Christian Doctrine Study Guide

Introduction This study guide is meant to give you a closer acquaintance with Christian doctrine, particularly as Lutherans have been traditionally confessed and taught it. When used with the assigned resources, it will help you learn some of the basic terms, contents, and formulations of Christian teaching, and it will introduce you to some of the issues related to and implications of this teaching.

This study guide has been composed especially to help those preparing to enter programs of theological education in The Lutheran Church—Missouri , including the Master of Divinity and certificate programs of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

Resources ’s Small Catechism with Explanation (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1991). The Large Catechism (Any edition will do. A convenient edition is Luther’s Large Catechism: A Contemporary Translation with Study Questions, trans. F. Samuel Janzow [St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1978]. All quotations of the Large Catechism and the rest of the Lutheran Confessions in this study guide are from The : The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, ed. Robert Kolb and Timothy J. Wengert [Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2000].) Robert Kolb, The Christian Faith: A Lutheran Exposition (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1993).

Approach This study guide directs in two directions.

First, you are directed to the Small and Large Catechisms. They are fundamental and authoritative presentations of Christian teaching. There are different ways to approach this study, but the approach Luther outlines in the preface to the Small Catechism is sound and is recommended especially for those whose knowledge of the Catechism may be spotty or faded (see pp. 243-248 of Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation). First, commit to memory the chief parts. Second, become thoroughly acquainted with the brief explanations of these parts in the Small Catechism. You should also study the sections on daily prayer, table of duties, and Christian questions and answers. Third, “take up the Large Catechism and use it to [gain] a broader and richer understanding” (246). For your study of the Large Catechism, some questions are included in this study guide. The edition translated by Janzow (mentioned in the “Resources” section) includes many more study questions and may be also helpful in your study. However you study the Catechisms, it is important that you are well acquainted with their teaching.

Second, you are directed to the Lutheran teaching on many traditional topics. This study guide works with two basic resources on Christian doctrine: the “Explanation to the Small Catechism” in Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation, and The Christian Faith by Robert Kolb. They deal with both the terms and the contents of traditionally recognized topics in Christian doctrine (e.g., God, the person of Christ, ).

Although the questions and answers from “An Explanation of the Small Catechism” are arranged loosely according to the six chief parts, many of them address basic theological concepts and issues. For this reason, they lend themselves to an introductory study of Christian doctrinal topics. The question-and-answer format of the “Explanation” may frustrate some learners. It requires some effort on the part of the learner to study the topics in a way that goes beyond rote memorization. The answers lack supporting argument and explanation, so when an answer seems debatable, there is nowhere in the text to go for clarification. And occasionally the Scriptural citations may appear to have little relevance.

But the “Explanation” does address important questions and provide simple and characteristically Lutheran responses. Apart from giving you straightforward answers to basic questions, these questions and answers can assure you that your grasp of a certain topic or issue is sound and indicate where you need further study. Since the goal of your study is a basic knowledge of Christian doctrine, it may be helpful to go through these questions and answers along with another treatment of Christian doctrine. This study guide identifies many of these questions and answers by doctrinal topic (rather than by part of the Catechism) so that you can take them up along with your study of The Christian Faith (see below). In your study of the “Explanation,” you should strive to be able to answer the questions yourself in a way that is consistent with the answers given in the text. You should also seek to be able to explain how the cited Bible passages support your answers.

The Christian Faith by Dr. Robert Kolb is a basic presentation of Christian doctrine. It is arranged according to traditional doctrinal topics, but throughout it accents Lutheran themes and views. Kolb engages both traditional issues and contemporary concerns as he strives to give a coherent account of the teaching of the Christian church. Many readers will find the book straightforward and illuminating. But because the book seeks to discuss Christian teaching as a whole and to engage related issues and concerns, study questions and lists of terms and names have been provided to focus attention on the most important terms, concepts, themes, persons, and issues.

2 The Large Catechism The Prefaces

NB Lutherans have used the word “catechism” in different senses. Two are important for reading these prefaces. In a narrow sense, the word “catechism” refers to the basic parts of Christian teaching: the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and ’s Prayer, along with the basic scriptural teachings on , the Lord’s Supper, and Confession and Absolution. Luther uses “catechism” in this sense in the shorter preface to the Large Catechism. In a broad sense, the “catechism” refers to these parts and also to explanations of these parts. This is the sense used in the titles “Small Catechism” and “Large Catechism.”

1. Summarize Luther’s judgment on the state of Christian knowledge when he was writing the Large Catechism (LC).

2. What are the benefits of occupying oneself with the Catechism and other parts of Christian doctrine?

3. What is the significance of Dt 6:7-8 for daily reading of the Catechism?

The Ten Commandments

First Commandment 1. What is it to have a god?

2. Explain: “[I]t is the trust and faith of the heart alone that make both God and an idol” (I.2).

3. What is the purpose of the First Commandment?

4. How do money and possessions function as a god?

5. What should we expect from God?

Appendix to the First Commandment 1. What is this “appendix”?

2. Why is it especially appropriate that these threats and promises be attached to the First Commandment?

3. What is the intended consequence of promising such terrible threats and great blessings?

3 Second Commandment 1. What is the relationship between the First and Second Commandments?

2. What does it mean to misuse God’s name?

3. What are some everyday misuses of God’s name?

4. What does the LC regard as the greatest abuse of God’s name?

5. What are right uses of God’s name?

Third Commandment 1. What was the “holy day” for the Old Testament people of God?

