Several readers look for morning posts, just as others look for midnight ones. I try to oblige.
When I puzzle about nominal Lutherans attacking faith and justification by faith, I wonder how this time of darkness came into being.
The historical answer is Pietism, which places love above the doctrine of Bible. Why can't we all just get along, and forget all these differences? We can work together, commune together, and unite by a common set of disbeliefs. Not surprisingly, given Ephesians 4:1-5, disunity came from disregarding the seven one's:
One Body,
One Spirit,
One Hope,
One Lord,
One Faith,
One Baptism,
One God and Father of us all.
The entire Bible teaches the efficacy of the Word, in many different ways. The universe began with the Word of God creating (Genesis 1) and nothing was made apart from this Word (John 1).
The Word of God always has the divine power of the Spirit, so nothing coming from the Word is anything but God-pleasing. And it always prospers, never being proclaimed in vain. Isaiah 55:8-11. Too bad, no District President believes that today. They hate the Word of God, except those Old Testament verses about tithing.
I realized in studying this concept that no one was teaching the efficacy of the Word anymore, even though this Biblical concept is foundational in Luther and in the Lutheran Reformation, including the post-Concord era of Lutheran Orthodoxy.
Nominal Lutherans replaced the efficacy of the Word with business methods. Lutheran seminarians graduate today with their heads packed with Fuller Seminary follies, so there is no room for sound doctrine.
Efficacy is missing, so the cross is absent. The Europeans had a common saying: "No cross, no crown." Cross avoidance will inevitably lead to apostasy and atheism. One can see that in the way conservative Lutheran leaders reward and promote apostates and atheists, who share their values.
Lutheran blogs are windy because so few clergy are studious. The laity are far more attentive in their study than their pastors. The laity are doubtless trying to make up for the vacuity in the pulpit, the denominational rags, and the district leadership. The wait between once-in-a-lifetime-giving-opportunities is excruciating - might as well read the Bible and Luther.
Efficacy is more than a concept in the New Testament. The effectiveness of the Word is taught in a clearly defined word-group. Our word energy comes from the Greek word for effective. The Greek word can be broken down into two parts - works and in.
I studied the word group and found almost nothing in the literature, so I assembled my own list, which is below. I also gathered some doctrinal statements for and against the efficacy of the Word.
I like this painting of the Holyrood chapel ruins. One can see the former majesty in the outline of the broken and neglected building, a sad reminder of the Lutheran Church that still existed in the 1960s, only 50 years ago.
I became a Lutheran in the 1960s. My Moline friends were excited about Luther's works and this great book, Here I Stand, by Roland Bainton. I never suspected that I would meet Bainton later and get help on a dissertation about Lutherans switching to Babtist theology via the Social Gospel Movement. I actually imagined that Lutherans like Luther's doctrine, studied Luther, and agreed with him. Every Lutheran sect I have known has repudiated Luther and the efficacy of the Word. Zion mourns in fear and anguish, bowed beneath the chastening rod.
Bible
Effectual, powerful: energes
1 Corinthians 16:9 (KJV) For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and
many adversaries.
Philemon 1:6 (KJV) That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the word of God
quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and
a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Operations, working: energema
1 Corinthians 12:6 (KJV) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
To show forth, work: energew
Matthew 14:2 (KJV) And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.
Mark 6:14 (KJV) And king Herod heard
; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.
Romans 7:5 (KJV) For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
1 Corinthians 12:6 (KJV) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
2 Corinthians 1:6 (KJV) And whether we be afflicted,
for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted,
for your consolation and salvation.
2 Corinthians 4:12 (KJV) So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
Galatians 2:8 (KJV) (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
Galatians 3:5 (KJV) He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you,
by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 5:6 (KJV) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ephesians 1:11 (KJV) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Ephesians 1:20 (KJV) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set
at his own right hand in the heavenly
,
Ephesians 2:2 (KJV) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh
in the children of disobedience:
Ephesians 3:20‑21 (KJV) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, {21} Unto him
glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Philippians 2:13 (KJV) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of
good pleasure.
