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The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the Gospel, John 3:14-21 for the Lent 4, series B, March 18, 2012. It is from Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article VII, page 489. Without faith in Christ and His substitutionary obedience and death for our forgiveness, one remains under condemnation. There is no hope for one without the righteousness that comes from Christ. Click here for the reading formatted for the back of a standard CPH bulletin. Pastor Doug May
We believe, teach, and confess that not only the true believers in Christ and the worthy, but also the unworthy and unbelievers receive Christ's true body and blood. However, they do not receive them for life and consolation, but for judgment and condemnation, if they are not converted and do not repent (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). We believe, teach, and confess also that there is only one kind of unworthy guests: those who do not believe. About these guests it is written in John 3:18, "Whoever does not believe is condemned already." And this judgment becomes greater and more grievous, being aggravated by the unworthy use of the Holy Supper (1 Corinthians 11:29). We believe, teach, and confess that no true believer—as long as he has living faith, however weak he may be—receives the Holy Supper to his judgment. For the Supper was instituted especially for Christians weak in faith, yet repentant. It was instituted for their consolation and to strengthen their weak faith [Matthew 9:12; 11:5, 28]. We believe, teach, and confess that all the worthiness of guests of this heavenly feast is and is founded on Christ's most holy obedience and perfect merit alone. We receive these for ourselves by true faith, and by the Sacrament we are assured of them. Our worthiness is not at all in our virtues or preparations. (paragraphs 16, 18-20)
These are excerpts from the Book of Concord.
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