2. Why does the literal or external sense of the commandment no longer concern Christians?

3. How does the Word of God sanctify?

4. What are some “finer” or less obvious violations of this commandment?

5. Why is it always necessary to occupy ourselves with God’s Word?

Fourth Commandment 1. What is different about this commandment than the other commandments concerning our relations with our neighbors?

2. How is honor a greater thing than love?

3. Why should parents be honored?

4. What does it mean to say that all other earthly authority derives from parental authority?

5. Why and how should we honor civil authorities?

6. Why and how should we honor “spiritual fathers”?

7. What does this commandment require of parents and others in authority?

4 Fifth Commandment 1. What does it mean that this commandment applies to private individuals but not to governments?

2. In what ways is this commandment violated?

3. What does this commandment require?

Sixth Commandment 1. What is the concern of this commandment?

2. How is marriage to be regarded?

3. How can vows of chastity defy or lead others to defy this commandment?

4. In what ways can we keep this commandment toward young people?

Seventh Commandment 1. What is “stealing”?

2. What is the purpose of enumerating so many instances of stealing?

3. What does this commandment require of us?

Eighth Commandment 1. What is the first application of this commandment?

2. What is the next application of this commandment?

3. What is the third and broadest application of this commandment?

4. For whom are there exceptions to this commandment? Why?

5. What is the “sum and substance” of this commandment?

Ninth and Tenth Commandments 1. How do these commandments differ from the Seventh Commandment?

2. Why would we say that this commandment applies to the most upright people, not those regarded as rogues?

3. What are we to do for our neighbor according to these commandments?

5

Conclusion of the Ten Commandments How does the First Commandment operate as the chief commandment?

The Creed

First Article 1. What is the most basic answer to the question, “What does God do?”

2. What does it mean for God to be “my Creator”?

3. How is the explanation of God in the First Article like the description of God in the explanation of the First Commandment?

4. What do we owe God as creator?

Second Article 1. What does it mean for Jesus Christ to become “my Lord”?

2. From what did Jesus Christ redeem us?

3. How did he redeem us?

Third Article 1. Why should the Holy Spirit be called a “Sanctifier”?

2. How does the Holy Spirit make sinners holy?

3. Is it possible to be saved without the Holy Spirit at work?

4. What does it mean to believe in the holy Christian Church?

5. How are sins forgiven in the Church?

6. Is there forgiveness outside of the church?

6 The Lord’s Prayer

Introduction 1. The Ten Commandments tell us what we are to do. The Creed tells us what we are to believe. Why should prayer be regarded as the third part of the Christian life?

2. Which commandment especially deals with our duty to pray?

3. How should such objections as “I am not holy enough or worthy enough to pray” dealt with?

4. Why should we pray?

First Petition 1. If God’s name is holy, then why pray “Hallowed be thy name”?

2. How do we keep God’s name holy?

3. How might we profane God’s name?

4. What is regarded as the “worst desecration and dishonor of the divine name” (III.41)?

5. Why is this kind of prayer needed?

Second Petition 1. What is the kingdom of God?

2. In what two ways does God’s kingdom come?

3. Summarize Luther’s expansion of this petition.

4. Why does failure to pray for God’s kingdom reflect unbelief?

Third Petition 1. What are some ways in which the devil opposes and blocks the fulfillment of God’s will?

2. Why should Christians expect the devil and his angels along with the world to be our enemies?

3. What should we be ready to sacrifice?

7 Fourth Petition 1. What does asking for “daily bread” include?

2. Why would it be fitting for the coat of arms of the prince to feature a loaf of bread?

3. Why is it said that this petition directed especially against the devil?

Fifth Petition 1. God forgives even apart from and before we ask. Why, then, do we pray this petition?

2. What is God’s purpose in breaking our pride and keeping us humble?

3. Explain how this petition “really means that God does not wish to regard our sins and punish us as we daily deserve but to deal graciously with us…” (III.92)

4. How can the condition “as we forgive those who trespass against us” be regarded as a sign to strengthen and comfort us?

Sixth Petition 1. What are the three kinds of temptation?

2. Is experiencing temptation the same things as consenting to it?

3. What are we praying for in this petition?

Seventh Petition 1. What is included in the evil that the devil causes?

2. Why is the petition an appropriate conclusion?

3. What does saying “Amen” indicate?

8 Baptism

1. Upon which Scriptural passages do the practice and understanding of Baptism rely?

2. The LC directs us first to the commandment and institution of Baptism contained in these verses. Why is this significant?

3. How can we be assured that Baptism is God’s own act?

4. In what is the “real significance” (IV.16) of Baptism found?

5. How are we able to answer those who regard Baptism as unimportant or foolish?

6. For what purpose has God instituted Baptism?

7. Who receives the gifts and benefits of Baptism?

8. Answer: “If baptism is itself a work and you say that works are of no use for salvation, what place is there for faith?” (IV.35)

9. Why is one’s own Baptism such a precious thing?

10. The “main emphasis,” says the LC (IV.52), should not rest on the faith of the person baptized but on what?

11. How should Christians use their Baptism?

9 The of the Altar

1. What Biblical words establish teaching on the Sacrament of the Altar?

2. What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

3. What makes the bread and wine of the Sacrament truly the body and blood of Christ?

4. What is the “power and benefit” (V.20) of the Sacrament?

5. What is importance of the words “given and shed for you”?

6. Who is the person who receives the “power and benefit” (V.33) of the Sacrament?

7. How should people “who abstain and absent themselves from the sacrament over a long period of time” be considered?

8. The LC teaches that “we must make a distinction here among people” (V.58). Why should the impudent and unruly be told to stay away? Why should the weak encouraged to partake of the Sacrament?

