Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Psalm 115:3
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From the Word: But our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases. (Psalm 115:3)
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
The First Article
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
What does this mean?
I believe that God has created me and all that exists, that he has given me and still preserves my body and soul, my eyes and ears, my reason and all my senses, together with food and clothing, home and family, and all my property. Every day he provides abundantly for all the needs of my life. He protects me from all danger and guards and keeps me from every evil. He does this purely out of fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, though I do not deserve it. Therefore I ought to thank, praise, serve, and obey him. This is most certainly true!
Pulling It Together: When we confess that God is almighty, we are saying something more than that he is strong. This confession also declares that what is impossible with people is possible with God (Matt 19:26). This is especially important when we consider God’s will. What impossibility does God want to take place? Of all that God could have, what does he still desire? Of all that he does have, for what does he still long?
God desires that everyone be saved and know him (1 Tim 2:4). He wants a people of his own who are holy and intent on doing his will (1 Pet 2:9–10). This seems an impossibility. No other sinner is able to be any more holy than you are. So how does God get the people he wants? He does what he pleases, and makes them holy by his own mercy. He infuses them with grace through faith in his Son. The impossibility of a holy people for God becomes a possibility for Christ’s sake. Indeed, Peter insists it has already happened: “You are,” he says (1 Pet 2:9).
Prayer: Your will be done, Almighty Father. Amen.
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The purpose of Epistles, A Guide to Reading the Scriptures is twofold: to encourage Christians to read God’s Word on a regular basis, and to help the reader slow down and concentrate on each chapter of the epistles before moving on to the next.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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