Friday, May 22, 2009

Jesus Gives Real Forgiveness for Real Sin! How Much More Relevant Can You Get!

Who says what Jesus gives isn't relevant.  We laugh because we are just as guilty as she is, and we don't really think 'this sin' needs forgiveness. 

Luther reminds us about the Sixth Commandment

You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean?

Answer: We should fear and love God so that we may lead a pure and decent life in words and deeds, and each love and honor his spouse.

Concordia : The Lutheran Confessions. 2005 (Edited by Paul Timothy McCain) (322). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

He explains further in the Large Catechism:

202 But among us there is such a shameful mess and the very dregs of all vice and lewdness. Therefore, this commandment is directed against all kinds of unchastity, whatever it may be called. 203 Not only is the outward act of adultery forbidden, but also every kind of cause, motive, and means of adultery. Then the heart, the lips, and the whole body may be chaste and offer no opportunity, help, or persuasion toward inchastity. 204 Not only this, but we must also resist temptation, offer protection, and rescue honor wherever there is danger and need. We must give help and counsel, so as to maintain our neighbor’s honor. For whenever you abandon this effort when you could resist unchastity, or whenever you overlook it as if it did not concern you, you are as truly guilty of adultery as the one doing the deed. 205 To speak in the briefest way, this much is required of you: everyone must live chastely himself and help his neighbor do the same. So by this commandment God wishes to build a hedge round about [Job 1:10] and protect every spouse so that no one trespasses against him or her.

Concordia : The Lutheran Confessions. 2005 (Edited by Paul Timothy McCain) (382). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

All that's needed is, "I forgive you all your sin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Jesus Christ gives real forgiveness for real sin!

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