9. What is the “highest art” to realize concerning the Sacrament?

10. One reason that should impel us to the Sacrament is the commandment. Another is the promise of the Sacrament. What words clearly set forth this promise?

11. Suppose someone says, “I feel no need for the Sacrament.” How should he be answered?

12. (From the appendix on Confession) What are the two parts of Confession?

13. Why should we take care to keep the two parts of Confession distinct? Which part should be valued?

14. How does a person’s refusal to come to Confession indicate that he is not a Christian?

10 Introduction

Reading assignment Kolb, The Christian Faith, Chapter I: Our Faith and the Faith

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. The word “faith” is commonly used in two senses. What are they? (7-8)

2. Kolb restates the Large Catechism’s (LC) definition of a “god” when he says that we find “identity, security, and meaning” in our “god” (8-10). How might one turn a wife into the ultimate source of identity, meaning, and security? An occupation? Money?

3. Why does Kolb insist, “Disciples are first and foremost believers”? (10; emphasis added)

4. Explain this assertion: “Believers are children of God. We do not create the objects of our faith” (10). Also explain why it is important to understand that Christians “do not create the objects of [their] faith.”

5. What is the Christian’s object of faith? (11)

6. “Teaching” also is commonly used in two senses. What are they? (11)

7. What is the difference between “proclamation” and “teaching”? (12)

8. What is a “dogma”? (13)

9. How is Christian teaching supposed to be like a string of pearls? Why is this metaphor inadequate to describe the shape of Christian teaching? (13-15)

10. How is Christian teaching supposed to be like a wheel? Why is this metaphor inadequate?

11. How is Christian teaching supposed to be like a body? Why is this metaphor more adequate than the metaphors of a string of pearls and of a wheel?

12. What is a “presupposition”? How are presuppositions significant in thinking? (15-17)

13. How does the presupposition of the “creator God” frame and shape Christian teaching? (17)

14. How does the presupposition that “human life is lived in two kinds of relationships” frame and shape Christian teaching? (18)

11 15. Explain how the presupposition of “” frames and shapes Christian teaching (18-19).

16. Explain how the presupposition of “two modes of God’s rule” frames and shapes Christian teaching (19-20).

17. Kolb discusses “the of the cross” under four points. The first is the “hidden God” and the “revealed God” (20-22). What is the hidden God and what is the revealed God?

18. Where is God truly known?

19. Explain: “Such an understanding of God places him outside human control” (21).

20. The second point of the theology of the cross concerns our way of knowing God. How does the theology of the cross teach us that human observation and reason cannot control our access to God? (25)

21. Upon what does faith depend? (26)

22. What does Christ’s death on the cross imply for “human control over human destiny”? (27)

23. What does the theology of the cross mean for the shape of the believer’s life? (27)

Terms to know Faith Creator God

“Identity, security, and meaning” Two kinds of relationships

Believer Law

Disciple Gospel

Teaching Two modes of God’s rule

Doctrine Theology of the cross

Dogma God hidden

Proclamation God revealed

Presupposition

12 God

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 19-34, 87-95 on God Kolb, The Christian Faith, Chapter II: God The Nicene and Athanasian Creeds (see The Lutheran Hymnal or Lutheran Worship or The Book of Concord)

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. What is “natural revelation”? (30)

2. List and explain the five places in which God has left traces or vestiges of himself (30-34).

3. What is “specific revelation”? (34-39)

4. How does specific revelation differ from natural revelation?

5. What is an “attribute”? (39-41)

6. Acquaint yourself with ways that the New Testament testifies that Jesus is “God in human flesh” (41-43).

7. For each of these heresies, explain the position it holds and how it goes wrong (43- 44). Modal monarchianism

Adoptionism

Subordinationism

8. What does it mean to say that Jesus Christ is “of one substance with the Father”? Why is this confession important? (44-46)

9. What does “” mean? What is its significance? (46)

Terms to know Natural revelation

Specific revelation Filioque

Attribute

13 Creation

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 96-106 on creation, angels, and humanity The Christian Faith, chapter III, “Creator and Creatures”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. How does the doctrine of creation reflect “our total dependence upon [God]”? (48)

2. What does it mean that God created “out of nothing”? (50)

3. The Bible teaches that God himself called creation “very good.” Explain how this teaching shows that Gnostics and materialists hold false views on creation (51-52).

4. Why do Christians believe that “there is an underlying order to the world”? (52)

5. How did God create man?

6. Why is it important to stress that God made human creatures “body and soul”? (54- 55)

7. Explain: “Trust in God is not merely one more component part of our humanity” (55).

8. What does the “image of God” consists of? (57)

9. What is the proper understanding of the dominion for which we are responsible? (57- 58)

10. What is “determinism”? What is “voluntarism”? How does the biblical conception of “freedom” differ from both determinism and voluntarism?

