So now we don’t have to work at all, but just think nice thoughts?

And all the promises by God earlier, to materially “prosper” us, are canceled?

And now we have a religion that promises us not good, but suffering and death?

Are you sure this is so great?

Finding a pastor who is a “fine theologian of the cross” is a rare thing, Mr Martin. You are a fortunate man.

Thank you for your comments, C and Susan.

Rayner, I think you put it very well. One quibble: I would qualify (and I think Luther would qualify) the Mosaic Law as more than merely a civil code for the Israelites (or those who would soon become Israelites). It is also a salutary guide to life, a reflection of God’s character and God’s intentions for all humanity. As theologians have for centuries, we can separate what are universal moral precepts (such as in the ten commandments) from what are merely ceremonial or civil laws (which is the majority of Leviticus, e.g.). The Mosaic Law contains both. In Luther’s view, at least, the Law is not a requirement *for* salvation so much as it is a guide for life *after* redemption, a guide in how we can express our gratitude to God by honoring what matters to God.

That, at least, is the way I read him at this point in his life and thought.

Luther separates redemption from righteousness. The Mosaic law was not given for redemption; it was a civil code organizing society in the way that God wanted the Israelites to live. It made no promises concerning a future life, and all the penalties were exacted on earth. In keeping the law, the Israelites were simply fulfilling the desires of God while waiting for Him to work out His redemptive plan. When people began to believe that the law itself was righteous, the way was open for them to expect redemption as a reward for obeying it. St Paul, from his vantage point after Calvary, addresses this perversion of the law, which seems to be so reasonable according to human understanding.

Sigh. Beautiful, to read the gospel so well articulated.

“Thus God revealed Himself such that only the humble can receive him.”

” There is nothing more critical in life than that we should be humbled to receive God’s grace.”

“The righteous can only act righteously by depending upon God and remaining constantly aware that their own actions do not make them righteous, but they are righteous solely through God’s grace in Christ.”

Thank-you. I enjoyed this. I’m always interested in filling my mind with the truth I need to have stored up ….sharpening my understanding and ability to share with those who are not yet in Christ. These are seasoned reflections for the daily life of a believer as well.

More Luther please!! Great stuff! Thanks Tim.

Thank you, Tim.

May pastor (Lutheran) is also a fine theologian of the cross.

This fairly short sermon reflects that.

http://lightofthemaster.com/Sermons/Entries/2008/3/4__The_Holy_Spirit.html

I think you will find it very honest, and refreshing.

Enjoy.

Thanks you, Steve, for the feedback. It’s a pleasure to write for an audience that appreciates theology. And I have to agree. I think the theology of the cross, while perhaps not complete, is the most compelling and the most blisteringly accurate vision of sin and redemption that I have found. I wrote my doctoral dissertation on the Danish religious thinker, Soren Kierkegaard, and he was substantially inspired by this line of thinking in his Lutheran heritage.

Nice job, Tim!

It’s not easy being a theologian of the cross…that’s for sure.

But it is the most accurate assessment of the human condition and what God has done, is doing, and will yet do about it, that I know of.