A Book of Concord Reading for Septuagesima

God Preserves His Remnant

Though relatively speaking "few" are "chosen" (saved) compared to the "many" who are "called," the Reformers rightly confess the comforting doctrine that not even the gates of hell shall prevail against the Church of God in spite of what it may appear from within or without the Church. [From the Formula of Concord, Part II, Article 11, Of God's Foreknowledge (Predestination) and Election.]
50] This article also affords a glorious testimony that the Church of God will exist and abide in opposition to all the gates of hell, and likewise teaches which is the true Church of God, lest we be offended by the great authority [and majestic appearance] of the false Church, Rom. 9, 24. 25. 51] From this article also powerful admonitions and warnings are derived, as Luke 7, 30: They rejected the counsel of God against themselves. Luke 14, 24: I say unto you that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. Also Matt. 20, 16: Many be called, but few chosen. Also Luke 8, 8. 18: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear, and: Take heed how ye hear. Thus the doctrine concerning this article can be employed profitably, comfortingly, and savingly [and can be transferred in many ways to our use]. 52] But a distinction must be observed with especial care between that which is expressly revealed concerning it in God's Word, and what is not revealed. For, in addition to what has been revealed in Christ concerning this, of which we have hitherto spoken, God has still kept secret and concealed much concerning this mystery, and reserved it for His wisdom and knowledge alone, which we should not investigate, nor should we indulge our thoughts in this matter, nor draw conclusions, nor inquire curiously, but should adhere [entirely] to the revealed Word [of God]. This admonition is most urgently needed.
All Book of Concord quotations are taken from the Triglotta, copyright 1921 by CPH. It is in public domain.

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A Book of Concord Reading for Septuagesima

God Preserves His Remnant

St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and Campus Center

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main menu Welcome Sextons About Us Our Beliefs Divine Service Calendar New Students Photo Connect Site Map Contact Us this section Book of Concord Martin Luther Septuagesima Search	A Book of Concord Reading for Septuagesima God Preserves His Remnant Though relatively speaking "few" are "chosen" (saved) compared to the "many" who are "called," the Reformers rightly confess the comforting doctrine that not even the gates of hell shall prevail against the Church of God in spite of what it may appear from within or without the Church. [From the Formula of Concord, Part II, Article 11, Of God's Foreknowledge (Predestination) and Election.] 50] This article also affords a glorious testimony that the Church of God will exist and abide in opposition to all the gates of hell, and likewise teaches which is the true Church of God, lest we be offended by the great authority [and majestic appearance] of the false Church, Rom. 9, 24. 25. 51] From this article also powerful admonitions and warnings are derived, as Luke 7, 30: They rejected the counsel of God against themselves. Luke 14, 24: I say unto you that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. Also Matt. 20, 16: Many be called, but few chosen. Also Luke 8, 8. 18: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear, and: Take heed how ye hear. Thus the doctrine concerning this article can be employed profitably, comfortingly, and savingly [and can be transferred in many ways to our use]. 52] But a distinction must be observed with especial care between that which is expressly revealed concerning it in God's Word, and what is not revealed. For, in addition to what has been revealed in Christ concerning this, of which we have hitherto spoken, God has still kept secret and concealed much concerning this mystery, and reserved it for His wisdom and knowledge alone, which we should not investigate, nor should we indulge our thoughts in this matter, nor draw conclusions, nor inquire curiously, but should adhere [entirely] to the revealed Word [of God]. This admonition is most urgently needed. All Book of Concord quotations are taken from the Triglotta, copyright 1921 by CPH. It is in public domain.
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A congregation of the Wyoming District of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod serving the students of the University of Wyoming & The Wyoming Technical Institute