Is Lent Law?

On the face of it, Lent strikes us as Law.

"Unless you repent, you will all . . . perish." (Luke 13:3)

And what does it mean to repent? First, that that we confess our sinfulness. Second, that we believe in the work of Christ to pay for our sins. And third, that we turn from our sin to lead a godly life.

More Law? No. All three parts of repentance (confession, faith, and godly living) are God at work in us by His grace. God works in us the desire to confess, else we would not recognize our sin. God works faith in us through His Word, else we would trust only in ourselves. God works in us to will and to do that which pleases Him.

Lent is a somber season, for it forces us to see clearly that our sinfulness required Jesus' sacrifice. But, Lent is also a vivid revelation of God's love and grace. "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)

God bless you as you share His Lenten love with His children through His Word!

Ashes, Dust, and the Gospel

We started Lent Wednesday evening with the Divine Service preceded by imposition of ashes and the solemn reminder, "Remember you are dust and to dust you will return." It is a helpful reminder of our mortality and our sinful nature. It is Law.

The essence of excellent Lutheran education is a right teaching of Law and Gospel. At times, I suspect we may fail to get the right balance (letting the Gospel predominate) or the right order (Law followed always by Gospel). It is a failing from which humorist Garrison Keillor has often drawn his material, such as this verse from his poem Habañera.

Well, if you’re shy and from the Midwest

And grow up Lutheran, it’s always Lent

He wanted music, laughter and music

But guilt was his mother’s favorite instrument

I would desire that we make the Gospel, rather than the Law, our ultimate goal even during Lent. Let each lesson we teach in this solemn season "show us our sin," yes (Law), but also "show us our Savior" (Gospel).

May God bless you this Lent as you teach His children His Word!

 

What Is Lent?

Lent begins February 18 with Ash Wednesday.

Once again, Concordia Publishing House is observing this new Church Year season by offering a high quality video you can use to introduce Lent to your class or your congregation.

Check out the video and some additional background on this penitential season on the CPH blog.

God bless you as you teach His children His Word.