A Reading from the Book of Concord 3 year series October 14, 2012 - Pentecost 20, Proper 23, series B

The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the Epistle, Hebrews 3:12-19 for the Pentecost 20, Proper 23, series B, October 14, 2012.

It is from Solid Declaration, Article IV, page 550.

It is sobering to think that some of God's people who experienced God's deliverance through the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army never entered the promised land. Through much sin they became hardened and rejected God. The warning is clear for us. We must exhort one another every day that we don't fall away in sin.

Click here for the reading formatted for the back of a standard CPH bulletin.

Pastor Doug May
Socorro, New Mexico

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD	PENTECOST 20, PROPER 23, SERIES B
SOLID DECLARATION	ARTICLE IV, GOOD WORKS

Whether good works preserve salvation, or whether they are necessary for preserving faith, righteousness, and salvation is another issue in dispute. This is of great importance, for "the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). Also, "For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end" (Hebrews 3:14). We must explain well how righteousness and salvation are preserved in us, lest salvation be lost again.

This false Epicurean delusion is to be seriously rebuked and rejected: some imagine that faith, righteousness and salvation that they have received, cannot be lost through sins or wicked deeds, not even through willful and intentional ones. They imagine that a Christian retains faith, God's grace, righteousness, and salvation even though he indulges his wicked lusts without fear and shame, resists the Holy Spirit, and purposely engages in sins against conscience.

Against this deadly delusion the following divine threats and punishments and warnings should often be impressed upon Christians who are justified through faith:

Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers … will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

If you live according to the flesh you will die.

(Romans 8:13) (paragraphs 30-32)

Condensed from CONCORDIA: THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS, copyright 2005,2006 by Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy of CONCORDIA, call 800-325-3040.

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