Colossians 1:29 (KJV) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received
not
the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth
, until he be taken out of the way.
James 5:16 (KJV) Confess
faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Effectual, working: energeia
Ephesians 1:19 (KJV) And what
the exceeding greatness of his power to us‑ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Ephesians 3:7 (KJV) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Ephesians 4:16 (KJV) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Philippians 3:21 (KJV) Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Colossians 1:29 (KJV) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Colossians 2:12 (KJV) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with
through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
2 Thessalonians 2:9‑12 (KJV)
, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, {10} And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of
the truth, that they might be saved. {11} And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: {12} That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. [Note 2
Thessalonians 2:7, the mystery of iniquity already at work.]
Anglican Denial of the Means of Grace
"First, our Lord does encourage us or even command us to believe that wherever there is the good character, the Christ‑like character, there the Holy Spirit is at work. God works far beyond How own appointed channels. The principle of loyalty and obedience binds us who know His will to use His sacraments, His instituted ordinances; but God is not tied to His own ordinances. He can work wherever He sees the good disposition; and it is blasphemy against His Spirit to deny that He is at work anywhere where we we witness the forming of the Christian character. The good fruit cannot come from anything else than the good tree."
Bishop Charles Gore, The Sermon on the Mount, A Practical Exposition, London: John Murray 1906, p. 179f.
Luther
"The world is now full of sects which exclaim that Baptism is merely an external matter and that external matters are of no use. However, let it be ever so much an external matter; here stand God's Word and command which institute, establish, and confirm Baptism. However, whatever God institutes and commands cannot be useless but must be an altogether precious matter, even if it were worth less than a straw."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 43. Large Catechism, Matthew 28:19.
"We should be on our guard against the Anabaptists and sectarian spirits, who speak contemptuously of Baptism and say that it is nothing but ordinary water, which helps no one. They look at the sacred act as a cow looks at a new door; for they see a poor preacher standing there or some woman who baptizes in an emergency, are offended at the sight, and say: Indeed! What might Baptism be? Moreover, they state: Whoever does not believe is really not baptized. In this way they dishonor and blaspheme the most worthy Sacrament, not seeing any farther than a horse or a cow sees...."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 45. John 1:30‑32.
"But here it is written that when Christ was baptized, all three Persons of the Trinity were present‑‑God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit...and that the heavens stood open, too. In fact, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit daily stand about and at the side of our own Baptism....For this reason we should highly esteem and honor Baptism and say: Baptism was not devised by any human being, but God instituted it; and it is not simple water, but God's Word is in it and with it, which makes of its water a washing of the soul and a washing of regeneration."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 45. John 1:30‑32.
"One must not make the sweeping assertion: God is not worshiped by anything external. Therefore we should not ridicule all things that are external in the worship of God. For when God speaks about a splinter, His Word makes the splinter as important as the sun. It is, therefore, profane language to say that the water of Baptism is only water; for the water of Baptism has the Word added to it. Therefore it is like a glowing or fiery iron, which is as truly fire as it is iron and does all that fire usually does. But only the pious see and appreciate the Word in the water; a cow or a dog sees only water."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 45. Psalm 122:3.
"Whoever is baptized in Christ is baptized through His suffering and blood or, to state it more clearly, through Baptism he is bathed in the blood of Christ and is cleansed from sins. For this reason St. Paul calls Baptism a "washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5); and according to what Christians say and picture, the Sacraments flow from the wounds of Christ. And what they say and picture is right." [Plass footnote: "Thus Jerome (d. 420) sees the Sacrament symbolized by the blood and water that flowed from the side of the dead Christ (John 19:34). Similarly St. Augustine (d. 430). In Luther's days pictures and woodcuts presented the same view. See W 30, II, 527, note; SL 13a, 491f.]
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 46. to Duke George, 1533 John 19:34; Titus 3:5.