11. How can “freedom” be a “bondage of the will”?

12. Summarize the position of these challenges to the biblical teaching on creation: x Pantheism

x Deism

x Dualism

x Gnosticism

x Individualism and materialism

x Atheistic evolution

14 Terms to know Creation out of nothing Deism

Image of God Dualism

Determinism Gnosticism

Voluntarism Individualism and materialism

Pantheism Atheistic evolution

15 Providence

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 108-113 Kolb, The Christian Faith, Chapter IV, “God Provides”

Study questions for The Christian Faith

1. The doctrine of providence concerns God’s preservation of and provision for creation. How extensive is God’s providence? (73)

2. List some biblical examples of God’s providence (73-74).

3. How complete is God’s control of evil? What challenge does this truth pose to the Christian? (75)

4. Kolb notes four ways in which God preserves and provides for creation. List and briefly explain them (76-80).

5. What question does the presence of evil pose to faith in God? (80)

6. For Christians, the problem with theodicy can be summed in these two sentences: “We cannot justify God. God has justified us” (84). Explain how theodicy is the attempt of sinners to justify God, and explain how this runs contrary to the teaching that God justifies sinners.

Terms to know Providence Theodicy

16 Sin

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 78-83, 107 (also see again 109) The Christian Faith, Chapter V, “Sin and Evil”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. Explain the distinction between “evil outside us” and “evil inside us” (87-88).

2. Why do Christians teach that God is not the cause of sin and evil? (88-89)

3. Explain the original sin of Adam and Eve as a sin of doubting God’s Word (89-90).

4. Explain the Lutheran understanding of original sin, and compare it with the typical views of Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism (90-91).

5. Explain how doubt opposes or breaks the relationship of trust between God and human creatures (91-92).

6. We have already come across the “bondage of the will” (chapter 3) Explain the concept of the “bondage of the will” (92-94).

7. Why might the fall of Adam and Eve be described as an “upward fall”? (94-96)

8. Kolb summarizes the consequences of sin in this way: “From the original sin of doubt, with which we are born, the whole life of sin unfolds, and it keeps unfolding until we die” (97). Explain this process of unfolding (96-97).

9. Explain the relationship between original sin and actual sins (97-98).

10. Kolb outlines several distinctions that may be made when speaking of actual sins. Be able to explain the following (98-100). x Sins of commission

x Sins of omission

x Distinctions in motivation for sinning

x Habitual sins

x Occasional sins

x Individual sins

x Communal sins

17 x Venial sins

x Mortal sins

x The “unforgivable sin”

11. List and briefly explain the several forms of evil discussed (101-102).

12. Kolb says that sinners react to the realization of evil in one of two basic ways. Explain them (103-104). x Impotence

x Guilt

Terms to know Original sin Occasional sins

Bondage of the will Individual sins

Actual sin Communal sins

Sins of commission Venial sins

Sins of omission Mortal sins

Habitual sins The “unforgivable sin”

18 The Law

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 13-18, 69-77 The Christian Faith, Chapter VI, “God’s Law”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. Why can the Law be understood as “good and wise”? (106-107)

2. Christ’s summary of the commandments reflects two kinds of righteousness. Explain the two kinds of righteousness (106-107).

3. What is “conscience”? (107-108)

4. What are the three uses of God’s Law? (108-121)

5. In what two ways does the “political or coercive function of the Law [keep] us in line? (109-110)

6. How is the “political” or “civil” use of the Law important? (110-112)

7. How can the political use of the Law lead to a confusion of the two kinds of righteousness? (111)

8. What is the “theological use of the Law”? (112)

9. What does the Law reveal about us? About life in this world? About God’s wrath? (112-117)

10. How does use the Law? (117)

11. What is the instructive use of the Law? (118-121)

Terms to know Law Political use of the Law

Conscience Theological use of the Law

Three uses of the Law Instructive use of the Law

19 The Person of Christ

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 114-124 The Christian Faith, Chapter VII, “The Person of Christ”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. The identity and work of Jesus Christ are reflected in the names and titles used by and given to him. Kolb discusses some of these in his opening sections of Chapter VII. List and summarize the significance of these titles. Take note of the biblical witness from which we learn of their significance (122-125). x Messiah or Christ

x Son of Man

x Suffering Servant

x Lord

x Savior

x Word

x Son or Son of God

2. How does the virgin birth of Jesus underscore his divinity? His humanity? (128)

3. How does the error of docetism deny the humanity of Jesus Christ? (129)

4. How do the errors of adoptionism and subordinationism deny the divinity of Jesus? Christ (130-131; see above “God,” q. 7)

5. What is the confessing about Jesus Christ when it says that he is “of one substance with the Father”? (131)

6. What does the term “homoousios” mean? With whom is Jesus Christ “homoousios”? (131)

7. How did Apollonaris speak about Jesus Christ? How did this view deny the humanity of Christ? (131)

8. Using the word “nature,” explain the error of Nestorius.

9. Using the word “nature,” explain the error of Eutyches.

20 10. What did the Council of Chalcedon say about the personal union? (132-133)

11. What is a “communication of attributes”? (133)

12. What are the three principles that govern our position on the communication of attributes? (133-134)

Terms and names to know Messiah or Christ Adoptionism

Son of Man Subordinationism

Suffering Servant Chalcedonian

Lord Arius

Savior Athanasius

Word Apollonaris

Son of God Nestorius

Virgin birth Eutyches

Docetism Communication of attributes

21 The Work of Christ

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 125-152 on the threefold office of Christ, the state of humiliation, the work of redemption, and the state of exaltation The Christian Faith, Chapter VIII, “The Work of Christ”

Study questions for The Christian Faith

1. If the incarnation itself is not part of Christ’s humiliation, then what is meant by the term “humiliation”? What is meant by the term “exaltation”? (136-137)

2. If the incarnation itself is not part of Christ’s humiliation, then is it consistent to say that Christ is incarnate in his state of exaltation?

