I am starting my catechesis on becoming Lutheran this Sunday after being a churchless backslider (moved a while back and COVID just crippled my old church). You are one of the big reasons why I decided to look into Lutheranism over Presbyterianism. Others were influential as well as a lot of thought and prayer. Thank you Pastor Cooper.
How did that go? My wife and I are in the process of joining (in my case coming back to) a Lutheran Church. Love the pastor and the congregation. Has it been a good thing for you?
@JEROME BURNETT I dont understand how the churches of christ denomination is any more likely to be the church of the new testament than any other denomination
@JEROME BURNETT The word catholic literally means "universal," as in "the universal church.". It originally was applied to all Christians because we are all part of the universal church in the way that we are all members of the Body of Christ.
@JEROME BURNETT he sounds Capitol C Catholic because anyone more sacramental than federal vision looks like a Catholic to a Pentacostal/Baptist/Fundamentalist
@JEROME BURNETT You must not be listening. He rejects papal authority, Mariology, praying to anyone but God, Purgatory, the idea that the sacraments are something people do for credit with God, indulgences in any form and many other doctrines of the RCC. So do all confessional Lutherans.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Cor 15:3-6
As was explained by one of pastors: The Divine Service is the Divine serving us. He in it offers the means of Grace throigh the Word and Sacraments. We respond to Him in thanks for this.
You've pretty much summed it up for me with the first point. The gospel isn't just the "ticket in the door" to be forgotten for the sake of "law, law, law," like it is in a great deal of evangelicalism (yes, even in some Calvinism). There's a great deal of truth in the accusation that modern evangelicalism is so works-centered from its overemphasis on law that it really does give the idea at times that one is saved by works in part or whole. Confessional Lutheranism maintains the biblical balance. The gospel continues to be preached and taught for both the saved and the lost. I love the fact that an unbeliever can walk into a Lutheran church and hear the gospel preached in such a way as to facilitate conversion, while a believer can walk into the same service and be strengthened and taught to grow in faith.
That was the most awesome summing up of the Lutheran confession I’ve ever heard. I’m 31 and on my church council (LCMS). It’s kind of funny talking to non believers but when I say I’m a Lutheran their tone kind of changes and they usually say Luther was a great man or I wish more Christian’s were like him or something to that effect. So there is a lot to be said about that. That it’s a balanced approach to the Law and Gospel.
Oh sure no works salvation at all! I mean just get baptized and you're in! Lol. But I mean no offense. I love you all but I fear for you. I mean instead to ask how you reconcile such things?
Oh also, I'm not sure how familiar you are w so called Calvinism. But Reformed principles, or Calvinists are among the most evangelistic. It's a false narrative I think because of some among our ranks (possibly none at all) who will not share the gospel unless they see signs of the Spirit working in the subject. But for the true Reformed man who knows his roots and the scriptures, that man is aware that there is no "E" on anyone's forehead. So the gospel is shared widely and generously to all who will hear. Some of the most proliferate preachers are Calvinists.
I think it is necessary as Christians that we not misrepresent our brothers. Often it becomes easy to say this or that about others when we disagree without sufficient cause. But that is a lie nonetheless. We must not lie in anyway.
Coming from a non Christian background I have explored most main denominations but I find Lutheranism to be the most agreeable. I find it difficult to believe the the dead can intercede for the living, also in other denominations your do not know whether you are saved and whether you have done enough ‘good works’. Similarly the idea of ‘vocation’ spiritualises all aspects of mundane life, something under appreciated and insufficiently recognised by denominations supposedly more ‘spiritual’. I also love the fact that no individual is held in higher regard than another and we are all equal in the struggle. As well as this it retains some tradition liturgy etc giving the best of both worlds really.
@@richardfrerks8712 Hey Richard, what they mean is that in the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, there is the belief that the dead saints can pray for us on earth, by us praying to them asking for intercession. That's a short summary. God bless.
@@MadForGames to be absent from the ( mortal) body is to be present with the ( living) Lord. Do you believe in the communion of the saints? Peter saw Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus at the transfiguration.. Were they dead or alive?
Maccabees -- Intercession of the dead who have life in Christ. Book of Revelations - Intercession of the saints. I appreciate something "may be hard to believe" but know than an atheist may say the same thing about God. The question is, there is evidence in Scripture or Tradition to support our beliefs. I believe as many RCs believe, reason is perfected by faith. Luther is on record for calling reason a "whore". God Bless.
Thanks Dr Cooper! I’m transferring from an ELCA church to the LCMS. I feel like I’m returning to the Lutheranism of my youth, the Slovak Zion Synod that was eventually swallowed up by the ELCA
I always found it sad that so many Lutheran identities got lost with the formation of the ELCA along with good doctrine many Lutheran groups also gave up ethnic traditions that made them unique
Thank you Pastor. As a Calvinist studying Lutheranism I appreciated how all the beliefs of the Lutheran Church is written down in one book, The Book of Concord, to be studied, confessed and contended upon. These truths have withstood the test of time and heterodoxy. God's peace be with you.
