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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
Justification And Anthropology, Wenzel Lohff
Justification And Anthropology, Wenzel Lohff
Concordia Theological Monthly
The author suggests that contemporary difficulties with respect to understanding the article of justification arise in large measure from the fact that justification has been separated from its anthropological rootage. At the same time, Dr. Lohff argues that the doctrine of justification offers great help to modern man, who often feels trapped in his very humanness. Furthermore, justification, when proclaimed properly, makes Christian unity possible. He describes justification briefly as the right and unequivocal determination of a human practice: to always live anew the life of faith in the Gospel.
The Just Shall Live By Faith, Otto W. Heick
The Just Shall Live By Faith, Otto W. Heick
Concordia Theological Monthly
When did Luther reach the reformation insight into the doctrine of Justification? The author reviews the literature on the question, and brings to the attention of American readers the work of Uuras Saarnivaara, which has received little scholarly attention since its publication.
Doctrinal Emphases In The Missouri Synod, Erwin L. Lueker
Doctrinal Emphases In The Missouri Synod, Erwin L. Lueker
Concordia Theological Monthly
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has had the same doctrinal basis for 125 years. It is remarkable that within that period of time the loyalty of no group in Synod to that basis as given in the constitution could be seriously challenged. This, however, does not mean that there were no variations in emphases. This study is a brief synopsis of such variations. It is not concerned with difference, uniformity, contradiction, or inconsistency in doctrine (although some of these factors may be present) but with coordinating stresses. Examination of consistent adherence to basic insights is also beyond the scope of this …
Scripture, Confession, Justification, Carl S. Meyer
Scripture, Confession, Justification, Carl S. Meyer
Concordia Theological Monthly
From the very outset of the immigration movement which became part of the Missouri Synod, there was a strong confessional stance. The "Brief Outline of the Emigration Code," in its first paragraph, contained a confession of faith. Those who signed the code said that they had accepted "the tenets of the Lutheran faith, as contained in God's Word of the Old and New Testaments, and set forth and confessed in the Symbolical Writings of the Lutheran Church."
Justification By Works: Fate And The Gospel In The Roman Empire, Robert L. Wilken
Justification By Works: Fate And The Gospel In The Roman Empire, Robert L. Wilken
Concordia Theological Monthly
A prominent theme in the Christian writings of the second and third centuries is that men are "rewarded and punished according to the quality of their works." It is sounded in the middle of the second century by Justin Martyr in his First Apology: "We have learned from the prophets and declare as the truth, that penalties and punishments and good rewards are given according to the quality of each man's action." A century later, Origen, in Contra Celsum, lists this belief as an article of faith alongside the resurrection and virgin birth.
The Gospel And The Urban Crisis, Arthur R. Simon
The Gospel And The Urban Crisis, Arthur R. Simon
Concordia Theological Monthly
The urban crisis compels us to reexamine the gospel. It gives the lie to our arrogant supposition that we proclaim the gospel in all its truth and purity. It shows that what we have passed along as pure gospel is really the gospel shaped by cultural accretions. Furthermore, the urban crisis prompts us to confess that the gospel is not believed and understood faithfully when it is viewed as a message detached from its worldly surroundings, because the gospel encompasses a way of life that comprehends in one seamless robe the words that express the good news as well as …
Editorial, Herbert T. Mayer
Editorial, Herbert T. Mayer
Concordia Theological Monthly
Justification by grace through faith constitutes the unifying theme of this issue. Profs. Robert Bertram and George Hoyer treat the topic from different points of view. Bertram's paper was originally delivered to an international group of army officers in Europe; Hoyer spoke to a group of American architects in Kansas! The warm reception accorded both papers is evidence of the continuing relevance of this Lutheran shibboleth.
Moving Toward Lutheran Unity, Oliver R. Harms
Moving Toward Lutheran Unity, Oliver R. Harms
Concordia Theological Monthly
Two words in this topic seem to me very important: "moving" and "unity." They express thoughts that many persons seemingly have wanted to avoid or to ignore. There are those who say we are already at the point of unity. Others are sure we will never get there. Some flexibility in thought is required at both ends of this spectrum of opinion.