[endangered infant not baptized in womb] "But the women who are present at the birth should kneel down and with a prayer of faith commit the endangered infant to God who is mighty and able to do more than we ask. Without a doubt He will accept the infant for the sake of the prayer of the believers."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 49. J. Aurifaber, undated
"I still maintain, as I have maintained in the Postil (SL 11, 496f.) that the surest Baptism is infant Baptism. For an old person may deceive, may come to Christ as a Judas and permit himself to be baptized. But a child cannot deceive. It comes to Christ in Baptism as John came to Him and as the little children were brought to Him, that His Word and work may come over them, touch them, and thus make them holy. For His Word and work cannot pass by without effect; and in Baptism they are directed at the child alone. If they were to fail of success here, they would have to be entire failures and useless means, which is impossible."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 50. Letter to two ministers, 1528
"To be sure, Baptism is so great that if you turn from sins and appeal to the covenant of Baptism, your sins are forgiven. Only see to it‑‑if you sin in this wicked and wanton manner by presuming on God's grace‑‑that the judgment does not lay hold of you and forestall your turning back. And even if you then wanted to believe and trust in your Baptism, your trial might by God's decree, be so great that faith could not stand the strain. If they scarcely remain in the faith who do no sin or who fall because of sheer weakness, where will your brazen wickedness remain, which has challenged and mocked God's grace? Let us, therefore, walk with care and fear that we may hold fast the riches of God's grace with a firm faith and joyfully give thanks to His mercy forever and ever. Amen."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 57. Treatise on Baptism, 1519 [advocates infant immersion or something similar] Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 58.
"Thus we see what a very splendid thing Baptism is. It snatches us from the jaws of the devil, makes us God's own, restrains and removes sin, and then daily strengthens the new man within us. It is and remains ever efficacious until we pass from this state of misery to eternal glory. For this reason everyone should consider his Baptism as his daily dress, to be worn constantly. Every day he should be found in the faith and its fruits, suppressing the old man, and growing up in the new; for if we want to be Christians, we must practice the work whereby we are Christians. But if anyone falls from baptismal grace, let him return to it. For as Christ, the Mercy Seat, does not withdraw from us or forbid us to come to Him again even though we sin, so all His treasures and gifts also remain with us."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 61. Article on baptism, 1529
"There is on earth no greater comfort than Baptism."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 61.
The Effectiveness of the Word
1 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV) I have planted, [Apollos] watered; but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6.
Revelation 19:13 (KJV) And he
clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The [Word] of God. Revelation 19:13.
Revelation 12:10 (KJV) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:11 (KJV) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the [word] of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:10‑11.
Revelation 1:9 (KJV) I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the [word] of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9.
1 John 5:7 (KJV) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the [Word], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 1 John 5:7.
1 John 2:14 (KJV) I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him
from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the [word] of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:14.
1 John 1:10 (KJV) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his [word] is not in us. 1 John 1:10.
1 John 1:1 (KJV) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the [Word] of life; 1 John 1:1.
1 Peter 2:7 (KJV) Unto you therefore which believe
precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 1 Peter 2:8 (KJV) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence,
which stumble at the [word], being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 1 Peter 2:7‑8.
1 Peter 1:23 (KJV) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the [word] of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh
as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the [word] of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the [word] which by the gospel is preached unto you.
1 Peter 2:1 (KJV) Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the [word], that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord
gracious. 1 Pt. 1:23‑25; 2:1f.
James 1:21 (KJV) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted [word], which is able to save your souls. James 1:21.
James 1:18 (KJV) Of his own will begat he us with the [word] of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:18.
Hebrews 13:7 (KJV) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the [word] of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of
conversation. Hebrews 13:7.
Hebrews 11:3 (KJV) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the [word] of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the [word] of God
quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and
a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebews 4:12.
Hebrews 1:3 (KJV) Who being the brightness of
glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the [word] of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3
Titus 2:5 (KJV)
discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the [word] of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:5.
Titus 1:9 (KJV) Holding fast the faithful [word] as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:9.
2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) Preach the [word]; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away
ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2‑5.
2 Timothy 2:9 (KJV) Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer,
unto bonds; but the [word] of God is not bound. 2 Timothy 2:9.