3. The identity and work of Jesus Christ are reflected in the names and titles used by and given to him. Kolb discusses more of these in Chapter VIII. List and summarize the significance of these titles. Take note of the biblical witness from which we learn of their significance (137-147). x Prophet

x Priest

x King

x Companion, helper, guide

4. Summarize the biblical witness to Christ as “prophet” (138)

5. In what way is “Son of Man” a prophetic title for Jesus? (138-139)

6. In what way is “Light” a prophetic title for Jesus? (139)

7. What does it mean that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ as “a revelation under the form of opposites”? (139-140)

8. How did Christ exercise his prophetic office in the state of humiliation? How does Christ exercise his prophetic office in the state of exaltation? (140)

9. How does the figure of the Suffering Servant reflect Christ’s priestly office? (140- 141)

10. How did Christ exercise his priestly office in the state of humiliation? How does Christ exercise his priestly office in the state of exaltation? (141-143)

22 11. List and briefly explain the three categories of Christ’s role as king (144).

12. In what way is “savior” a kingly title? (144-145)

13. In what ways does Christ’s resurrection mark a victory for God? (145-146)

14. How does Christ exercise his kingly office in our daily lives? (146-147)

15. Summarize these motifs for salvation (147-149). x Rescue

x Redemption

x New birth

16. What are “atonement motifs” and what are they for? (149-150)

17. Summarize these motifs for atonement (150-155). x Atonement by Christ as Victor

x Vicarious satisfaction

x Atonement by moral example

x Atonement by the joyous exchange

Terms to know State of humiliation New birth

State of exaltation Atonement

Prophet (as applied to Christ) Christ as Victor

Priest (as applied to Christ) Vicarious satisfaction

King (as applied to Christ) Moral example

Rescue Joyous exchange

Redemption

23 Justification

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 156-159 on the work of the Holy Spirit and q. 180-186 on the forgiveness of sins The Christian Faith, Chapter IX, “Justification”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. The Lutheran tradition regards the article on justification as central or chief. For example, the “Explanation of the Small Catechism” is only echoing the Apology of the when it calls this teaching “the most important doctrine of the Christian religion” (q. 186). The importance of the doctrine of justification is also reflected in its being called the “material principle,” which means that it is the doctrine around which all other teachings are considered.

For Christians, what is justification about? (157)

2. Explain: “When we say that justification is by grace alone, we mean that justification is God’s act alone” (158-159).

3. How does the doctrine of justification by grace reflect a total dependence on God? (158-162; compare with 48-49)

4. Explain how justification is accomplished through God’s Word (160-162).

5. Why do Lutherans often say that justification is God pronouncing sinners righteous rather than making them righteous? (161)

6. Nevertheless, God is acting in justification. How is justification like creation? (161; compare with 50)

7. Explain the two related ways in which justification is God “doing justice” to sinners (160-161).

8. What does it mean to say that justification is “forensic”?

9. Why does justification by grace alone through the Word of promise imply that justification is received through faith alone? Or, put slightly differently, why does justification by grace alone bestowed by promise exclude our works, merits, intentions, and feelings in justification? (162-163)

10. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in justification? (163)

11. What is faith? (164)

24 12. Explain: “Christians are ‘righteous and sinful at the same time’” (165-166).

13. What are three ways by which God assures us that nothing can separate us from his love in Christ Jesus? (166-167)

14. What is the Law and what does it do? (168)

15. What is the Gospel and what does it do? (168)

16. Why are both Law and Gospel necessary throughout our earthly lives? (168)

17. Explain how justification is “on account of Christ alone” (169-171).

18. List and briefly explain the two kinds of righteousness (169-170).

19. In election, who does the electing? (171-175)

20. When did God choose us? (172)

21. Why did God choose us? (172)

22. Kolb says that God’s foreknowledge differs from human foreknowledge in that God’s foreknowledge “creates its object” (173). Explain.

NB God’s election concerns everything that pertains to salvation (for more on this, see the Solid Declaration of the , article XI). Kolb gets at this when he says, “God our Father not only conceived of us but specified and designed the shape of our lives” (173). God not only brings his chosen ones to faith but also is responsible for their perseverance in the faith.

The issue of perseverance sometimes leads to questions about Christians who renounce their faith. “Could they ever have been Christians?” i.e., “Could they ever have had faith in the first place?” The answer is “Yes, they could have been.” If so, then it might be asked, “Do those who renounce their faith remain in the state of grace?” The answer is “No, they would no longer stand in God’s favor.” Finally, it might be asked, “Does God foreknow all of this?” The answer is “Yes. It is vital to recognize that here we are touching upon the “unsearchable judgment” of God (Rom 11.33). In the face of this truth, some may wonder about the certainty of their own salvation. Such people should be assured that in the means of grace they have God’s own Word that they are his own people. Others may wonder about the fairness of it all. These are usually attempts to search out what God himself calls unsearchable, and they should be identified as such.

