# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1892_S37
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

of the Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America. 1892. 37

Scripture, but he will also ascribe a merit to those who come to faith.

How important this truth is, that the one who is lost is himself to blame for his damnation! For one thing, it serves to strengthen faith in the grace and mercy of God, who does not desire the death of the sinner, but that he turn and live, who has appointed no one to damnation, but wills to make all blessed.

It raises a loud accusation against those who have so far not come to faith, or have fallen from faith again, and calls them to self-accusation, to charging themselves with guilt, and to the suppression of all murmuring against God.

It addresses a serious admonition to all who are still unbelievers, not to harden themselves wilfully against the testimony of God in their heart and conscience, in nature, in history, but rather to let themselves be moved by it to seek God in the Book that declares itself to be God's Word. It urges loudly the diligent use of the means of grace, especially diligent hearing and reading of the Word of God, as the powerful means of faith, conversion and salvation, containing God's own power. It warns earnestly against rebelling against the condemning testimony of the Law, and urges them instead to acknowledge that God is right in it. It warns earnestly against being indifferent to the terrors now aroused, and urges them instead to be moved by them to look about for help against sin and damnation. It exhorts them, when God through the Gospel freely and without price offers and presents grace, forgiveness of sins, life and salvation for the sake of Christ, His Son, His bitter suffering and death, and the Holy Spirit powerfully entices and allures them to accept it, not to turn their ear away, not to resist Him, not to suppress the stirrings He has worked in them.

This truth drives all who have come to faith to the unbroken, continued and faithful use of the means of grace, and warns against satiety and weariness. It also calls for watchfulness against oneself, the world and the devil, for earnest struggle against the flesh, for the crucifixion of the old man, for the avoidance of all wilful sinning in doctrine and life, for walking according to the Spirit, that the light of faith may not go out. It silences the mouth of all the damned before God and compels them to cry woe upon themselves.