1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the [word] and doctrine. 1 Timothy 5:17.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the [word] of God which ye heard of us, ye received
not
the [word] of men, but as it is in truth, the [word] of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 (KJV) And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the [word] in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1 Thessalonians 1:6.
Colossians 3:16 (KJV) Let the [word] of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16.
Philippians 2:16 (KJV) Holding forth the [word] of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:16.
Ephesians 5:26 (KJV) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the [word], Ephesians 5:27 (KJV) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:26.
Ephesians 6:17 (KJV) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the [word] of God: Ephesians 6:17.
Ephesians 1:13 (KJV) In whom ye also
, after that ye heard the [word] of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13.
2 Corinthians 5:19 (KJV) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the [word] of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19.
2 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the [word] of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:2.
2 Corinthians 2:17 (KJV) For we are not as many, which corrupt the [word] of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:17.
Romans 10:8 (KJV) But what saith it? The [word] is nigh thee,
in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the [word] of faith, which we preach; Romans 10:8.
Acts 20:32 (KJV) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the [word] of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:32.
Acts 19:20 (KJV) So mightily grew the [word] of God and prevailed. Acts 19:20
Acts 17:10 (KJV) And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming
went into the synagogue of the Jews. Acts 17:11 (KJV) These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the [word] with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:10‑11.
Acts 13:48 (KJV) And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the [word] of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:49 (KJV) And the [word] of the Lord was published throughout all the region. Acts 13:48‑49.
Acts 13:26 (KJV) Men
brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the [word] of this salvation sent. Acts 13:26.
Acts 12:24 (KJV) But the [word] of God grew and multiplied. Acts 12:24
Acts 11:1 (KJV) And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the [word] of God. Acts 11:1.
Acts 10:36 (KJV) The [word] which
sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Acts 10:37 (KJV) That [word], (I say), ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; Acts 10:36‑37.
Acts 8:25 (KJV) And they, when they had testified and preached the [word] of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. Acts 8:25.
Acts 8:4 (KJV) Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the [word]. Acts 8:4.
Acts 6:7 (KJV) And the [word] of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7.
Acts 4:29 (KJV) And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy [word], Acts 4:30 (KJV) By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Acts 4:31 (KJV) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the [word] of God with boldness. Acts 4:29‑31.
Acts 2:41 (KJV) Then they that gladly received his [word] were baptized: and the same day there were added
about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41.
John 17:20 (KJV) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their [word]; John 17:21 (KJV) That they all may be one; as thou, Father,
in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17:20‑21.
John 17:17 (KJV) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy [word] is truth. John 17:17.
John 17:14 (KJV) I have given them thy [word]; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. John 17:14.
John 17:6 (KJV) I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy [word]. John 17:6.
John 15:25 (KJV) But
, that the [word] might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. John 15:25.
John 15:3 (KJV) Now ye are clean through the [word] which I have spoken unto you. John 15:3.
John 14:24 (KJV) He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the [word] which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. John 14:24.
John 12:47 (KJV) And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. John 12:48 (KJV) He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the [word] that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:47‑48.
John 10:35 (KJV) If he called them gods, unto whom the [word] of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; John 10:35.
John 8:37 (KJV) I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my [word] hath no place in you. John 8:37.
John 8:31 (KJV) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my [word],
are ye my disciples indeed; John 8:31.
John 5:38 (KJV) And ye have not his [word] abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. John 5:38.
John 5:24 (KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my [word], and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24.
John 4:41 (KJV) And many more believed because of his own [word]; John 4:41.
John 2:22 (KJV) When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the [word] which Jesus had said. John 2:22.
John 1:14 (KJV) And the [Word] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14.
John 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning was the [Word], and the [Word] was with God, and the [Word] was God. John 1:1.
Luke 24:19 (KJV) And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and [word] before God and all the people: Luke 24:19.
Luke 12:10 (KJV) And whosoever shall speak a [word] against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. Luke 12:10.
Luke 11:27 (KJV) And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed
the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. Luke 11:28 (KJV) But he said, Yea rather, blessed
they that hear the [word] of God, and keep it. Luke 11:27‑28.