I'm Nazarene, but I was converted, baptized, and confirmed Lutheran. Due to a whole bunch of circumstances, I backslide, when I rededicated, it was in a Nazarene church. Now I'm in bible school, studying to be a Nazarene pastor, but the more I think through the scriptures, I find that again and again, I'm coming up Lutheran. Quite a big part of that is the Historical Continuity. I'm not sure quite yet, but I may return to the tradition of my youth.
If I may ask, how have things turned out for you? I'm a long-ago Catholic who went through many Protestant denominations, and am now finding an interest in Lutheranism, at least in some respects.
"The true Calvinist will be characterized by God-centeredness, humility, penitence, gratitude, and holy living among other things. This is a good litmus test for those of us who follow the Calvinistic tradition." - from What Makes A Calvinist by Phillip Graham Ryken The Calvinist view as presented above gave me such fear and doubt as a believer. I could not find the comfort of the Gospel due to my fear of a Holy, Good God. A God who would send me to hell if He deemed me for destruction and that I would agree that is was good to be in hell because God determined it would be.
From an evangelical background, I was attracted to Lutheranism because of the distinction of Law and Gospel. It gave me a framework to understand the scriptures. Also, I understood what I'd felt for years; that so many evangelical sermons are just Law, "Try harder, Do better." I was tired of feeling beat up on every Sunday.
Exactly! I was baptized Lutheran 64 years ago but left an ELCA church due to the issue of who is being ordained and explaining away biblical truth. I now attend a conservative Mennonite church that has not bent to the 'social gospel' of the day, but they have totally trashed the blessed Sacraments, calling them mere symbols 😖😩. It breaks my heart. They are heavy on Bible reading and fellowship but have a host of rules that are almost cult-like. There is no LCMS church near me, so I am stuck.
@ruthgoebel723 I just moved from a buffet of churches in the Upper Midwest (even the most obscure, unheard-of denominations!) to the South. It's almost nothing but Baptist and Pentecostal here. I can't even find a Catholic church (not Catholic, but since it's quite popular in the US, it's my example of a different church) unless I drive at least 45 minutes!! It's a church desert here :-/
I am going to my first Lutheran service next Sunday. I have been looking at which church was closest to biblical understanding. Have friends trying to push me in to Catholicism which I can’t get past the obvious non biblical things they do. So I pray I’m finding my home in the Lutheran church! 🙏🏼
I'm in the same boat. I've tried RCIA twice and I just can't get past the heavy Mariology they have going on. The parish I had been going to for the past two months probably prays to and praises Mary more, than God himself. It's a no go for me. Back to looking into Lutheranism now.
We are looking into becoming Lutheran Christians, we start our catechism on Monday night. We are not Roman Catholic, neither eastern orthodox. We tried those and wasn't a good fit with what we believe. But Lutheran church seems to fit us really well 😀 God has answered our prayers and we finally found a very very small Lutheran church. It is a bit of a commute but worth it considering we are no longer being spiritually fed by our current church (it's non denominational evangelical, very very low church). It ticks the boxes but is really not meeting our needs as Christians who want to grow in the faith. Singing cringe jesus is my friend praise music doesn't feel like it is enough in worship. Not enough praising God , and praying, repentance and confession of sin ect... I can go on for days. The sermons are okay but are pitched more like a bible study than preaching the Gospel. Bible study has its place in small groups but does not equal a sermon. Going line by line in Nehemiah stating obvious commentary is mind numbing. I want to see the beauty of the Gospels (and the OT too!!! In relation to applying it to our lives in a sermon)
Honestly, I’m starting to find Lutheranism highly attractive. I have found Orthodox and Baptist to also be attractive, but right now I am leaning towards Lutheranism. I come from a background in the highly heretical Hebrew Roots/Torahism/Messianic Movement, and works of the Old Testament Law were highly focused on for salvation/sanctification, which goes against the teachings of the Apostle Paul! I thank God I came out of that heresy and am now trying to find where I belong in Christendom.
Protestantism is not new: "Heresy: That “special” moment when you have greater spiritual insight than the apostles, disciples, apostolic and holy fathers and the entire past and present Church members even though you have a bible, spiritual books and canons that they wrote, compiled and handed down to you.This is deception that despite all this, one believes in one’s thougths and opinions.
I'd been wondering for a couple years where that "movement" came from. I stumbled across the answer a while ago. I was right to be skeptical/wary/almost afraid of it. It's wrong and downright dangerous. Dig into its roots if you haven't...😳
Two kingdoms and vocation is what did it for me. It’s such a great framework for Christian living. I also love Lutheranism philosophically, that it’s willing to accept the reality that our rationality is not a starting point to learn divine truths, and accepting what is revealed through the Word of God. It is also truly through the lense of the Gospel, which I didn’t understand before.
I was baptized as a Lutheran as a baby and confirmed as a teenager, but for me it was reading St. Augustine of Hippo's "Confessions" that gave me confidence in my convictions.