23. How can the doctrine of election confuse and discourage people? (174-175)

25 24. How should we address those who insist that they can “sin without worry because they are elect”? (175)

25. How can the doctrine of election serve as good news? (175)

26. Explain how the following teachings represent false solutions to the “conundrum of election” (176-178). x Double predestination

x Synergism

x Universalism

Terms to know Justification Perseverance

Forensic justification Double predestination

Faith Synergism

Election Universalism

Foreknowledge

26 The Holy Spirit and Conversion

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 154-155, 160-161 The Christian Faith, Chapter X, “The Holy Spirit and the Conversion of the Sinner”

Study questions for The Christian Faith NB The Lutheran tradition uses the word “grace” in two senses. It is important to be able to distinguish these uses. The word “grace” is sometimes used to denote God’s favor toward sinners for the sake of Jesus Christ. This is also called “saving grace.” The word “grace” is also used to denote a gift of God to his people. This is also called “gift of grace” or “infused grace.”

1. According to the fifth article of the Augsburg Confession, through what instruments is the Holy Spirit given? According to this article, what does the Holy Spirit do? (179)

2. Explain the Holy Spirit’s work in “restor[ing] fallen human creatures to their original relationship with God” (180).

3. The work of the Holy Spirit is often called “” (181). “Sanctification” is used in two senses. Identify and explain them.

4. Through what means does the Holy Spirit recreate? (181)

5. What are the “selected elements of the created order” that God uses to save? (182- 183)

6. List the “five ways in which God offers his power or resources and help against sin” identified by the (183).

7. What are the three basic forms of God’s Word to us? (184-185)

8. Augustine understood as gifts. What does God give in the sacraments? (185)

9. Explain: “Without faith the benefits [of the sacraments] do not penetrate our lives” (186).

10. How do the sacraments “remind us most clearly that God does use selected elements of his created order to save us”? (186)

11. Explain the Lutheran position on conversion (187-191).

27 12. Explain these three errors on conversion (188-189). Pelagianism

Semi-pelagianism

Synergism

13. How does God convert the sinner, i.e., what is the process of conversion? (191-193)

14. Why does the rhythm of Law and Gospel last an entire lifetime? (194)

Terms to know Saving grace Sacraments

Gift of grace Conversion

Infused grace Pelagianism

Sanctification (two senses) Semi-pelagianism

Means of grace Synergism

28 The Bible

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 1-5 The Christian Faith, Chapter XI, “Holy Scripture”

Study questions for The Christian Faith NB The Bible is sole rule and norm for faith and life. Because it functions in this way, the Bible is sometimes called the “formal principle.”

1. In what way is the Bible like Jesus Christ? (196)

2. What is “verbal inspiration”? (196-197)

3. List some of the ways in which the Bible shows that the Bible is cast “in human language” (198).

4. What is the purpose of the Bible? (199-200)

5. Kolb identifies four important principles that guide Lutheran practice of reading Scripture. List and explain each (201-203).

6. Why is it important that we remember “that every method [of biblical interpretation] is devised, and arises, from certain ideological presuppositions”? (203)

7. Why are historical and literary examinations necessary for properly interpreting Scripture?

8. When may methods of biblical interpretation be abused? (204-205)

Terms to know “Formal principle” “Scripture interprets Scripture”

“Verbal inspiration” “Historical critical method”

Clarity or perspicuity of Scripture “Historical grammatical method”

Sufficiency of Scripture

29 The Word of God

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 35-40 on the Word of God; q. 261-268 on Confession; “A Short Form of Confession” (pp. 218-219); q. 269-278 on the Office of the Keys; and q. 6-8 on Law and Gospel The Christian Faith, Chapter XII, “The Living Voice of God’s Word”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. What is the difference between proclamation and teaching? (207-209; cf. 12)

2. What are the two ends in Kolb’s spectrum of kinds of sinners? (209)

3. What is the function of the Law for those “who live in relative security with a false system of identity, security, and meaning”? (209)

4. Why might it be unnecessary “to make certain that the accusing force of the Law” is put upon those who experience alienation or loneliness, shame or guilt, fear of pain or death? (209)

5. What are the content and the function of the Law? Of the Gospel? (209-210).

6. Why is it crucial that Law and Gospel be properly distinguished? (210)

7. Kolb uses the metaphors of “hit men” and “midwives” to describe Christians speaking the Law and the Gospel. Explain these metaphors (210, 213-214).

8. What is “confession”? In what ways does it take place? (211)

9. What is “absolution”? (211-212)

10. What is the “mutual conversation and consolation” of Christians (212-213)

Terms to know Proclamation Confession

Teaching Absolution

Law “Mutual conversation & consolation”

Gospel

30 Baptism

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 239-260 The Christian Faith, Chapter XIII, “Baptism”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. Kolb begins his discussion of Baptism with a review of key New Testament ways of talking about Baptism. Summarize them (215-220). x Dying and rising in Baptism

x New birth in Baptism

x Cleansing in Baptism

x Making disciples through Baptism

x Baptizing into Christ’s Body

x Putting on Christ

2. Explain: “Baptism’s re-creation of the sinner into a child of God can never be separated from faith”? (219)

3. How can Baptism be abused? How can this abuse be met? (220-221)

4. Is there a prescribed mode of the application of water in Baptism? (222-223)

5. How does the fact that Baptism is God’s saving action bear on the practice of infant baptism? (223-224)

6. How does the fact that infants are sinful bear on the practice of infant baptism? (224)

7. What evidence do Scripture and the early church give of the practice of infant baptism? (224-225)

8. What is the potential danger in trying to solve the “problem” of infant faith? (225)

9. What is significant about these aspects of the practice of Baptism? (225-226) x Pastors baptize

x Baptism taking place within a worship service

x Sponsors

x Customs such as the remembrance of “baptismal birthdays”

31 Terms to know “Mode of application” “Infant faith”

Immersion

32 The Lord’s Supper

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 285-305 The Christian Faith, Chapter XIV, “The Lord’s Supper”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. Be able to identify the different names for the Lord’s Supper (228-229).

