# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S302 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 302 II. THEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTS­­—COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS Justification and Evangelicalism What are the characteristic features of evangelicalism? • Are there different kinds of evangelicals? • If so, what do they have in common? How evangelicals describe themselves: • “Conversionism: the belief that lives need to be transformed through a ‘born-again’ experience and a life-long process of following Jesus.” • “Activism: the expression and demonstration of the gospel in missionary and social reform efforts.” • “Biblicism: a high regard for and obedience to the Bible as the ultimate authority.” • “Crucicentrism: a stress on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as making possible the redemption of humanity.” Is The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod evangelical? How others see evangelicals: I. Holy Scripture is the supreme authority … II. The main theme of Scripture is God’s saving work. God sent His Son, who bore the sins of the world on the cross and made redemption possible … III. Eternal salvation comes only through personal faith in Christ, which God gives. Yet since God leaves room for freedom of decision, the experience of becoming and being a Christian assumes great importance … IV. For this reason evangelism and mission tend to take precedence over social action … V. Ethics is developed, not out of the situation, but out of God’s law and ordinances … VI. Christ’s return is expected literally. The Common Ground on Justification between Evangelicals and Lutherans What speaks in favor of it? A common emphasis on many basic Christian teachings (the Bible’s full authority, the Trinity, Christ’s two natures, His atoning death, salvation by grace through faith, the importance of evangelism, etc.). What speaks against it? • Evangelicalism is a movement in many denominations vs. Lutheranism as a distinct church or denomination. • The centrality of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead as the foundation of man’s justification • Justification by faith, not by works • Unity in doctrine vs. diversity in matters like infant/adult Baptism. • Sacraments as God’s Means of Grace vs. symbols. The Differences Between Evangelicals and Lutherans Concerning Justification • Making a decision for Jesus – Justification and Baptism • Conversionism: “the belief that lives need to be transformed through a born-again experience and a life-long process of following Jesus.” • Read John 3:3–5. • “How can water do such great things? – Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: ‘He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying’ (Titus 3:5-8).” 2019 Convention Workbook “Making a Decision” and Baptism • What do you think about the emphasis on a bornagain experience? Do you think that such an experience is necessary for every Christian? How does such an experience relate to Baptism? • “What benefit does Baptism give? — It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.” • The Christian life starts with God’s promise given to me and consists in believing this promise, not in a special experience.