If you're damned, it is because you thrust the Word aside, judging yourself unworthy of everlasting life, Acts 13:46. If you're eternally saved it is because you've been appointed for eternal life and so were called to faith through the Word, Acts 13:48
One can equally find verses which seem to say one believes through free will and is thereby saved as one can find verses which seem to suggest that man is free to reject the Word and so be damned e.g. Acts 2:40 Save yourselves from this crooked generation. Mark 1:15 repent and believe in the gospel. John 11:25 Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. So just because you can find verses which seem to suggest that we're damned through our own free will choice to reject the Gospel it doesn't mean anything because one can equally find verses which seem to suggest that we have the ability to believe the Gospel and to save ourselves. In the Bondage of the Will Luther taught on the basis of Scripture that God predestines people to both heaven and hell and he denied that we have the ability to reject the Gospel and bring damnation on ourselves. He taught this in the same way we don't have the ability to believe the Gospel and to save ourselves. This idea that we alone are responsible for our own damnation and that God didn't predestine anyone to hell was introduced mainly by Martin Chemnitz. See my separate comment on this video.
@@Edward-ng8oo I'd say, in short, all preaching that seems to indicate man has a free choice to make actually produces what it demands. The preaching of repentance and belief produces repentance and belief. Neither grants freedom of the will. Taken together with Eph. 2:1 and 1 Cor. 2:14, I don't think you can come to any other conclusion.
@@marcuswilliams7448 Of course your position is basically what the Formula teaches namely that the Holy Spirit attempts to regenerate everyone through the Word and that it’s man's fault if he remains an unbeliever. However that wasn’t Luther’s position in The Bondage of the Will (TBOTW) and it isn’t mine. Luther said in TBOTW that only those who are inwardly drawn by the Holy Spirit are regenerated and that it happens irresistibly, and I agree with that. Neither of the verses you mention teach the universal operation of the Holy Spirit in the means of grace - that’s just an assumption which is imported into them by those who reject predestination to hell. However as Luther proved in TBOTW from Romans 9 and other passages God does predestine people to hell, as he does to heaven.
@@Edward-ng8oo Provide a citation of some kind. A page number would be best so I can read the fuller context. In any case and again, just because Luther held a certain position at a certain point in time it doesn't mean that the Lutheran Church must needs or is expected to hold said view.
@@marcuswilliams7448 Here's a few quotes from The Bondage of the Will showing that Luther believed in double predestination and rejected human free will with respect to both salvation and damnation: Now take the saying of Christ in John 6 [:44]: "No one comes to me unless my Father draws him." What does this leave to free choice? For he says that everyone needs to hear and learn from the Father himself, and that all must be taught by God. He plainly teaches here, not only that the works and efforts of free choice are fruitless, but that even the message of the gospel itself (which is what this passage is about) is heard in vain unless the Father himself speaks, teaches, and draws inwardly…. But the ungodly does not come even when he hears the Word unless the Father draws and teaches him inwardly, which He does by pouring out the Spirit. There is then another "drawing" than the one that takes place outwardly; for then Christ is set forth by the light of the Spirit, so that a man rapt away to Christ with the sweetest rapture, and rather yields passively to God's speaking, teaching, and drawing than seeks and runs himself. (p.285,286, Vol 33 Luther's Works) Admittedly, it gives the greatest possible offense to common sense or natural reason that God by his own sheer will should abandon, harden, and damn men as if he enjoyed the sins and the vast eternal torments of his wretched creatures, when he is preached as a God of such great mercy and goodness, etc. It has been regarded as unjust, as cruel, as intolerable, to entertain such an idea about God, and this is what has offended so many great men during so many centuries. And who would not be offended? I myself was offended more than once, and brought to the very depth and abyss of despair, so that I wished I had never been created a man, before I realized how salutary that despair was, and how near to grace. That is why there has been such sweating and toiling to excuse the goodness of God and accuse the will of man; (page 190, ibid) But if God is robbed of the power and wisdom to elect, what will he be but the false idol, chance, at whose nod everything happens at random? And in the end it will come to this, that men are saved and damned without God’s knowledge, since he has not determined by his certain election who are to be saved and who damned,... (page 171, ibid) I will here bring this little book to an end, though I am prepared if need be to carry the debate farther. However, I think quite enough has been done here to satisfy the godly and anyone who is willing to admit the truth without being obstinate. For if we believe it to be true that God foreknows and predestines all things, that he can neither be mistaken in his foreknowledge nor hindered in his predestination, and that nothing takes place but as he wills it (as reason itself is forced to admit), then on the testimony of reason itself there can't be any free choice in man or angel or any creature. (page 293, ibid)
Exactly the same reasons as why I am now Orthodox/Conservative Anglican, moving away from nebulous theological Evangelicalism- God does it all, not human effort in any way, in baptism/salvation/Eucharist- It's quite comforting, really!
Love your videos! In part, since watching them over the past 3 years, we (once baptist) now find ourselves as non-calvinistic/ Lutheran (ish) Anglicans. There are no confessional Lutheran churches within an hour of our home. Thank you!
@@charleshappold4637 That's not true. Plenty of "Lutheran" churches don't believe in the book of Concord or the Bible, and support female clergy, homosexuality, transgenderism and other heresy. Go to a confessional Lutheran church.
"The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church" by Rev. G.H. Gerberding is an amazing work. The language aged well, and it was clearly written for lay people, and even though it was written primarily against revivalism, it solidified and ironed out all the issues I still had as I came out of the confessionally Reformed camp.
