The Good News


The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, who came to fulfill the Law on our behalf. The Law, which reveals God's perfect standards, shows us our sin and our inability to meet those standards. This can be a heavy burden, as it highlights our shortcomings and our need for a Savior. However, the Gospel brings hope and relief by proclaiming that Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to give us new life. Through faith in Jesus, we receive God's grace and forgiveness, not because of our works, but because of Christ's work for us. This frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to live in the joy and peace of knowing we are loved and accepted by God. Even as we continue to struggle with sin, the Holy Spirit works in us to grow in faith and good works, not to earn salvation, but as a response to God's love. This distinction between Law and Gospel is central to the Christian journey. 

 

As it is written, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).


God uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary

Tangible?

adjective: perceptible by touch
noun: a thing that is perceptible by touch.

What are the Tangible Means of Grace?

The Tangible Means of Grace are the ways in which God delivers His grace to us, including Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the Word of God. He delivers grace, and faith Amen

What Do the Tangible Means of Grace Do?

The Tangible Means of Grace strengthen our faith, forgive our sins, and unite us with Christ. They are powerful gifts from God that brings faith, and nourish and sustain us in our walk with Him.


The Word of God: A Tangible Means of Grace

The Word of God is not just a collection of ancient texts, but a living, breathing, and tangible means through which God communicates His grace to us. This belief is deeply rooted in the teaching that the authority and sufficiency of Scripture is the ultimate source of divine revelation.

The Tangibility of the Word

The Word of God is tangible in several profound ways. Firstly, it is tangible in its physical form. The Bible, whether in print or digital format, is a physical object that we can hold, read, and study. This physicality makes the Word accessible to us in our daily lives, allowing us to engage with it in a personal and intimate manner.

Secondly, the Word of God is tangible means as it impact on our lives. Through the reading and hearing of Scripture, the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to create and strengthen faith. Romans 10:17 tells us, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." This means that the Word is not just informative but transformative, actively working to bring us closer to God.

The Means of Grace

The Word of God is one of the primary means of grace, alongside the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. These means of grace are the ways through which God imparts His grace to us. The Word of God, when preached and read, conveys the promises of God, offering forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe.

Conclusion

The Word of God is a tangible means through which God communicates His grace to us. It is authoritative, transformative, and central to our faith and life as Christians. By engaging with the Word, we encounter the living God who speaks to us, guides us, and sustains us in our journey of faith.

May we always cherish and uphold the Word of God as the precious and tangible means of grace that it is.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHTS

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17- All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
  • Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is 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 is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
  • Isaiah 55:10-11- 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: 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 in the thing whereto I sent it.
  • Psalm 119:105- Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
  • John 1:14- 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.
  • Romans 10:17- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

These verses collectively underscore the authority, power, and tangible impact of the Word of God in the life of a believer. They affirm that Scripture is not only a source of knowledge but also a means through which God actively works in our hearts and lives.

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism Luther's Small Catechism

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.

First.

1 What is Baptism?

 

–Answer: Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word.

 

2 Which is that word of God?

 

–Answer:  Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew : Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Secondly.

 

3 What does Baptism give or profit?

 

–Answer: It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

 

4 Which are such words and promises of God?

 

–Answer: Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark : He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Thirdly.

 

5 How can water do such great things?

 

–Answer: it is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter three: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.

 Fourthly.

 

6 What does such baptizing with water signify?

–Answer: It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?

–Answer: St. Paul says Romans, chapter 6 : We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 

Baptism a Tangible Means: Biblical Foundation

Jesus Commands 

In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize believers: 

  • Matthew 28:19-20- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

New Testament Practice:

The early church practiced baptism as an essential part of the Christian faith:

  • Acts 2:38- Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

  • Acts 22:16- And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Means of Grace

Union with Christ

Baptism unites the believer with Christ in His death and resurrection:

  • Romans 6:3-4- Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Cleansing and Renewal

Baptism the washing away of sins and spiritual renewal:

  • Titus 3:5- Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Tangible Encounter with Grace

Visible Sign of Invisible Grace

Baptism is a physical act that conveys spiritual realities. It is a means through which God’s grace is visibly and tangibly given to the believer. Sacraments are "visible words" of God’s promises. 

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

Through baptism, believers receive the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of their new life in Christ:

  • 1 Corinthians 12:13- For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Theological Insights

Baptism is not just plain water, but water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word. Martin Luther explains that baptism "works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare."

In summary, baptism is a tangible means of grace because it is a physical act commanded by Christ, through which God imparts His grace, forgives sins, and grants the Holy Spirit. It is a visible sign of the invisible grace that God bestows upon believers, marking their union with Christ and their entry into the Christian community.


The Sacrament of the Altar from Luther's Small Catechism

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.

1 What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

 

–Answer: It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, for us Christians to eat and to drink, instituted by Christ Himself.

 

2 Where is this written?

 

–Answer: The holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul, write thus: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and gave it to His disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Take, drink ye all of it. This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the remission of sins. This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.

 

3 What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?

 

–Answer: That is shown us in these words: Given and shed for you for the remission of sins; namely, that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

 

4 How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?

 

–Answer: It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, that does them, but the words which stand here, namely: Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins. Which words are, beside the bodily eating and drinking, as the chief thing in the Sacrament; and he that believes these words has what they say and express, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

 

5 Who, then, receives such Sacrament worthily?

 

–Answer: Fasting and bodily preparation is, indeed, a fine outward training; but he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: Given and shed for you for the remission of sins. But he that does not believe these words, or doubts, is unworthy and unfit; for the words For you require altogether believing hearts. 

The Lord's Supper a Tangible Means: Biblical Foundation

Jesus Institution

The Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper with His disciples:

  • Matthew 26:26-28- And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Paul's Teaching

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance and significance of the Lord's Supper:

  • 1 Corinthians 11:23-26- For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

Means of Grace

Real Presence

This means that Christ's body and blood are truly present "in, with, and under" the forms of bread and wine:

  • 1 Corinthians 10:16- The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

Forgiveness of Sins

The Lord's Supper is a means through which God imparts forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation to believers:

  • Matthew 26:28- For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Tangible Encounter with Grace

Visible Sign of Invisible Grace

The Lord's Supper is a physical act that conveys spiritual realities. It is a means through which God’s grace is visibly and tangibly given to the believer.

Spiritual Nourishment

Through the Lord's Supper, believers receive spiritual nourishment and strength for their faith journey:

  • John 6:55-56- For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

Theological Insights

The Lord's Supper is not just a symbolic act but a true means of grace.  In the Sacrament, Christ gives His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of faith.

In summary, the Lord's Supper is a tangible means of grace because it is a physical act commanded by Christ, through which God imparts His grace, forgives sins, and grants spiritual nourishment. It is a visible sign of the invisible grace that God bestows upon believers, marking their union with Christ and their participation in the new covenant.