The Early Success And Gradual Decline Of Lutheranism In England, 1520-1600, Basil Hall
The Early Success And Gradual Decline Of Lutheranism In England, 1520-1600, Basil Hall
Concordia Theological Monthly
This calendar was an unofficial enterprise intended to oppose the names of "Protestant saints" to those of "Popish saints" in the traditional calendars in Elizabethan use, and it cannot be taken to mean that a deep or ready sympathy existed for Lutheran doctrine and religious practices at that time. In fact it would be difficult to find an Elizabethan writer approving of Lutheran teachings and methods of worship and advocating them apart from those subjects which had become common to Protestantism, including justification by faith.
Luther On Justification, John F. Johnson
Luther On Justification, John F. Johnson
Concordia Theological Monthly
Once upon a time every student of theology identified in any way with the Lutheran Confessions was able to read, pronounce, and understand the expression articulus stantis et cadentis ecclesiae. More importantly, he was not only able to read it; he believed with all his heart that this designation referred to the doctrine of justification. Indeed, this has always been the distinguishing mark of evangelical Lutheranism.
Brief Studies, Concordia Faculty
Covenant And Justification In The Old Testament, Walter R. Roehrs
Covenant And Justification In The Old Testament, Walter R. Roehrs
Concordia Theological Monthly
The Lutheran World Federation convention at Helsinki in 1963 was not able to reach agreement on a formulation of the doctrine of justification. This lack of agreement, it is said, does not imply disagreement regarding the doctrine itself, but it resulted from the inability to formulate or present this basic teaching of Scripture to modern man in such a way as to speak to him in terms that are relevant and pertinent to him. This difficulty arises, it is said, particularly because modern man no longer asks Luther's question: "How do I find a gracious God?" but asks: "Is there …
Helsinki-After One Year - A Symposium, Unknown
Helsinki-After One Year - A Symposium, Unknown
Concordia Theological Monthly
The contemporary movement toward a united world Lutheranism entered upon its present phase only 40 years ago. 1923 at Eisenach, Germany, the Lutheran World Convention was organized after World War I to enable Lutherans to pool their spiritual and physical resources to salvage the battered remnants of many mission fields, to bring relief to millions of sufferers all over the world, and to enable the European Lutheran churches to get back on their feet. After 24 years and another world war the members of the LWC were sufficiently encouraged by past successes to take a long step toward a stronger …
Calvin's Doctrine Of Justification, Thomas Coates
Calvin's Doctrine Of Justification, Thomas Coates
Concordia Theological Monthly
Justification by faith was the great central doctrine of the Reformation, a doctrine which formed the foundation of the entire theological system of Luther and was bequeathed by him to the succeeding generations of Christendom as the great heritage of the Reformation. This doctrine, of course, did not originate with the reformers, but was restored by them to its rightful position as the pivot around which the entire Christian religion revolves - the doctrine which, in a preeminent sense, marks the great cleavage between Christianity and all heathen religions. The unique and distinctive character of Christianity, in contrast with all …
The Voice Of Augustana Vii On The Church, Frederick B. Mayer, Herbert T. Mayer (Translator)
The Voice Of Augustana Vii On The Church, Frederick B. Mayer, Herbert T. Mayer (Translator)
Concordia Theological Monthly
In Europe as well as in the U.S. A. the question concerning the nature of the church is as much alive as the question concerning the nature of the Gospel Fundamentally one's ideas about the church are determined by one's position toward the Gospel. In the United States the Reformed theologians are concerning themselves with the question of the church from two points of view: the theological and the practical. As to the theological aspect of the question, the Reformed bodies offer a variety of answers, among which three stand out.