Luke 10:39 (KJV) And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his [word]. Luke 10:39.
Luke 8:21 (KJV) And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the [word] of God, and do it. Luke 8:21.
Luke 7:7 (KJV) Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a [word], and my servant shall be healed. Luke 7:7.
Luke 5:5 (KJV) And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy [word] I will let down the net. Luke 5:5.
Luke 5:1 (KJV) And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the [word] of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, Luke 5:1.
Luke 4:32 (KJV) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his [word] was with power. Luke 4:32.
Luke 1:37 (KJV) For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:38 (KJV) And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy [word]. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:37.
Luke 1:2 (KJV) Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the [word]; Luke 1:2.
Mark 7:13 (KJV) Making the [word] of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. Mark 7:13.
Matthew 8:26 (KJV) And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and [rebuked] the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26.
Matthew 8:16 (KJV) When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with
[word], and healed all that were sick: Matthew 8:16.
Matthew 8:8 (KJV) The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the [word] only, and my servant shall be healed. Matthew 8:8.
Matthew 4:4 (KJV) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4
Zechariah 12:1 (KJV) The burden of the [word] of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
Ezekiel 34:7 (KJV) Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the [word] of the LORD; Ezekiel 34:8 (KJV)
I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because
no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Ezekiel 34:9 (KJV) Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the [word] of the LORD; Ezekiel 34:10 (KJV) Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I
against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. Ezekiel 34:11 (KJV) For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I,
I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
Ezekiel 3:16 (KJV) And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the [word] of the LORD came unto me, saying, Ezekiel 3:17 (KJV) Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the [word] at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Jeremiah 31:10 (KJV) Hear the [word] of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare
in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd
his flock. Jeremiah 31:11 (KJV) For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of
stronger than he. Jeremiah 31:12 (KJV) Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
Jeremiah 23:28 (KJV) The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my [word], let him speak my [word] faithfully. What
the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Jeremiah 23:29 (KJV)
not my [word] like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer
breaketh the rock in pieces?
Jeremiah 23:18 (KJV) For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his [word]? who hath marked his [word], and heard
? Jeremiah 23:19 (KJV) Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
Jeremiah 8:9 (KJV) The wise
are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the [word] of the LORD; and what wisdom
in them?
Jeremiah 6:10 (KJV) To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear
uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the [word] of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Jeremiah 6:11 (KJV) Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with
full of days.
Jeremiah 5:13 (KJV) And the prophets shall become wind, and the [word]
not in them: thus shall it be done unto them. Jeremiah 5:14 (KJV) Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this [word], behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.
Isaiah 66:2 (KJV) For all those
hath mine hand made, and all those
have been, saith the LORD: but to this
will I look,
to
poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my [word].
Isaiah 40:8 (KJV) The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the [word] of our God shall stand for ever.
Isaiah 28:13 (KJV) But the [word] of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little,
there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Isaiah 5:24 (KJV) Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff,
their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the [word] of the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 2:3 (KJV) And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the [word] of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Proverbs 30:5 (KJV) Every [word] of God
pure: he
a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Proverbs 13:13 (KJV) Whoso despiseth the [word] shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
Psalms 148:4‑6 (KJV) Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that
above the heavens. {5} Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. {6} He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Psalms 147:15‑18 (KJV) He sendeth forth his commandment
earth: his word runneth very swiftly. {16} He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. {17} He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold? {18} He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow,
the waters flow.
Psalms 119:160‑163 (KJV) Thy word
true
the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments
for ever. {161} SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. {162} I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. {163} I hate and abhor lying:
thy law do I love.
Psalms 119:140 (KJV) Thy [word]
very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Psalms 119:114 (KJV) Thou
my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy [word].
Psalms 119:105 (KJV) NUN. Thy [word]
a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalms 119:89 (KJV) LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy [word] is settled in heaven.
Psalms 119:49‑51 (KJV) ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. {50} This
my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. {51} The proud have had me greatly in derision:
have I not declined from thy law.
Psalms 119:41‑43 (KJV) VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD,
thy salvation, according to thy word. {42} So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. {43} And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
Psalms 119:28 (KJV) My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy [word].
