The following is an excerpt from the blog of Lutheran Brethren Pastor Matt Richard called PM Notes, which is an excellent summary of the strength found in Lutheran theology. If you would like to subscribe to Pastor Richard’s blog, cotact him at pastormattrichard.com. I hope you enjoy this article. – Pastor Mark Jarvinen
About a decade ago I was anti-Lutheran. I didn’t want anything to do with the obsolete label. In fact, I quietly embraced the label ‘Non-denominational.’ Denominations, confessions and the sacraments? They are just outdated remnants of a church in the past that is no longer relevant to today.
Over the last 10 years of my journey I have done a complete 180. I’ve come to appreciate the confessions and love the sacraments. I have come to love Lutheranism, that which I thought was outdated and no longer relevant. But why Lutheranism?
I love Lutheranism not because I believe that it is the only way within Christendom, but rather because I believe it is the best way. I believe its focus on Law and Gospel are the bread and butter to understanding the scriptures and the Christian life. The use of the Law within Lutheranism does a phenomenal job in continually reminding me of my depravity and my inability to please God through my moral, intellectual and religious abilities; that I am spiritually bankrupt. The Law constantly reminds me that I am totally helpless and that even my best of works and the best of my theological efforts are mere rubbish. (Philippians 3:4-9) The Law shows me that it is ‘not’ my moral ascent, intellectual accumulation, nor my religious fervor that enables me to climb to God. On the other hand, the Gospel, as taught in Lutheranism, tells me of what God has done for me in the person and work of Jesus Christ. When I am brought to the end of myself the Gospel is delivered to me in the Word and Sacraments declaring and gifting me the forgiveness of sins. Declaring to me that all my sins are buried deep in the wounds of Christ. No ascending, no climbing, but rather a God who comes to me and delivers to me.
This is so good! This is freedom! Resting in the shadow of the Gospel, living by faith in the Son of God who gave Himself for me.