A BIBLICAL EXAMINATION
OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH'S
DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
A PREFACE TO THIS STUDY
God says in Acts 17:10-12 the "Bereans" were NOBLE in His sight, because "They Received the Word with All Readiness of Mind, and Searched the Scriptures Daily, whether these things were so."
The Truest Nobility is Demonstrated in the Willingness of a Person to Receive the Message someone brings with an Open Mind - but then to Measure that Message by the "Ruler" of the Scriptures (the Word of God) to See if the Message is Consistent with the Bible or Not.
Some People are Closed Minded, so they are Not Open to Anything they Haven't Heard Before. Some People are So Gullible that they will Swallow Anything New that Sounds Reasonable. Both of these Mindsets are Dangerous. We Must be Open Enough to Listen, but We Must Have an Objective Standard by which we can Measure a Message to Determine whether or Not it is Truth !
With these things Established we will Look at what the Lutheran Church itself Teaches in regard to the Subject of Salvation. We will Also Examine What the Bible Says on the Subject and Explain Our Conclusion as to Whether or Not their Teachings are Consistent with the Word of God & Why.
OUR SOURCE REGARDING LUTHERAN TEACHINGS
The Source we will Look at to Determine the Teachings of the Lutheran Church will be a Book Entitled: "Life with God" by Herman G. Theiss and Subtitled: "A Manual for the Christian Instruction of Adults." We will Also Look at Portions of "The Small Catechism by Martin Luther" as Contained in the Aforementioned Manual.
SALVATION, "SHARING CHRIST'S LIFE BY FAITH"
The Question of How a Person is Saved or Comes to "Share in Christ's Victorious Life" is Simply Stated in Chapter Seven on Pages 56-61 in the "Life with God" Manual. In the Preview Section it is Stated that Jesus Came Into the World to "Bring People Life," and that He "Fulfilled His Mission." The Lord's Statement from John 19:30 "It is Finished" is Quoted from their Revised Standard Version of the Bible which says: "It is Accomplished." The Point that is Made is that the Work of Salvation was Finished by Jesus Christ when He Died on the Cross and that "By His Life, Death & Resurrection He Made Life Possible for All People."
The Chapter Goes on to State that "Faith puts Us in Connection with Christ." It says that it is By Faith that we Accept Salvation as a Gift from God - Not on the Basis of any Works that we Must Do but by Believing in "a Work that Has Been Done." Ephesians 2:8-10 is Quoted as a Basis for this Teaching. The Subjects of Faith & Repentance are Tied Nicely Together as an Attitude or Mindset: Repentance being a Mindset of Turning Away From Sin & Faith being a Mindset of Turning Toward God, an Old Lifestyle to be Forsaken & a New Lifestyle to be Taken Up.
UP TO THIS POINT
Up to this Point in the Discussion of Salvation the Statements Given are Basically Consistent with a Proper Understanding of the Scriptures. However, At this Point there is a Clear Departure from the Principle of "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth" (II Timothy 2:15) because of a Misunderstanding of Certain Passages of the Bible. At this Point the "Pure Gospel of Grace" becomes Another Gospel which is a Mixture of Faith & Works as Paul Wrote Against in the Book of Galatians.
In the Interest of Keeping this Booklet fairly short we will Only Deal with Two Major Areas in which this Departure Leads to Another Gospel which Paul Pronounced an Anathema (the Curse of God) Upon in Galatians 1:8-9.
A TWOFOLD DEPARTURE FROM THE GOSPEL OF THE PURE GRACE OF GOD
1. The First Area of Departure from the Biblical Gospel of the Pure Grace of God is Seen on Page 61 where it is Stated that "Life Restored May Die Again." --- ( A Saved Man Can Lose his Salvation.)
2. The Second Area of Departure is Seen by Linking Faith in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ with a Faith in the Power of the "Sacraments" of Baptism & Holy Communion to Provide Forgiveness for those who Participate IN those "Sacraments" By Faith in the Sacraments' Power to Bring About Forgiveness of Sins , Instead of what Christ Did Alone .
CONCERNING THE FIRST DEPARTURE
This Teaching that a Person can be Saved and Then Lost Again is Based Upon a Misunderstanding of Certain Scriptures like the Ones Listed in the Manual : II Corinthians 6:1 ; Psalm 51:11 ; I Thessalonians 5:19 ; Luke 11:24-26 ; Luke 8:13 ; & John 6:66 as the Basis for this Belief.
TWO IMPORTANT STATEMENTS
While it is Impossible to give a Detailed Explanation for each Verse that could be Lifted Out of it's Context to Seemingly Validate this Unscriptural Doctrine, I will State Quite Plainly Two things: First, a Person who is Genuinely Saved Can NOT Lose his or her Salvation ; & Secondly , the Verses Listed Above can be Easily Explained within their Context & Shown to Not Teach that Doctrine at all.
