Church
( Taken from internetmonk.com)
The centrality and clarity of Lutheranism's emphasis on justification, the sharp distinction of Law and Gospel, the emphasis on the theology of the cross, etc, etc), one stands out above - and in a sense "behind" - all others. That is the Lutheran approach to the Word of God, and in particular the emphasis on the Word's instrumentality and effectiveness, and the way this then carries over into its doctrine of the sacraments.
The point is that, while the benefits of the Gospel are received by faith alone, the effectiveness and truth of the Gospel depend on God's Word, not on human faith. The sacraments are the Gospel wrapped up in physical elements, and likewise depend for their truth and effectiveness not on human faith, but on God's Word of institution (eg, "This is my body"); though the benefits are received only by faith. (Contrast the position of the 39 Articles, in which the Lord's body and blood are received only by those who have faith, and baptism unites to Christ only those who "receive it rightly" - thus making the sacraments' effectiveness conditional on faith).
The centrality and clarity of Lutheranism's emphasis on justification, the sharp distinction of Law and Gospel, the emphasis on the theology of the cross, etc, etc), one stands out above - and in a sense "behind" - all others. That is the Lutheran approach to the Word of God, and in particular the emphasis on the Word's instrumentality and effectiveness, and the way this then carries over into its doctrine of the sacraments.
The point is that, while the benefits of the Gospel are received by faith alone, the effectiveness and truth of the Gospel depend on God's Word, not on human faith. The sacraments are the Gospel wrapped up in physical elements, and likewise depend for their truth and effectiveness not on human faith, but on God's Word of institution (eg, "This is my body"); though the benefits are received only by faith. (Contrast the position of the 39 Articles, in which the Lord's body and blood are received only by those who have faith, and baptism unites to Christ only those who "receive it rightly" - thus making the sacraments' effectiveness conditional on faith).
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