As a former non Christian (Atheist/Pagan) I'm between Lutheranism and Orthodoxy. There's stuff I like from both. But for me it's the intercessory prayers and (how do I say...) the soft worship/hard veneration of saints and Mary.
I was baptized in a Lutheran church as a baby. I wanted to learn what that means, to see if I’d like to find a Lutheran church. This is very helpful. Thank you! Now I understand why I’ve inherited my own inner beliefs. I was never a religious person, but I’ve never turned away from God. Regardless of the opinions of others and their religion. I am a sinner, but Jesus died for those sins. I will always be a child of God.
This is an excellent video. I echo each of these points as reasons for becoming a Lutheran. An important layer that I would add to the first point about the centrality of the gospel is that although other denominations also emphasize a gospel message, the Lutheran doctrine of the division between Law and Gospel allows the biblical gospel to be presented in a way that is clear. As Walther and many other Lutheran theologians highlight, to confuse these categories is to cast the believer into insecurity. Thanks for the sharp content.
I’m sure we’ve all been in bible studies when asked “what does this text mean TO you?” when rather the question should be “what does the text mean FOR YOU?”
I appreciate the academic thrust of your videos. It helps to have knowledgeable fellows in our episcopacy and the UA-cam Lutheran presence like yourself. Keep up the good work, and may God be with you.
Being the only monergistic denomination that isn't calvinist is a huge draw I think. Such a comfort. Tying in with the objectivity point. I like the corporate confession (both senses of the word) and absolution too.
Curious if any traditional Lutherans like Dr. Cooper can explain the splintering of Lutheranism into quite different synods. I'm Catholic and appreciate Dr. Cooper's approach, though I don't see how it can square with ECLA gay and women clergy, etc.
1. The gospel ( = God saves us and not ''we save us'' with our ''faith'' as a work and ''good works'') 2. The sacraments as real and effectual means of grace, as Jesus' blood, flesh, divinity for the objective forgiveness of our sins 3. The connection with the historic church 4. The doctrine of vocation 5. Allow scripture to speak by itself.
God died for us te have the possibillity to go to Heaven..so we have to choose the Good, we chose not Jesus otherwise why i will be judged if im not free..this is a bullshit..Jesus said în the Appcalipse "I staied at the door and i knock " so we chose to open or not and after Jesus give us the gift like faith etc
I am now Lutheran, its close to the early church in our liturgy. We have Holy Communion and Word preached and reading from old and new books and psalms and confessional readings and to top it all we confess our sins every service. Its a full time of worship with songs also. The Orthodox and Catholics and other Aspotolic Churches follow similar patterns. Blessing to everyone ❤❤😂
I would love to see you do an in-depth video on how Lutherans interpret James Chapter 2. It always seems to me like Lutherans try to weasel there way out of letting that Chapter speak for itself.
Don't understand how monasticism should be the ideal Christian life. Jesus, for instance, spent only 40 days in the wilderness; as opposed to the entirety of his days. I, for one, would consider such a move as something of a permanent vacation---that is, in many respects, an easy escape from responsibility to others (in some inarticulable way).
Pastor Cooper can you do a video about the doctrine of assurance, showing the difference between Lutherans, early calvisnist and puritans? I have much doubt about it
Dr. Cooper, I was hoping you could clarify something for me through a comment or video. Do Lutherans believe that God grants the gift of faith to all people and some choose to resist it or is it given to a particular group of people? If it were the latter, wouldn't that negate the objectivity of the gospel since it is available to everyone but not truly offered to everyone? Thanks for taking the time to read and reply!
Well, I'm not sure how Dr. Cooper will put it, but I'm a confessional Lutheran too. And if i were to answer your question, I would say that faith comes by the Holy Spirit from hearing the Word of God (Gospel). So, faith is a gift (it's not your own doing but the Grace of God), but you can choose to reject it. You can still choose to rebel. You can still choose to sin (and you will), and that's not because you don't have enough faith but because of your sinful nature, the part of you that wants to rebel and reject God at Satan and the world's encouragement. I'm sure Dr. Cooper could explain it better, but that's what I have been taught and that's what I believe. Hope it helps
Hello fellow Lutherans, Five basic reasons why I would consider myself "Lutheran" 1. Belief in the freedom of God's will. (The freedom of God's will is directly proportional to His sovereignty. The freedom of our human will is also directly proportional to our sovereignty;) 2. Belief in our total release from the entire Law of Moses, as accomplished in Christ's death. (Release from the Law Moses does not mean licence to sin; it means legal union with Christ.) 3. Belief in the proper distinction of law and gospel as that which diagnoses our condition (law) and that, which prescribes the right medicine for our condition (gospel). 4. Belief in the clarity and sufficiency of scripture. (We don't need superstitious "academics" to interpret the scriptures for us; the scripures are capable of interpreting themselves for us.) 5. Belief in the distinct God-given roles of state and church. (No Roman Catholic or Calvinistic merger between the two - the church shall never have the right to punish wrongdoers as does the state, Rom. 13.) - very basic reasons ! Consider also belief in the Word of God as the means of our sanctification (the means of grace). This includes the written Word, the faithfully proclaimed Word and the visible Words of the sacraments. - This would all fall under point 3, above.
