Editorial

Reformation, Confessions and Education

2006 is a year of celebration. We thank God that 475 years ago Phillip Melanchthon wrote a defense of the Augsburg Confession, which we know as The Apology of the Augsburg Confession. In this document Melanchthon defended the teachings of the Lutheran Church with the support of many Scripture passages. In 1580 the Apology was accepted as a confession of the Lutheran Church.

As part of our celebration of this historic anniversary, Pastor David Jay Webber is presenting what the Apology teaches about the principles Lutherans use to interpret Scripture—principles drawn from the Scriptures themselves. Knowing how to read and interpret the Bible rightly is a very important aspect of our Christian faith. And one of the best ways to learn correct interpretation of the Bible is through reading the Book of Concord. The best way is through reading the Bible itself.

In the Apology, Melanchthon also used citations from the Canons of the Church, Church Fathers, and other sources to demonstrate that the Lutheran Church does not confess anything new or different from what has been confessed by those who adhere to the Bible truths throughout the history of the Christian Church. I hope that you have taken the time this year to read the Apology and inform yourself regarding the vital teachings it confesses. Even though the Apology’s fourth article on “Justification” uses many words, readers will better understand how vital it is to confess that we are justified by faith in Jesus alone and how necessary this vital Scriptural teaching is to our salvation.

Over the past century many people have called for additions to our Lutheran Confessions. Additions are certainly needed, for the Lutheran Confessions did not discuss the divine inspiration of Scripture (although this doctrine was assumed throughout the Book of Concord). However, since Lutherans around the world are so divided on this issue it would be improbable that such a confession would unite Lutherans who want to follow God’s Word. Furthermore, writing a new confession will not improve our situation if the Book of Concord remains an unknown and unread book by laypeople of confessional congregations.

When we have access to gadgets, media, and activities undreamed of just a few decades ago, these things all require significant amounts of time and resources to learn and use. Could we be so overloaded with “good things” that we have no time for “seek[ing] first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and being assured by our Lord that “all these things shall be added to [us]” (Matthew 6:33)? St. Paul’s letters often urge Christians: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Some families have the practice of reading the Book of Concord to youth that have been confirmed or in youth group meetings. This study is precisely what is needed if our young people are to retain the faith that they confessed. We are teaching them to “ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).

Since we live in an information age where people can download movies, games, opinions, and articles about virtually any question they might have, Christian education at every age becomes even more important. Our young people need Christian day school teachers and schools which will challenge their intellect, teach the Bible truths, and instruct them on how to interpret Scripture so they can apply it to their faith and life. Adult Christians need Bible study materials which lead them to examine critically the culture in which they live in the light of God’s revealed Word.

In this month of October, we should thank God for restoring the preaching of the true Gospel through Dr. Martin Luther and those who assisted him. More importantly, we need to continue reading the Bible and the Book of Concord so that we may know and confess the truths God has revealed to us. And we should ask God to bless our efforts to educate our young people in God’s Word, whether through Sunday Schools, Christian Day Schools, Lutheran area High Schools, or Bethany Lutheran College. Next month we can by God’s grace participate in the work of education through our extra gifts to the Lutheran Schools of America offering.

Theodore Gullixson is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin.