Questions for the conservative Lutherans..

[BrokenGhost]

So, I was reading a write up concerning the difference between the Lutheran and Calvinist views on soteriology. And I have to admit that I find the Lutheran view to make more sense to myself. Can you guys explain to me some of the main differences between Lutherans and Calvinists? Especially concerning soteriology, baptism, and communion.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

I'm sorry no one has responded to your questions. I'm going to be out for most of the day, but will try and respond tonight.

God bless!

Mark

 

[Tangible]

I think that the most profound difference, when the rubber hits the road, is that in Lutheranism both Justification and Sanctification are inseparable from the doctrine of the Means of Grace - the Sacraments. Calvinism can exist without a high view of the Sacraments or within an ordinance-only view. (Calvinist Baptists are quite common, Lutheran Baptist is an oxymoron.)

Here are some relevant links worth reading ...

http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/fi...-predestination-isnt-calvinist-predestination
http://justandsinner.blogspot.com/2008/08/lutheran-evaluation-of-five-points-of.html
http://justandsinner.blogspot.com/search/label/Sacraments

Jordan Cooper is a former Calvinist turned Lutheran that delves deeply into comparisons of the two traditions. He puts out an entertaining but technical podcast at Just and Sinner.

http://justandsinner.blogspot.com/search/label/Calvinism vs. Lutheranism

 

[Mediaeval]

Strict Calvinists cannot tell you, the individual sinner, that God loves you and Christ died for the forgiveness of your sins. With Lutherans, this good news is axiomatic for the individual.

 

[Jonah L]

While reading a book by a well known Presbyterian on the Gospel I came up with this phrase:

A Calvinist Pastor can say Christ died for Sinners, of which you are one. Then break out the grape juice and crackers to remember that.

A Lutheran Pastor can say Christ died for your sins, and then give you his body and blood as confirmation of that.

That's a big difference.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

While reading a book by a well known Presbyterian on the Gospel I came up with this phrase:

A Calvinist Pastor can say Christ died for Sinners, of which you are one. Then break out the grape juice and crackers to remember that.

A Lutheran Pastor can say Christ died for your sins, and then give you his body and blood as confirmation of that.

That's a big difference.

Yes, Luther wrote that he would sooner eat Christ's body and drink Christ's blood with the Pope, than eat bread and wine with Zwingli.

 

[Jonah L]

Yes, Luther wrote that he would sooner eat Christ's body and drink Christ's blood with the Pope, than eat bread and wine with Zwingli.

Exactly. I have yet to take the Lord's Supper at a Lutheran Church though... I will be moving for college and have found a solid Lutheran church that I hope to go through confirmation at. I have started to go to a Lutheran Church in my hometown, and I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the liturgy

 

[Jonah L]

And I didn't think of this until just now, but as Lutherans we get Bread, Wine, Body, and Blood... Just sayin'

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

And I didn't think of this until just now, but as Lutherans we get Bread, Wine, Body, and Blood... Just sayin'

You are correct!

 

[Tangible]

... and the Liturgy will grow on you. The more you learn about it, the more you will grow in your appreciation of it.

 

[Jonah L]

I like how even if the sermon isn't that great the liturgy (properly observed of course), makes it hard to not give me Gospel. I love hearing Absolution. Even though I know I am forgiven (past tense) it is extremely edifying to hear the Pastor declare my sins forgiven, especially after the Confession. I really wish non-denominational churches did this. I love how in the liturgy we start by asking the Lord for mercy (The Kyrie?) and then confessing our sins. And then we continue to receive the other gifts that God has given us, chiefly his Son, His Words, and Justification. I kinda get why some people may not like the "ritualistic" feeling of the liturgy which could cause us to ignore what's happening, but I really appreciate the Theology behind it. We sung a hymn the other Sunday (Pentecost 9?) LSB 622 that I really liked

And back to Absolution- It gives me something to look forward to Sunday morning. As a student go Scripture and who will be learning Greek and Hebrew I don't really need a "knowledge download" (and certainly not the Gospel-less "application" part of a sermon) but Confession and Absolution are great. I know when I walk in those doors I will hear that Christ has chosen to forgive my sins in such a way that I cannot help but believe it, and that means a lot to someone who has spent a lot of time considering if I was regenerated or elect... But now I simply look to Christ and his promises in Baptism, Preaching, and the Supper One of the Theology profs at the School I'll be going to once said to his Pastor that as a Lutheran theology prof all he asks of his Pastor is to pronounce the Absolution and observe the Supper regularly. And I didn't quite get what he meant by that until I actually attended a Lutheran Church.

 

[Tangible]

That's great, Jonah. I totally agree.

 

[Jonah L]

I am a little sad that I won't be able to be at a Lutheran Church for the next few weeks as I am moving to college in two Fridays!!! Dang... there are a lot of emojis...