Thanks for this Dr. Cooper. I know you've already done a video on differences between Anglicanism and Lutheranism but if you're up for returning to the Negative genre, would you be willing to do a "5 reasons Why I am not Anglican" video? Thanks
@Marty Lol you're full of shit. You're a sectarian heretic who idolatrously worships your Church over the person of Christ, thereby adding to the Gospel and incurring the Anathema of Paul as revealed in Galatians 1. Besides this I'm lost as to why you're even bothering to waste time hanging out on the comments section of an intra-Protestant video if you're convinced we're all heretics and damned, you obviously have too much time on your hands
I heard you say on another video that if you had to choose between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, you would pick Orthodoxy. It would be interesting to see a video of your reason(s)
Much of what you say is also true in the Reformed and Presbyterian churches. The Puritan and Baptist stream of thought may not be the best representative of the Reformed tradition.
Don't know if I'd call it converting. You wouldn't get re-baptized. You'd just start hearing preaching that focuses on _Christ's gifts to you_ instead of _how you need to bear enough fruit to convince yourself that you're a real Christian._ And you'd get real assurance in the Absolution and the Lord's Supper.
I appreciate all you do for the Lord and His church. I was raised a Lutheran and agree with most all the book of Concordia. I now teach "Ancient Antiochene Theology" at "The Shepherds Way - Eric King". If you have a chance I would love that you visit. Comments of agreement or disagreement can be made. thanks again brother
It's funny cuz I literally just agreed with everything you said. I guess that makes me Lutheran. I don't really care about denominations though and I don't get the Impression from scripture that denominations matter that much.
5 reasons I am a Christian. 1. I believe the Bible is God's Word 2. I Believe that Jesus is the Son of God 3. I Believe this world is cursed and I am a Sinner. 4. I believe the Finished work on the CROSS is the only way to the Father and out of HELL FIRE 5. Because I have a hole in me that only my CREATOR the Holy Trinity will fill.
Given your Reformed AND New England background, did you ever consider Congregationalism?? I know the UCC is obnoxiously liberal at this point, but aren’t there smaller Congregationalist groups, too? Either way, glad you’re a Lutheran!!
What's your take on the threefold office? I've read things from Catholics that seem to prove that the bible supports the Bishop-Priest-Deacon structure.
Dr. Cooper, did Jesus establish the Lutheran church in the 16th century? Do you believe that your church is the actual Church established by Jesus? What if each Protestant denomination claims to be the the actual Church established by Jesus? Jesus established just one Church, isn't it? Among all the denominations including the Catholic Church, which one has more claim to be the one, true, Church? Is it the Lutheran church?
You know, concerning Holy Baptism, the Reformed and the Arminian views break with the concept so dear to Lutheranism (and suppposedly by the Reformed, but not really in practice) of the analogy of faith, i.e. that Scripture must be allowed to interpret Scripture. Lutherans practise the analogy by interpreting Holy Scripture in light of itself, by other Scripture. What the Reformed and others do is to DENY some Scripture by interpreting it by other Scripture. Their analogy of faith turns Scripture on its head.
Just out of curiosity, which Lutheran sect do you belong to? I'm not Lutheran (though I am Protestant), but my hometown is predominantly Missouri Synod with a sizable Wisconsin Synod minority along with some Catholics. My uncle is also a LCMS minister in another state. (He actually baptized me as a baby, so I'm probably listed on official records as a member of the LCMS, but I was raised and later baptized in another denomination and currently don't identify with any one specific.)
I thankful had my eyes opened to the false word of faith people I had followed and my old church by such UA-cam creators as Chris Riseborough, Steve Kizar, Daniel Long (who are all Lutherans and left those false churches) along with some in other denominations. Chris is a Lutheran pastor in ND. All three of these men have made me interested in the Lutheran church. A couple weeks ago I visited a Lutheran church near me. A woman at the company I just left there has been there her entire life. They gave me a copy of Luther's Shorter Catechism. I am reading it now. I'm a church mutt....baptized as a baby in the Methodist church almost 70 years ago, UCC, Church of Christ (including one of their colleges), Assembly of God, nondenominational charismatic, Southern Baptist, PCA, Southern Baptist, UMC, PCA UMC, then a start up church that started under the UMC and once established became nondenominational charismatic word of faith. Thought to going back to my old PCA, but I don't live anywhere near it anymore. I'm going to sign up for the new membership class at Peace Lutheran that starts in a week and learn more.
I’m so far from compelled by the articulation of any of these points. Does anyone know a representative that is a little More convincing in becoming Lutheran?
I’m beginning to wonder whether my Presbyterian church is Lutheran. 😂 I feel like I’ve heard all this from the pulpit, including Luther’s quote on vocation.
Luther's vocation teachings are what should be discipling is. Discipling isn't just teaching bible or theology, it's teaching a whole way of life. Teaching to represent God in everything you do as his imager in Christ. The commandment it not bear Gods name in vain is what this is establishing. The word used for bear is the same word used for picking things up. It's a commandment to not shame God since you(Israel at the time it was given of course) are God's representative to the nations of those who don't know him.
