Lessons from Issues 5: Lutheran/scriptural distinctives

Previous posts in this study may be found here, here, and here. Another series of posts you may find interesting in conjunction with this are these three. Since I had to sing for the confirmation service and so had to choose between Bible study and warming up the voice, G.H.F. took notes. Sorry they're sparse.

• Every doctrine of the Lutheran church is drawn from Scripture. Many have tried to refute the book of Concord but couldn't.
• 1 Corinthians 1:20-26 (Christ-centered; cross-focused). Verse 22 - Greeks thought that the flesh was evil, so the resurrection was strange to them. See Acts 17. While they were more of an intellectual society, Hebrews were more emotional.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 - the classic. Salvation by grace alone and through faith alone.
• Romans 3:20-23 (law and gospel). Verse 20 - also note the third use of the law (third section, a.k.a. curb, mirror, and guide) when you are saved - what pleases God or does not please Him.
• Romans 7:21-8:1 (sinner and saint). Note that Paul was still struggling with sin; some believe that this chapter was written before conversion (...). Roman Catholic/Evangelical position: You are saved, but show me your works. This confuses people about law vs. gospel. 8:1 - this is NOT an excuse to sin!
• Christians need to struggle against sin, but know that it's a lifelong deal.