will not be set free until the world comes to an end." HP 1:49
As I try to explain the Lutheran faith to my friends and family, I am constantly running into the brick wall that says, "salvation exists only in the past tense". Many radical Christians view their faith as a one-time event that occurred at the moment of their decision to submit. I have yet to find a part of the Bible that speaks this way. It is very frustrating.
Yup, Mike. One place Gerhard observes that in regards to Holy Baptism and salvation the verbs run in three tenses:
He SAVED us by the washing of regeneration. Baptism now SAVES you. He who believes and is baptized WILL BE SAVED.
Scripture definitely looks at salvation not just as a completed act (that is, from the standpoint of Christ's sacrificial death and His resurrection), but also from the standpoint of how that has impacted, is impacting, and will impact us.
So I have been saved. I am being saved. And I will be saved. Yes to all of them!
The knowledge that our salvation is unending gives one a great deal of peace. This complete view of faith connects the timeless promise of our justifcation with the eternally consistant will of Almighty God. When forgiveness is expressed free from a timeline, it is always readily available and accessable. If you look around, you are enveloped in limitless grace. I don't think that anyone appreciates this more than those of us who are converts to Lutheranism. The past, present, future understanding of salvation offers me far more comfort than the unsteady promises of eternal security ever did. Those who claim that the principle of "once saved always saved" is reassuring must not have ever faced a genuine crisis of faith.
In times of real trouble, the complete foundation of Scriptural justification is much more secure against fear and doubt. It also promises present and future salvation that is offered to everyone regardless of their merit... something that is absolutely vital if hope is to remain intact.
4 comments:
Thank you for this quote, Pastor Weedon.
As I try to explain the Lutheran faith to my friends and family, I am constantly running into the brick wall that says, "salvation exists only in the past tense". Many radical Christians view their faith as a one-time event that occurred at the moment of their decision to submit. I have yet to find a part of the Bible that speaks this way. It is very frustrating.
These words from Luther are very refreshing.
Yup, Mike. One place Gerhard observes that in regards to Holy Baptism and salvation the verbs run in three tenses:
He SAVED us by the washing of regeneration.
Baptism now SAVES you.
He who believes and is baptized WILL BE SAVED.
Scripture definitely looks at salvation not just as a completed act (that is, from the standpoint of Christ's sacrificial death and His resurrection), but also from the standpoint of how that has impacted, is impacting, and will impact us.
So I have been saved. I am being saved. And I will be saved. Yes to all of them!
The knowledge that our salvation is unending gives one a great deal of peace. This complete view of faith connects the timeless promise of our justifcation with the eternally consistant will of Almighty God. When forgiveness is expressed free from a timeline, it is always readily available and accessable. If you look around, you are enveloped in limitless grace. I don't think that anyone appreciates this more than those of us who are converts to Lutheranism. The past, present, future understanding of salvation offers me far more comfort than the unsteady promises of eternal security ever did. Those who claim that the principle of "once saved always saved" is reassuring must not have ever faced a genuine crisis of faith.
In times of real trouble, the complete foundation of Scriptural justification is much more secure against fear and doubt. It also promises present and future salvation that is offered to everyone regardless of their merit... something that is absolutely vital if hope is to remain intact.
awesome site. I just reviewed all the current posts.
Nothing but Jesus.
Just the way I need it to be.
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