The Formula of Concord departed from Luther's teaching on the bondage of the will with respect to damnation. The documents contained in the Book of Concord which were in existence during Luther's lifetime didn't challenge Luther's doctrine of double predestination as taught in The Bondage of the Will. It was only the later Formula of Concord which departed from true Lutheranism and taught only single predestination to heaven. Lutherans are really Chemnitzians not Lutherans. See my main comment under this video.
@@Edward-ng8oo Even if that were true (which I'm not granting) it wouldn't matter. The Lutheran Church doesn't and has never subscribed the full corpus of Luther's writings, but to our public Confessions contained in the Book of Concord.
@@marcuswilliams7448 Yes I know that confessional Lutherans don’t subscribe to Luther’s writings as a whole, but what I'm saying is that because the Formula of Concord teaches a different theological position to Luther’s on predestination, Lutherans shouldn’t be named after him, but rather after Chemnitz who was the main author of single predestination.
why do i never see an adult baptized during a regular service? and why are there no other "minorities" (blacks, hispanic, eastern Asian, etc.) pastors?
So, you’re either speaking of universalism, or that our salvation is ultimately dependent upon our choices. How does this differ essentially from Orthodoxy or Catholicism?
*Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11* God wants all wicked to repent and live. *Luke 7:30* God's βουλή (plan/purpose/resolve/counsel) for the Pharisees was to accept them. But they rejected this βουλή of God for themselves, by refusing John's baptism. *1 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:2* He is especially the Savior of believers. He remains the Savior of all people. This makes the labor of evangelism and the reproach of scoffers bearable. He is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the church AND the world. *John 1:29; 3:16* The lamb of God takes away the sins of the world. God loved the world. *Luke 8:13* Jesus asserts that some really do *joyfully believe* the gospel for a while, and actually *fall away* through trials and temptations. *Luke 11:13* Jesus is emphatic that the Father gives the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks. *Romans 11:32* Who does God have mercy for? Everyone whom he consigned to disobedience! *1 Corinthians 8:11* It is possible to destroy the saving faith of a brother for whom Christ died. *Eph **4:30* The Ephesians were sealed for the day of redemption, yet Paul warned them that the possibility of grieving the Holy Spirit was a reality. *2 Peter 2:1* Christ bought even the heretics who deny Him and destroy themselves. *1 Tim 2:1-6* Christ died for all people and wants all people to be saved. Therefore, Paul commands us to *interceed* even for godless kings and rulers. *Hebrews 3:1-12* Even "holy brothers and sisters" can "turn away from the living God" with an "evil, unbelieving heart." *Hebrews 2:1, 12:25* The author and the audience could reject God's warning and not escape. *Ephesians 3:3-6; Isaiah 45:19* As God has revealed his secret will in scripture, it is always to extend greater mercy. *1 John 2:2* Christ is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, not only for the church.
If the bible says believe and be baptised, that is a choice isnt it? So how can belief be a gift? If its a gift then why is everyone not given it? If Baptism saves then why aren't you giving it to everyone?
I have a message that I’m sharing where I can, some may not want to hear this, but I ask that we stay polite and seek truth together. 😊 Love is an action. Feed the hungry, house the homeless, father the orphan, and protect the defenseless and vulnerable. Read the Word for yourself, not only relying on others for guidance. Pray for guidance.Yahushua/Yeshua - His Hebrew name who is usually called (Jesus) taught to keep the whole Word. Including the Law/Torah. Matthew 5:17 “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not [g]the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished! 19 Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches [h]others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever [i]keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Read 1 John. John tells us that sin is lawlessness, and that we must keep the commandments. Trust in the atonement of Yahushua/Yeshua who is usually called Jesus, and keep God (YHWH)'s whole Word/commandments. Revelation 12:17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 14:12 Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Go to parableofthevineyard youtube channel for information about the bible and good bible studies. I'm in no way paid or sent by him for advertising. I just have learned a lot from his content. He's just a man who is trying to learn as well. :) Yeshua died so we may be resurrected to eternal life..... :)
@@gabrielemanuelandingemaaga6576 The pietism i am used to know (german) is very open towards other confessions and nondenominationalism of which it is a part.
@@gabrielemanuelandingemaaga6576 I am new to the Lutheran church so forgive my ignorance. You are saying that it is the pietists that are against small groups? Or confessional Lutherans? What is the difference? And why is it wrong to elevate personal feelings if that is the point of the group? I am thinking of a support/fellowship focused group rather than a more Bible study oriented group. But even in the Bible study version, why would it be wrong for a group of Lutherans to meet together to read through the Catechism? Sorry for long reply.
1. Centrality of Gospel. 2. Objectivity(?) of Gospel. 3. Historical Continuity "Early(?)" Church. Catholic Church? 4. Doctrine of Vocation 5. Al!ow Scripture to speak for itself. Lutherans do not grab on to a particular text. Mysteries are non rational. 😇💒
I am starting my catechesis on becoming Lutheran this Sunday after being a churchless backslider (moved a while back and COVID just crippled my old church). You are one of the big reasons why I decided to look into Lutheranism over Presbyterianism. Others were influential as well as a lot of thought and prayer. Thank you Pastor Cooper.
How did that go? My wife and I are in the process of joining (in my case coming back to) a Lutheran Church. Love the pastor and the congregation. Has it been a good thing for you?
Would love to see five reasons I am a Christian
@JEROME BURNETT I dont understand how the churches of christ denomination is any more likely to be the church of the new testament than any other denomination
@JEROME BURNETT The word catholic literally means "universal," as in "the universal church.". It originally was applied to all Christians because we are all part of the universal church in the way that we are all members of the Body of Christ.
@JEROME BURNETT he sounds Capitol C Catholic because anyone more sacramental than federal vision looks like a Catholic to a Pentacostal/Baptist/Fundamentalist
@JEROME BURNETT You must not be listening. He rejects papal authority, Mariology, praying to anyone but God, Purgatory, the idea that the sacraments are something people do for credit with God, indulgences in any form and many other doctrines of the RCC. So do all confessional Lutherans.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Cor 15:3-6
As was explained by one of pastors: The Divine Service is the Divine serving us. He in it offers the means of Grace throigh the Word and Sacraments. We respond to Him in thanks for this.
You've pretty much summed it up for me with the first point. The gospel isn't just the "ticket in the door" to be forgotten for the sake of "law, law, law," like it is in a great deal of evangelicalism (yes, even in some Calvinism). There's a great deal of truth in the accusation that modern evangelicalism is so works-centered from its overemphasis on law that it really does give the idea at times that one is saved by works in part or whole. Confessional Lutheranism maintains the biblical balance. The gospel continues to be preached and taught for both the saved and the lost.
I love the fact that an unbeliever can walk into a Lutheran church and hear the gospel preached in such a way as to facilitate conversion, while a believer can walk into the same service and be strengthened and taught to grow in faith.
That was the most awesome summing up of the Lutheran confession I’ve ever heard. I’m 31 and on my church council (LCMS). It’s kind of funny talking to non believers but when I say I’m a Lutheran their tone kind of changes and they usually say Luther was a great man or I wish more Christian’s were like him or something to that effect. So there is a lot to be said about that. That it’s a balanced approach to the Law and Gospel.
Oh sure no works salvation at all! I mean just get baptized and you're in! Lol. But I mean no offense. I love you all but I fear for you. I mean instead to ask how you reconcile such things?
Oh also, I'm not sure how familiar you are w so called Calvinism. But Reformed principles, or Calvinists are among the most evangelistic. It's a false narrative I think because of some among our ranks (possibly none at all) who will not share the gospel unless they see signs of the Spirit working in the subject. But for the true Reformed man who knows his roots and the scriptures, that man is aware that there is no "E" on anyone's forehead. So the gospel is shared widely and generously to all who will hear. Some of the most proliferate preachers are Calvinists.
I think it is necessary as Christians that we not misrepresent our brothers. Often it becomes easy to say this or that about others when we disagree without sufficient cause. But that is a lie nonetheless. We must not lie in anyway.
do you believe that an unbeliever can "walk into" a Lutheran church, hear the gospel preached, and be saved, via the hearing of such preaching?
Coming from a non Christian background I have explored most main denominations but I find Lutheranism to be the most agreeable. I find it difficult to believe the the dead can intercede for the living, also in other denominations your do not know whether you are saved and whether you have done enough ‘good works’. Similarly the idea of ‘vocation’ spiritualises all aspects of mundane life, something under appreciated and insufficiently recognised by denominations supposedly more ‘spiritual’. I also love the fact that no individual is held in higher regard than another and we are all equal in the struggle. As well as this it retains some tradition liturgy etc giving the best of both worlds really.
What did you mean by the dead interceding on our behalf? Is that a doctrine in other churches?
@@richardfrerks8712 Hey Richard, what they mean is that in the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, there is the belief that the dead saints can pray for us on earth, by us praying to them asking for intercession. That's a short summary. God bless.
@@MadForGames to be absent from the ( mortal) body is to be present with the ( living) Lord. Do you believe in the communion of the saints? Peter saw Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus at the transfiguration.. Were they dead or alive?
@G S show me where those in heaven were praying for those on earth by those on earth praying they'd do so.
Maccabees -- Intercession of the dead who have life in Christ.
Book of Revelations - Intercession of the saints.
I appreciate something "may be hard to believe" but know than an atheist may say the same thing about God. The question is, there is evidence in Scripture or Tradition to support our beliefs. I believe as many RCs believe, reason is perfected by faith. Luther is on record for calling reason a "whore". God Bless.
Thanks Dr Cooper! I’m transferring from an ELCA church to the LCMS. I feel like I’m returning to the Lutheranism of my youth, the Slovak Zion Synod that was eventually swallowed up by the ELCA
When my Lutheran church started talking more about Spring's "Earth Day" (April 22) than about Easter, I knew it was time to leave.