**** If a Reader is Interested in Hearing a Detailed Explanation of those Specific Verses I would be Delighted to Sit Down with them & Do so. I Invite you to Call me at the Number Listed on this Booklet to Set Up an Appointment. Also, let me State that there are Other Verses that May Seem to Teach this Doctrine as well, but I can Say with Certainty that they Don't and that a Careful Study of the "Whole Counsel of God" will Reveal it to be so.
CONSIDER HOW THE GOSPEL OF GRACE IS CHANGED
Having said those things, we'll Move On to an Explanation of How that Doctrine Changes the Pure Gospel of Grace through Faith Into a Faith Plus Works Gospel & Why that is Biblically Incorrect.
1. We are Saved By Grace through Faith Alone - Not by Our Works or Human Performance or Worthiness According to Ephesians 2:8-9 & Titus 3:5 . This Grace & Faith are a Gift Given by God. Grace through Faith, & Faith through the Word of God Romans 10:17.
2. We are Kept by the Power of God through Faith I Peter 1:3-5
3. Faith in Christ Produces Everlasting Life, & Everlasting Life Lasts Forever John 3:16 .
*** These Three Principles Alone are So Clear that the Argument Should be Over without Any Need of Further Explanation. However, let's Look at Three More Passages Anyway.
4. Paul said he Knew Whom he had Believed and was Persuaded that HE (God) was Able to Keep what he (Paul) had Committed Unto HIM (God) Against That Day II Timothy 1:12 .
5. Jude said that God was Able to Keep Us from Falling & Present Us Faultless Before the Presence of His Glory Jude Verse 24 .
6. Jesus said of His Sheep (the Ones who Hear His Voice & Follow Him) "I Give Unto them Eternal Life ; and they Shall Never Perish, neither Shall Any Man Pluck them Out of My Hand" John 10:28 .
*** Many Other Passages could be Sighted, but suffice it to say that If I am Kept by My Own Works, then, My Salvation is Based on Faith in an Unfinished Work of Jesus Christ & a Faith in the Requirement that I Must Finish the Task by Keeping Myself In the Master's Hand . That is a Faith + Works = Salvation Gospel which Paul Curses in the Book of Galatians.
*** If I am Trusting in Anything Else In Addition to What Jesus Did , then, I'm NOT Trusting Him ALONE as My Only Hope of Heaven , but I'm Trusting Partly in Him & Partly in Me !!!
*** This is Why So Many Lutherans as well as Many Others Have NO ASSURANCE of Salvation.
THIS IS ANOTHER GOSPEL , an ACCURSED One !!!
CONCERNING THE SECOND DEPARTURE
The Teaching that Salvation involves a Linking of Faith in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ with a Faith in the Power of the "Sacraments" of Baptism & Holy Communion to Provide Forgiveness to those who Participate IN those Sacraments By Faith IN the Sacraments' Power to Bring About Forgiveness of Sins INSTEAD of What Christ Did ALONE is Based Upon a Misunderstanding of Certain Scriptures like John 3:5 ; Mark 16:16 ; Luke 22:19-20 ; & I Corinthians 11:23-33 as well.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
The Bible Does Not Teach that Engaging In these Physical Activities is In Any Way Required for the Salvation of a Human Soul !!! These Physical Activities are Given to the Church to Reveal Spiritual Truths in a Physical Representation that Can be Seen & Witnessed by Flesh & Blood People in a Flesh & Blood Demonstration !!! The Actions themselves are In No Way Efficacious (Effective) In Providing One who Participates In them with the Forgiveness of Sins & Biblical Salvation. They are Physical Representations of Spiritual Realities Only - Not Physical Activities Necessary to Receive God's Salvation !!!
LUTHER'S CATECHISM ON BAPTISM
On Page 137 of the Text Martin Luther States : " In Baptism God Forgives Sin, Delivers from Death and the Devil, and Gives Everlasting Salvation to All who Believe what He has Promised." He Bases this Upon a Misunderstanding of John 3:5 & Mark 16:16 . He goes on to Say: " It is Not Water that Does these things, but God's Word With the Water & Our Trust In this Word. Water by Itself is Only Water, but With this Word it is a Life-Giving Water which By Grace Gives New Birth through the Holy Spirit." Therefore, it is His Teaching that Faith in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross Must be Linked with a Faith in the Word of the "Life-giving Water" and Our Willingness to Believe & Be Baptized in Accordance with that Word. Thus, there is a Faith In the Unfinished Work of Jesus Christ + Faith in the Finishing Work of the "Life-giving Water" & Our Willingness to Believe & Be Baptized = Salvation Gospel.
IN OTHER WORDS :
FAITH IN
The Work of Jesus On the Cross + The Finishing Work of Baptism And My Willingness to Believe & Be Baptized Accordingly = Salvation.
THIS IS MARTIN LUTHER'S GOSPEL.
