February 6, 2019 - THE MOST IMPORTANT CHRISTIAN TEACHING

Day 37 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Samuel 12, Psalm 35, Ephesians 1:15-2:10)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The Bible contains many verses like this one from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus. They form the foundation for the central teaching, or doctrine, of the Christian faith.

Here is how Luther's Small Catechism addresses this truth:
Why must we firmly hold to this teaching of justification by grace, for Christ's sake through faith?
We must firmly hold to this teaching because
A. it is the most important doctrine of the Christian religion;
B. it distinguishes the Christian religion from false religions, 
        all of which teach salvation by works;
C. It comforts sinners who repent
D. it gives all glory to God for His grace and mercy in Christ.

The hymn writer celebrates these truths with these words:

By grace I'm saved, grace free and boundless;
My soul, believe and doubt it not.
Why stagger at this word of promise?
Hath Scripture ever falsehood taught?
No! Then this word must true remain;
By grace you too will life obtain.
(“By Graced I’m Saved,” Lutheran Service Book #566)

Thank You heavenly Father for Your priceless and gracious gift of forgiveness and salvation that You have showered upon me! Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psals - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2019 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!