Happy 491st Reformation Day!

This evening was a special service, a German-style Mass (Deutsche Messe). About two hundred people gathered to sing Divine Service V in the LSB, complete with incense. How much better can you get? The sermon text was Romans 3:19-28; the other readings were Revelation 14:6-7 and John 8:31-36.

The Lutheran Church celebrates the three Solas - sola gratia (grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola Scriptura (Scripture alone). Some would say we insist on them to a fault. But is this really hair-splitting? Can't we compromise and let a little of our own works into the equation for salvation?

No. Sola gratia compromised ceases to be grace at all (Romans 11:6). It's fatal to compromise in matters of faith - doing so in life (e.g. which show to watch) works, but in doctrine it doesn't. Keeping the "alone" leads to freedom and absolute certainty of salvation, something no other religion has. If salvation is by works, then works can never be enough. We can't even say the Lord's Prayer once without being distracted!

God wants us to have no worry; therefore He took care of our salvation Himself. It's there for you, free to accept. Don't compromise it.

Yes, this is exclusivism. I stand by it.