The Second Part Article III

You can view today's article here. 

Here we see not so much being against something, as it is the misuse of something. Back in Luther's day there was this idea that those who went off to become monks or nuns were better than your ordinary every day Christian. The idea is just plain wrong. In fact Any idea of one Christian being better than another is just plain crazy. Because the reality of the situation is that we are each sinners. We are all in need of God's grace. There is not one of us who needs the grace of God more or less than the other. 

This is not the way that the Scriptures tell us to interact with one another. The Scriptures tell us to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. The Scriptures tell us that the great among us is the one who is the servant, not the one who goes and hides out somewhere. It is not that the monks and nuns of Luther's day weren't seeking out a good thing. It is go to connect with God through the study of his word and prayer and different activities that we do in our lives. The danger comes in beginning to see those things as influencing our salvation, or is seeing them as somehow making those who practice them better than those who do not. Remember, we are saved by grace through faith, and this is not our own doing, it is the gift of God, lest anyone should boast. God has prepared a life of good works to be our way of life, but not as a way to earn forgiveness, favor or salvation from God. The good works are always done in response to the grace that God has given to us. 

Luther says that the chapters and cloisters would be good if they trained people to serve in the church and community. But if they are not going to do that, then shut them down.

This brings up a good point. In all that we do in our lives, we should always be willing to take a step back and ask how the things we are doing line up with the Scriptures. Because we are sinful human beings, things can get out of control. But if we are always checking what we do with God's Word, then we can repent where we need to, receive God's forgiveness, and move forward in living our lives as his people and doing the work that he has given us to do.

God's blessings and peace in Jesus be yours this week and always.

Pastor CJ