2. The elements of the Lord’s Supper are bread and wine. What is the problem with offering substitutes for these elements? How might insisting on specific forms of the elements pose a problem? (229-230)

3. Christians use the term “real presence” in various ways today. What do Lutherans mean when they speak of Christ’s “real presence”? (230-233)

4. How is Christ’s body and blood received in the Lord’s Supper? (233)

5. Do unbelievers receive Christ’s body and blood when they partake of the Lord’s Supper? (233)

6. Explain the following views on the presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper (233-235) x

x Consubstantiation

x A “symbolic” understanding of Christ’s presence in the Lord’s Supper

x A “spiritual presence” of Christ in the Lord’s Supper

7. To what issue are “receptionism” and “consecrationism” important responses? (236)

8. In the Lord’s Supper, Christ gives his own body and blood for his people to eat and drink? What does he give along with his body and blood? (235-236)

9. Luther rejected a certain medieval conception about the Lord’s Supper. What was it, and why was he right in rejecting it? (236)

10. What is the idea that sacraments work ex opere operato? What is inadequate about this idea? (236-237)

11. Faith does not make Christ’s body and blood present in the Lord’s Supper. What does faith do in the Lord’s Supper? (237)

12. What is remembered in the administration of the Lord’s Supper? (237-238)

33 13. How are Christians joined to one another in the Lord’s Supper? (238; see 1 Cor 10:17)

14. Why has “the church normally been quite strict about who communes together”? (238)

15. What is “excommunication”?

16. What is “close communion”?

17. What is “open communion”?

18. What does it mean that the Lord’s Supper is “a dress rehearsal for the eschatological banquet”?

19. Kolb looks at three practical aspects of administering the Lord’s Supper. What are they? (239-242)

20. Why is it important to eat the Lord’s Supper as a congregation? (240)

21. Why is it fitting that the Lord’s Supper be received often? (241)

22. What is “worthiness” for receiving the Sacrament? (241)

23. What does an appropriate examination for receiving the Lord’s Supper include? (241- 242)

Terms to know “Real presence” Consecrationism

Transubstantiation Ex opere operato

Consubstantiation Excommunication

Consecration “Close communion”

Receptionism “Open communion”

34 The Christian Life

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 162-164 on the work of the Holy Spirit; q. 41-47 on keeping the commandments; 193-204 on prayer The Christian Faith, Chapter XV, “The Sanctified Life, or New Obedience”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. Christians are “sanctified by faith,” as Kolb puts it (244). What does this mean? Why does this imply that the unregenerate cannot lead truly holy lives or do truly good works?

2. The Lutheran tradition teaches, “Good works are necessary.” This is said particularly to underscore that where there is faith, there is also faithfulness. Kolb brings this out when he speaks about the Spirit giving the mind of Christ to believers, and that mind then producing the “fruits of faith, or new obedience, or good works” (244) Kolb explains that faith in Christ changes “our attitudes in fundamental ways that enable free human action” (245). List and summarize the ways he identifies.

3. Kolb notes that the Christian life is a “life permeated by conversation with God” (246). What is the proper view of prayer? What are improper views on prayer?

4. What are the two kinds of relationships for which God has made his human creatures? (246; see also 18)

5. List the “four situations for human service” that Kolb identifies (247-248).

NB Kolb points out that “All human creatures find that life fits into these situations” and that within the structure that God has given “human creatures—even believers—may disagree among themselves on just how God’s love, care, and concern should be rightly demonstrated in a given instance” (247). It might be wondered whether non- Christians will recognize that it is God’s love, care, and concern that is always to be demonstrated. They will not identify issues of ordering life in this way, but these kinds of concerns reflect the “vestiges of God” left in nature, history, conscience, reason, and emotion (see above, “God”). The guiding principle that should govern these situations will not be God’s specific revelation but human reason.

6. What is a “virtue”?

7. List the four “natural virtues” (248).

8. List the three “theological virtues” (248).

35 9. As Kolb points out, the Pauline epistles uses the terms “spiritual gifts” or “gifts of the Holy Spirit” in different ways. What is the usage in 1 Cor 14? (249) In Eph 4.11 and 1 Cor 12.28-30?

10. Explain: “In the technical sense the gifts of the Holy Spirit have their base in God’s creative order” (249).

11. Kolb observes: “The ‘first article’ base … does not yet make an ability or activity a spiritual gift” (249). What is needed?

12. Although God gives specific commands in Scripture, “believers must still use God- given, sanctified wisdom” as they lead their lives (251). Why is this necessary?