This is ANOTHER GOSPEL than that which is BIBLICAL !
PAUL TAUGHT
Paul Said : " But though We, or an Angel from Heaven, Preach ANY OTHER GOSPEL Unto You than that Which We Have Preached Unto You, LET HIM BE ACCURSED " in Galatians 1:8. Paul Said : " For I am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION to Every One that Believeth ..." in Romans 1:16. Paul Said : " I THANK GOD I BAPTIZED NONE OF YOU ... for CHRIST SENT ME NOT TO BAPTIZE, BUT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL ..." in I Corinthians 1:14-17. Paul Said that the Gospel Message was the Death, Burial, & Resurrection of Jesus Christ for the Sins of the World in Accordance with the Scriptures in I Corinthians 15:1-4. Baptism Is NOT Part of the Gospel !!! Martin Luther has Erred .
LUTHER'S CATECHISM ON HOLY COMMUNION
On Page 138 of the Text Martin Luther States : " The Benefits of this Sacrament are Pointed Out by the Words, Given and Shed for you for the Remission of Sins . These Words Assure Us that IN THE SACRAMENT WE RECEIVE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, LIFE, AND SALVATION . For Where there is Forgiveness of Sins, there is Also Life and Salvation." He Goes On to Say : " It is Not Eating And Drinking that Does this, but the Words, given and shed for you for the Remission of Sins. THESE WORDS, ALONG WITH THE EATING AND DRINKING , are the Main Thing in the Sacrament. And WHOEVER BELIEVES THESE WORDS HAS Exactly What they Say , FORGIVENESS OF SINS ." Thus, Martin Luther is Teaching that Eating & Drinking the Elements of the Lord's Supper By Faith IN Not Just What they Represent (Christ's Finished Work on the Cross) But Also By Faith that " IN THE SACRAMENT WE RECEIVE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, LIFE, AND SALVATION " is the Biblical Basis for Salvation.
IN OTHER WORDS :
FAITH IN
The Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross + The Words that Whoever Eats & Drinks the Elements Has Forgiveness In Participating in the Sacrament = Salvation .
THIS IS MARTIN LUTHER'S GOSPEL.
This is ANOTHER GOSPEL than that which is BIBLICAL !
JESUS SAID
In John 6 Jesus said: " Whoso Eateth My Flesh & Drinketh My Blood, Hath Eternal Life " in Verse 54 . The Jews were Amazed because they Took Him Literally & said : "This is an Hard Saying; who can Hear it ?" in Verse 60 . Jesus then Responded to them by saying: " It is the Spirit that Quickeneth; the FLESH PROFITETH NOTHING: THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK UNTO YOU, THEY ARE SPIRIT, & THEY ARE LIFE " in Verse 63 . What is the Spiritual Message that Jesus was Trying to Convey ? In Essence He was Saying that If Men Want to be Saved they Must Swallow the Idea that Eternal Life is Only Given to those Who Have Received Jesus Christ as their ONLY HOPE OF HEAVEN on the Basis of FAITH IN THE BROKEN BODY & SHED BLOOD that was Offered to God the Father as a COMPLETE & ETERNAL SACRIFICE FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS !!! Jesus Never Did Teach in Any Way that Our Eating & Drinking Participated in Providing Us with Remission for Our Sins, But Clearly Martin Luther Did. Martin Luther Erred in His Teaching !
BIBLICAL BAPTISM & THE LORD'S SUPPER SUMMARIZED
Biblical Baptism is the Total Immersion of a Biblical Christian in Water as an Outward Expression of the Spiritual Reality that a Man who has Trusted in the Death, Burial, & Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ as his Only Hope of Heaven has been Spiritually Baptized (Immersed) Into Christ by the Holy Spirit & has been Made a Partaker of that Death, Burial, & Resurrection By Faith in the One Time Completed Sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Biblical "Communion" (the Lord's Supper) is the Outward Testimony of the Spiritual Reality that the Biblical Christian has Placed his Faith in the Broken Body & Shed Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ as his Only Hope of Heaven, and the Observation of this Supper is a Commemoration of that Great Event wherein God Provided Himself a Sacrifice which was a Propitiation (Satisfaction) for Our Sins and to Appease His Holy Wrath Against a World that had Forsaken Him and had Gone Astray like Sheep.
SALVATION IS A FINISHED WORK
Salvation is a Finished Work that Jesus Paid for with His Own Precious Blood. If we try to Add Faith in Anything Else to Our Faith in that Finished Work , we are Believing in ANOTHER GOSPEL !!! If we Will Not Turn Away from Believing a Lie and Place Our Faith in the BIBLICAL GOSPEL , then, Quite Simply, God Says we are "Accursed" in Galatians 1:8-9 . To Believe Another Gospel is to Deny Jesus the Glory that He Alone Deserves for the Salvation of Our Souls.
SO, WHAT WILL YOU DO ???
NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH
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