Author: Dr. C.F.W. Walther
Lecture: 15
Disclaimer: I do not pretend to be a theological expert, so I may interpret things incorrectly. This blog is merely a tool for me to further explore and remember what I have read. Do not read my words to learn about Christian doctrine; read Walther's words and compare your thoughts to mine. In addition, I am using the Dau translation, which, as I understand it, is not 100% true to the original. Despite this, it still contains excellent material and is beneficial for Christian education.
Context: This lecture continues to expand on the thoughts of the 14th lecture concerning Thesis IX, which states that it is wrong to direct sinners "struck down" by the law to keep praying and struggling until they feel God's grace; they should instead be directed to the Word and Sacraments. Lecture 14 described the proper method of direction, citing examples from the apostles' work: Peter at Pentecost, the Philippian jailer's conversion, and Saul's conversion. Lecture 15 describes incorrect ways of dividing law and gospel concerning grace.
Brief Summary of 14 & 15: What must I do to be saved? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, NOT follow Fresenius's Steps 1,2, and 3. (See Below)
Highlights of 15:
Intro: The "Doctrine of Doubt," that no person can be sure of heaven, forgiveness, or their relationship with God while on earth, is false. See Hebrews 11:1, John 10:27,28, John 4:14 ("never"), Matthew 11:28.
Body: Fresenius believes in two types of grace, which I call "awakening grace" and "real grace." Awakening grace (he calls it prevenient, or quickening grace) comes in the heart of an unbeliever and makes them able to pray for "real grace." Real grace is the grace experienced by Christians. He said that Christians must strive for grace to be converted by following three steps:
1) Constant prayer and struggling until they feel grace.
2) Be watchful and don't lose the awakening grace and parts of real grace that you
gradually receive.
3) Meditate on God's Word.
One of Fresenius's problems is that he believes that spiritual resurrection and conversion take place at different times. In truth, everyone who is spiritually alive has been converted. Conversion is being made spiritually alive. To quote a teacher, "Dead people can't do anything. Why? 'Cause they're DEAD." While spiritually dead, we don't care about God's Word or grace. Fresenius says that converting grace causes "a mysterious sighing for grace;" Walther identifies this as the first spark of faith.
Prayer, alertness, and learning God's Word are marks of a Christian's life, but are not steps in the conversion process. These steps are incorrect because they are prescribed to a person who believes they are an unbeliever, and thus they become a way of earning God's love.
My Lightbulb Moment: God does not give grace in pieces. It is entire or non-existent; you are a citizen of Christ's kingdom or a prisoner of the devil. There is no middle ground.
Application: Fresenius describes watchfulness as a habit that becomes so second-nature that the person can't imagine life without it. This watchfulness is an awareness of Christ's sacrifice and how it should affect our actions. We look out for temptations, but we also watch for opportunities to put faith into practice. Yes, we will fail in this watchfulness, but we then repent and run to Jesus. I want to live like that.
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