The Inclusive Nature Of Holy Baptism In Luther's Writings, Harry G. Coiner
The Inclusive Nature Of Holy Baptism In Luther's Writings, Harry G. Coiner
Concordia Theological Monthly
Though our action or behavior does not make the sacrament valid, nevertheless legitimate concerns are to be expressed from time to time regarding our understanding and employment of Baptism. Luther reminds us that Baptism is no human trifle devised or invented by men, but it is instituted by God Himself; for He strictly commanded that we must be baptized, or we cannot be saved; let no one regard it as a trivial matter, like putting on a new red coat. He expressed his estimation of Baptism in strong terms.
The Will Of God In The Life Of A Christian, Eugene F. Klug
The Will Of God In The Life Of A Christian, Eugene F. Klug
Concordia Theological Monthly
In what has been called "the greatest piece of theological writing" to come from his pen, The Bondage of the Will, Luther scores his contemporary Erasmus very sorely because of his unwillingness to assert plainly and forthrightly each and every truth which the Scriptures contain. Erasmus took a stance frequently duplicated today when theologians contend that Scripture does not contain propositional truth. Although we grant, of course, that it does not embrace formulations like a dogmatics textbook, the fact is that Scripture, as Luther reminded Erasmus, contains many doctrinal assertions which must be expressed and defended. "Take away assertions," Luther …
A Brief Statement-Guidelines And Helps For Study, Unknown
A Brief Statement-Guidelines And Helps For Study, Unknown
Concordia Theological Monthly
Documents such as A Brief Statement are functional; they are intended to perform a service and have validity and worth because, and insofar as, they do perform a service. As Lutherans, who receive and embrace the Holy Scriptures as the pure fountains from which the people of God must drink to live, we live in the conviction that the one functioning power in the life of the church is the Word of God.
Justification In The Theology Of Walther, Erwin L. Lueker
Justification In The Theology Of Walther, Erwin L. Lueker
Concordia Theological Monthly
"A person who wishes to describe Walther as a theologian must above all explain his position on the doctrine of justification." This view of Pieper is in harmony with Walther's own evaluation of theology.
Vicarious Satisfaction: A Study In Ecclesiastical Terminology, Henry W. Reimann
Vicarious Satisfaction: A Study In Ecclesiastical Terminology, Henry W. Reimann
Concordia Theological Monthly
There is no dispute in modern theology on the importance of the work of Christ. Biblical, Reformation, and confessional studies have combined to recall theology to the importance of Christology and soteriology. Even the recent emphases on ecclesiology and eschatology, stemming from our ecumenical and apocalyptic times, have not been unproductive of more vital soteriological emphases.
The Doctrine Of Justification And Reconciliation In The Theology Of Karl Barth, Robert D. Preus
The Doctrine Of Justification And Reconciliation In The Theology Of Karl Barth, Robert D. Preus
Concordia Theological Monthly
The doctrine of reconciliation is among the last subjects Barth has spoken on. This doctrine is presented in Vol. IV of his Church Dogmatics and embraces three parts. In Barth's dogmatics reconciliation includes not only the doctrine of the atonement and justification but also the work and person of Christ and the application of salvation (conversion and sanctification).
Luther And Sanctification, Philip S. Watson
Luther And Sanctification, Philip S. Watson
Concordia Theological Monthly
In a volume of sermons which he published in 1788, John Wesley took occasion to repeat a criticism of Luther that he had first made after reading his commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians many years before. "It has frequently been observed," he says, "that very few were clear in their judgment both with regard to justification and sanctification"; and he cites Luther as an example. "Who," he asks, "has wrote more ably than Martin Luther on justification by faith alone? And who was more ignorant of the doctrine of sanctification, or more confused in his conceptions of it?" …
Pauline Charis: A Philological, Exegetical, And Dogmatical Study (Concluded), Raymond F. Surburg
Pauline Charis: A Philological, Exegetical, And Dogmatical Study (Concluded), Raymond F. Surburg
Concordia Theological Monthly
Francisco Zorell gives two definitions of grace that are not warranted by the context in which χάϱις, appears in the epistles of Paul.