Psalms 119:16 (KJV) I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy [word].
Psalms 119:11 (KJV) Thy [word] have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalms 105:8 (KJV) He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the [word]
he commanded to a thousand generations.
Psalms 33:6‑7 (KJV) By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. {7} He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
2 Chronicles 36:22 (KJV) Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the [word] of the LORD
by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and
also in writing, saying,
2 Chronicles 34:21 (KJV) Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great
the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the [word] of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.
1 Chronicles 10:13 (KJV) So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD,
against the [word] of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking
of
a familiar spirit, to inquire
;
1 Kings 22:19 (KJV) And he said, Hear thou therefore the [word] of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
1 Kings 17:24 (KJV) And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou
a man of God,
that the [word] of the LORD in thy mouth
truth.
Deuteronomy 18:20 (KJV) But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a [word] in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Deuteronomy 8:3 (KJV) And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [
] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Deuteronomy 4:1‑2(KJV) Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do
, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the [word] which I command you, neither shall ye diminish
from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Numbers 22:35 (KJV) And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the [word] that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
Numbers 15:31 (KJV) Because he hath despised the [word] of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity
upon him.
Romans 10:13‑17 (KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. {14} How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? {15} And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! {16} But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? {17} So then faith
by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:13‑17 Romans 10:13‑17.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received
not
the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which [effectually] worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
Isaiah 55:8‑13 (KJV) For my thoughts
not your thoughts, neither
your ways my ways, saith the LORD. {9} For
the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. {10} For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: {11} So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper
whereto I sent it. {12} For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap
hands. Isaiah 55:8‑12 Isaiah 55:8‑12.
Calvin
"Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, and the sacraments administered according to Christ's institution, there, it is not to be doubted, a church of God exists."
Benjamin Charles Milner, Jr., Calvin's Doctrine of the Church, Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1970, p. 100. Insti. IV.i.9 "Therefore, a part of revelation consists in baptism, that is, so far as it is intended to confirm our faith." Benjamin Charles Milner, Jr., Calvin's Doctrine of the Church, Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1970, p. 116. Titus 3:5.
"Baptism seals to us the salvation obtained by Christ."
Benjamin Charles Milner, Jr., Calvin's Doctrine of the Church, Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1970, p. 116. Comm. Titus 3:5.
"But the sacraments properly fulfill their office only when the Spirit, that inward teacher, comes to them, by whose power alone hearts are penetrated and affections moved and our souls opened for the sacraments to enter in. If the Spirit be lacking, the sacraments can accomplish nothing more in our minds than the splendor of the sun shining upon blind eyes, or a voice sounding in deaf ears."
Benjamin Charles Milner, Jr., Calvin's Doctrine of the Church, Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1970, p. 119. Insti. IV.xiv.9
"The nature of baptism or the Supper must not be tied down to an instant of time. God, whenever He sees fit, fulfills and exhibits in immediate effect that which he figures in the sacrament. But no necessity must be imagined so as to prevent His grace from sometimes preceding, sometimes following, the use of the sign."
Benjamin Charles Milner, Jr., Calvin's Doctrine of the Church, Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1970, p. 121. Against Joachim Westphal
"The offspring of believers are born holy, because their children, while yet in the womb, before they breathe the vital air, have been adopted into the covenant of eternal life."
Benjamin Charles Milner, Jr., Calvin's Doctrine of the Church, Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1970, p. 123. True Method of Reforming the Church
"We must establish such a presence of Christ in the supper as may neither fasten Him to the element of bread, not enclose Him in bread, not circumscribe Him in any way (all of which clearly derogate from His heavenly glory)...."
Benjamin Charles Milner, Jr., Calvin's Doctrine of the Church, Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1970, p. 128. Insti.IV.xvii.19
"Because saving grace is particular, according to the teaching of the Calvinists, there are no means of grace for that part of mankind to which the grace of God and the merit of Christ do not extend. On the contrary, for these people the means of grace are intended as means of condemnation. Calvin teaches expressly: 'For there is a universal call, through which, by the external preaching of the Word, God invites all, indiscriminately, to come to Him, even those for whom He intends it as a savor of death and an occasion of heavier condemnation' (Institutes, III, 24, 8)."
Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, 3 vols., trans., Walter W. F. Albrecht, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1953, III, p. 118f.
"But according to the teaching of Calvinism this 'inner illumination' is not brought about through the means of grace; it is worked immediately by the Holy Ghost. Modern Reformed, too, teach this very emphatically. Hodge, for example, says: 'In the work of regeneration all second causes are excluded....Nothing intervenes between the volition of the Spirit and the regeneration of the soul....The infusion of a new life into the soul is the immediate work of the Spirit....The truth (in the case of adults)[that is, the setting forth of the truth of the Gospel through the external Word] attends the work of regeneration, but is not the means by which it is effected." [Hodge, Systematic Theology, II, 634f.]
Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, 3 vols., trans., Walter W. F. Albrecht, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1953, III, p. 120.
Efficacy of Sacraments
Chrysostom: "If those who touched the hem of His garment were properly healed, how much more shall we be strengthened if we have Him in us whole? He will quiet in us the savage law of our members, He will quench the perturbations of the mind, drive out all sicknesses, raise us up from every fall, and, when the power of the enemy has been overcome, He will incite us to true piety and indeed will transform us into His own image."
Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent, trans., Fred Kramer, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1986, II, p. 234.
"The body of Christ is to the sick a medicine, to pilgrims a way; it strengthens the weak, delights the strong, heals weariness, preserves health. Through it man becomes more gentle under reproof, more patient under labor, more ardent for love, wiser for caution, more ready to obey, more devoted to giving of thanks."
Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent, trans., Fred Kramer, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1986, II, p. 234.
[Ignatius calls the Eucharist] "a medicine of immortality, an antidote, that we may not die but live in God through Jesus Christ, a cleansing remedy through warding off and driving out evils." Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent, trans., Fred Kramer, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1986, II, p. 234.
"How can there be any reason for the baptism of little children except according to this understanding: No one is free from defilement, even if he has lived but one day on earth. And because through the Sacrament of Baptism the filth of our birth is removed, therefore also little children are baptized." [Origen, Homily 14 on Luke]
Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent, trans., Fred Kramer, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1971, I, p. 250. Luke.
"For this reason the catholic church preaches that little children ought to be baptized, because of original sin, concerning which that most holy man well exclaimed: 'I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.'" [Chrysostom, Homily on Adam and Eve]
Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent, trans., Fred Kramer, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1971, I, p. 250f. Cf. Weinrich article on term "Catholic" Genesis.
"For a sacrifice, according to Augustine, Contra adversarium legis et prophetarum, Bk. 1, and De civitate Dei, Bk. 10, is a work which we offer, render, and dedicate to God in order that we may dwell in Him in holy fellowship. A sacrament, however, is a holy sign through which God freely offers, conveys, applies, and seals His gratuitous benefits to us. It is therefore an extraordinary perversion of the Lord's Supper to make a sacrifice out of a sacrament, in the way the papalists speak of the sacrifice of their Mass, namely, that the representatory action of the priest procures for us the application of the benefits of Christ and that anyone who causes a Mass to be celebrated in his behalf by this work procures grace and whatever other things are ascribed to the Mass."
Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent, trans., Fred Kramer, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1986, II, p. 498.
"To the Lutheran the sermon, as the preached Word, is a means of grace. Through it the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth. It is a constant offer of pardon; a giving of life, as well as a nourishing and strengthening of life. In the Reformed churches the sermon is apt to be more hortatory and ethical. It partakes more of the sacrificial than of the sacramental character. The individuality of the preacher, the subjective choice of a text, the using of it merely for a motto, the discussion of secular subjects, the unrestrained platform style, lack of reverence, lack of dignity, and many other faults are common, and are not regarded as unbecoming the messenger of God in His temple. Where there is a properly trained Lutheran consciousness such things repel, shock, and are not tolerated."
G. H. Gerberding, The Lutheran Pastor</