13. What are adiaphora? (252)

14. What is the role or function of the community in the “decision-making process”? (252)

15. What are the “crosses” that Christians may bear in their lives? (254)

16. Explain how the principle of “causing no offense” is involved in deciding matters of adiaphora (255-256).

Terms to know Good works The natural virtues (list)

Fruits of faith The theological virtues (list)

New obedience Spiritual gift

“Good works are necessary” Adiaphora

“Two kinds of relationships” Cross (of the Christian)

Virtue

36 The Church

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 169-179 on the Church; q. 279-284 on Church Discipline The Christian Faith, Chapter XVI, “The Church”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. God has made his people a “royal priesthood.” According to 1 Pet 2, for what purpose did God do this? (257-258)

2. What does being a priest imply for the Christian’s access to God? (258)

3. What does being a priest imply for the Christian’s responsibility to others? (258)

4. Is the church a voluntary association? Why or why not? (257-258)

5. How did define the church in the Smalcald Articles? (258)

6. How did Melanchthon define the church in the Augsburg Confession? (258)

7. What is the so-called “invisible church”? (259)

8. What is the so-called “visible church”? (259)

9. What is the chief function of the distinction between invisible church and visible church? (259)

10. How has the distinction between invisible and visible churches left Christians in doubt? What assurance can be given to those in doubt? (259-260)

11. What is the so-called “hidden church”? (260)

12. What is the so-called “revealed church”? (260) By what other terms might it be known?

13. Why is the distinction between hidden church and revealed church more precise? (260-261)

14. Kolb identifies six ways in which the Church responds to the Word of God. List and briefly explain each of them.

15. According to Kolb, “The liturgy does not restrict. It binds us together with others…” Explain how the liturgy “binds Christians together” and why this binding is important (261-263).

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16. Why is discipline a necessary feature of the church’s life? (265-266)

17. What are the “marks of the church”? (267-268)

18. Scripture does not prescribe any particular form of church government. What is essential in any form of church government? (269)

19. What is a “denomination”? (271)

20. To what should members of a church body commit themselves? (271)

21. What is a “para-church organization”? How should Christians regard them? (272)

22. Why do Christians confess that the church is one? (272)

23. Why is admonition an important task for Christians? (272-273)

24. “Unionism” has been an important issue and significant concern for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, among others. “Unionism” might be defined as “the forging of union or fellowship in spite of disagreement in doctrine.” In part to defend against unionism, the Missouri Synod stresses that agreement in doctrine is essential to “altar and pulpit fellowship. But what is “altar and pulpit fellowship”? (273)

25. What is the “ecumenical movement”? (273-274)

Terms to know Invisible church Church government

Visible church Denomination

Hidden church Para-church organization

Revealed church Unionism

Liturgy Altar and pulpit fellowship

Church discipline Ecumenical movement

Marks of the church

38 The Office of the Public Ministry

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 277-278 The Christian Faith, chapter XVII, “The Public Ministry”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. The distinction between every Christian as a priest and those who hold the office of the public ministry might be likened to the distinction between a private citizen and a public official. Explain: the relationship that each Christian has as a priest “is anchored first of all in the realm of the vertical” (276).

2. Explain: “The public ministry, on the other hand, is firmly anchored in the horizontal realm” (276).

3. How do those who hold the office of the public ministry differ from other Christians? (276)

4. What is the most important reason for teaching that the office of the public ministry is necessary? (277)

5. What does the term “the ministry” designate among Christians? (278-279)

6. What is the “power” of ministry? (280-281)

7. What is the “office of the keys”? (281-282)

8. What is the difference between a “personal call” to the ministry and the “church’s call”? (284)

9. What is the function of ordination? (284-285)

10. What is “functionalism”? Why is it an inadequate position? (285)

11. What is an “ontological” point of view on the ministry? Why is it an inadequate position? (285-286)

Terms to know Ministry Church’s call

Power of ministry Ordination

Office of the keys Functionalism

Personal call Ontological point of view

39 The Last Things and the New Creation

Reading assignment “An Explanation of the Small Catechism,” q. 187-191 The Christian Faith, Chapter XVIII, “Last Things and the New Beginning”

Study questions for The Christian Faith 1. As Kolb says, “Baptism is a rehearsal for Judgment Day” (287). Explain what he means, and explain why this truth should assure the baptized of their final salvation.

2. The Christian doctrine of eschatology reflects a linear view of history. How does this differ from that of many other cultures and religions? (288-289)

3. Upon what will the final judgment be based? (289)

4. Summarize the biblical witness that hell exists and what it will be like (289).

5. “What a blessing she could die!” Why is this among the “saddest expressions sin has forced upon us”? (290)

6. What is “realized eschatology”? (291)

7. What is “future eschatology”? (291)

8. How is the distinction between realized eschatology and future eschatology is summed up in the slogan: “Now and not yet” (291).

9. What is “apocalyptic literature”? (292)

10. What are the biblical bases for the doctrine of the ? (292-293)

11. How and why is the papacy identified as the Antichrist? (292-293)

12. Like many other Christians, Lutherans hold a millennial position that is often called “amillennialism.” This label can be misleading, because it suggests no belief at all in the millennium of Revelation 20. But in fact the amillennial view holds that the entire New Testament period constitutes the millennial reign of Christ. “Premillennialism” and “postmillennialism” are labels for other important millennial views. Outline both of them (293).

13. “Dispensationalism” holds a particular form of premillennial eschatology. How do dispensationalists understand the “rapture”? (294)

14. In what way do amillennialists see dispensationalists misinterpreting Scripture? (294)

15. Kolb notes two dangers that premillennialists often run. What are they? (295)

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16. How does the Christian doctrine of the resurrection of the dead differ from the Neoplatonic systems of thought on life after death? From many Gnostic systems of thought on life after death? (296-298)

Terms to know Eschatology Antichrist

Realized eschatology Premillennialism

Future eschatology Postmillennialism

Parousia Dispensational premillennialism Rapture (as used by dispensationalists)

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