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The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the LSB First Reading, Rev. 7:(2-8) 9-17 for the All Saints' Day, November 1, 2009. It is from Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article XI, paragraphs 46-49, page 609. The saints in heaven are beneficiaries of God's mercy. They were sustained by God through the great tribulation on earth and cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. Click here for the reading formatted for the back of a standard CPH bulletin. Pastor Doug May
God ordained in His eternal purpose what cannot fail or be overthrown. He placed salvation for safekeeping in the almighty hand of our Savior, Jesus Christ, from which no one can snatch us (John 10:28). Therefore, Paul asks in Romans, because we "are called according to His purpose" (8:28), who "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord"? (8:39). Furthermore, this doctrine provides glorious consolation under the cross and amid temptations. In other words, God in His counsel, before the time of the world, determined and decreed that He would assist us in all distresses. He determined to grant patience, give consolation, nourish and encourage hope, and produce an outcome for us that would contribute to our salvation. Also, Paul teaches this in a very consoling way. He explains that God in His purpose has ordained before the time of the world by what crosses and sufferings He would conform every one of His elect to the image of His Son. His cross shall and must work together for good for everyone, because they are called according to God's purpose. Therefore, Paul has concluded that it is certain and beyond doubt that neither "tribulation, or distress," neither "death nor life," or other such things "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (See Romans 8:28, 29, 35, 38, 39.) (paragraphs 46-49)
These are excerpts from the Book of Concord.
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