Luther's Apologetics, Siegbert Becker
Luther's Apologetics, Siegbert Becker
Concordia Theological Monthly
The renewed interest in the construction of a Christian apologetic which is stirring in Protestantism ought also to stimulate Lutherans to take a fresh look at the possibilities of defending the Christian faith before an unbelieving world. As Protestantism shortens its lines in an attempt to strengthen its position, it behooves a Lutheran theologian to come to a clear understanding of the nature and the place of apologetics in the Christian witness.
Justification By Faith In Modern Theology, Henry P. Hamann Jr.
Justification By Faith In Modern Theology, Henry P. Hamann Jr.
Concordia Theological Monthly
In one of his justly famous Gesammelte Aufsaetze entitled Die Rechtfertigungslehre im Lichte der Geschichte des Protestantis1mus Karl Holl quotes the scholar Lagarde as declaring that justification as a doctrine was dead-this was in 1873 - and that no one lived by it any longer. The far more pressing task, moderns tell us, is to show to modern man that there is a God. Whether there is a God at all is the problem he has to face, not something about God, say, that God justifies. To this criticism of the very raison d’ȇtre of this study we should reply …
Truth In The Inward Parts: A Sermon For Three Speakers On Justification By Faith, Richard Luecke
Truth In The Inward Parts: A Sermon For Three Speakers On Justification By Faith, Richard Luecke
Concordia Theological Monthly
The sermon seeks to address the Gospel, understood as "justification by faith through grace," to a particular yet current and popular campus attitude or pose. It speaks to the concern for "truthfulness," or for personal integrity and freedom, where all traditional statements are in question, and shows the "point of contact" - and the "point of conflict"! - between Christ and that. It does not attempt to treat the other side of the coin, namely, the concern for the '"truth of statement" in the Scriptures and then in the Confession and in theology - also essential emphases of the Reformation.
Was Luther A Nominalist?, Bengt Haegglund
Was Luther A Nominalist?, Bengt Haegglund
Concordia Theological Monthly
The problem of the relation between Luther and the tradition which derives its name from William of Occam has in our time acquired a new interest. Certain Roman Catholic critics are inclined to ascribe the Reformer's heretical ideas to nominalist influences. According to them nominalism bears within itself a ferment of dissolution; it rejects in a radical manner the fundamental presuppositions of the whole scholastic theology. Is such a view based on an accurate representation of nominalism? This is a question which we cannot answer within the limits of the present article.
Dr. C. F. W. Walther As Theologian, Francis Pieper, John Theodore Mueller
Dr. C. F. W. Walther As Theologian, Francis Pieper, John Theodore Mueller
Concordia Theological Monthly
This is to say that in order to preserve the doctrine of justification in its purity. there must be added to it the Scripture teaching that God imparts and communicates to men the forgiveness of sins procured by Christ for the entire world in no other way than by the Gospel and the Sacraments. Therefore the Biblical doctrine of justification stands and falls with the Biblical doctrine of the means of grace.
Sacra Scriptura And ''Verbum Dei" In The Lutheran Confessions, Fred Kramer
Sacra Scriptura And ''Verbum Dei" In The Lutheran Confessions, Fred Kramer
Concordia Theological Monthly
To understand the Lutheran Reformation of the sixteenth century correctly one must know and bear in mind the fact that it was begun by a man who amid fearful troubles of conscience and after a long and bitter struggle for the certainty of his salvation had rediscovered the Gospel and who in turn desired to share its blessings with others.
Review Of "Bad Boll" Conferences, Paul M. Bretscher
Review Of "Bad Boll" Conferences, Paul M. Bretscher
Concordia Theological Monthly
"Building Theological Bridges" is the appropriate subtitle of the sainted Professor Fred. E. Mayer's The Story of Bad Boll. In this booklet, which is a lasting memorial to Dr. Mayer's synthetic and sympathetic mind, the author summarized the three theological conferences conducted by our Synod at Bad Boll, Wűrttemberg, Germany, in the summer of 1948. The readiness of officials of our Synod to "build theological bridges" connecting our Church with European Lutheran Churches was so favorably received by the participants in the first Bad Boll venture that in the opinion of our officials these conferences needed to be continued.