I always found it sad that so many Lutheran identities got lost with the formation of the ELCA along with good doctrine many Lutheran groups also gave up ethnic traditions that made them unique
Thank you Pastor. As a Calvinist studying Lutheranism I appreciated how all the beliefs of the Lutheran Church is written down in one book, The Book of Concord, to be studied, confessed and contended upon. These truths have withstood the test of time and heterodoxy. God's peace be with you.
I'm Nazarene, but I was converted, baptized, and confirmed Lutheran. Due to a whole bunch of circumstances, I backslide, when I rededicated, it was in a Nazarene church. Now I'm in bible school, studying to be a Nazarene pastor, but the more I think through the scriptures, I find that again and again, I'm coming up Lutheran. Quite a big part of that is the Historical Continuity. I'm not sure quite yet, but I may return to the tradition of my youth.
If I may ask, how have things turned out for you? I'm a long-ago Catholic who went through many Protestant denominations, and am now finding an interest in Lutheranism, at least in some respects.
@@doriesse824you’re so welcome in the family of Lutheranism💙
"The true Calvinist will be characterized by God-centeredness, humility, penitence, gratitude, and holy living among other things. This is a good litmus test for those of us who follow the Calvinistic tradition." - from What Makes A Calvinist by Phillip Graham Ryken
The Calvinist view as presented above gave me such fear and doubt as a believer. I could not find the comfort of the Gospel due to my fear of a Holy, Good God. A God who would send me to hell if He deemed me for destruction and that I would agree that is was good to be in hell because God determined it would be.
I'm not Calvinist, but shouldn't ALL Christians be living the way Mr. Ryken stated?
From an evangelical background, I was attracted to Lutheranism because of the distinction of Law and Gospel. It gave me a framework to understand the scriptures. Also, I understood what I'd felt for years; that so many evangelical sermons are just Law, "Try harder, Do better." I was tired of feeling beat up on every Sunday.
Exactly! I was baptized Lutheran 64 years ago but left an ELCA church due to the issue of who is being ordained and explaining away biblical truth. I now attend a conservative Mennonite church that has not bent to the 'social gospel' of the day, but they have totally trashed the blessed Sacraments, calling them mere symbols 😖😩. It breaks my heart. They are heavy on Bible reading and fellowship but have a host of rules that are almost cult-like. There is no LCMS church near me, so I am stuck.
@@ruthgoebel723 I think there are some other conservative Lutheran branches, but they are smaller than LCMS.
@ruthgoebel723 I just moved from a buffet of churches in the Upper Midwest (even the most obscure, unheard-of denominations!) to the South. It's almost nothing but Baptist and Pentecostal here. I can't even find a Catholic church (not Catholic, but since it's quite popular in the US, it's my example of a different church) unless I drive at least 45 minutes!! It's a church desert here :-/
@@katie7748 Yet a church on every corner. Lol. I'd be surprised if there wasn't an LCMS Lutheran Church somewhere in the vicinity.
Same here was born evangelical pentecostal (Assmbly of God) became Lutheran at 25 years old (I´m 47)same reason as you.
I am going to my first Lutheran service next Sunday. I have been looking at which church was closest to biblical understanding. Have friends trying to push me in to Catholicism which I can’t get past the obvious non biblical things they do. So I pray I’m finding my home in the Lutheran church! 🙏🏼
Just curious, what non biblical things did you notice in Catholicism?
@@rustycrook1363 prayers to the saints, perpetual virgin of Mary, status of a Pope and being vicor of Christ, purgatory, priests remaining celibate
I'm in the same boat. I've tried RCIA twice and I just can't get past the heavy Mariology they have going on. The parish I had been going to for the past two months probably prays to and praises Mary more, than God himself. It's a no go for me. Back to looking into Lutheranism now.
Amen! I'm also very glad to be lutheran. Thanks for the video. God bless.
Do you honestly believe that Jesus founded the Lutheran church?
Fellow Lutheran here, my five reasons are just like these, you practically took the thoughts from my head!
We are looking into becoming Lutheran Christians, we start our catechism on Monday night. We are not Roman Catholic, neither eastern orthodox. We tried those and wasn't a good fit with what we believe. But Lutheran church seems to fit us really well 😀 God has answered our prayers and we finally found a very very small Lutheran church. It is a bit of a commute but worth it considering we are no longer being spiritually fed by our current church (it's non denominational evangelical, very very low church). It ticks the boxes but is really not meeting our needs as Christians who want to grow in the faith. Singing cringe jesus is my friend praise music doesn't feel like it is enough in worship. Not enough praising God , and praying, repentance and confession of sin ect... I can go on for days. The sermons are okay but are pitched more like a bible study than preaching the Gospel. Bible study has its place in small groups but does not equal a sermon. Going line by line in Nehemiah stating obvious commentary is mind numbing. I want to see the beauty of the Gospels (and the OT too!!! In relation to applying it to our lives in a sermon)
Honestly, I’m starting to find Lutheranism highly attractive. I have found Orthodox and Baptist to also be attractive, but right now I am leaning towards Lutheranism. I come from a background in the highly heretical Hebrew Roots/Torahism/Messianic Movement, and works of the Old Testament Law were highly focused on for salvation/sanctification, which goes against the teachings of the Apostle Paul! I thank God I came out of that heresy and am now trying to find where I belong in Christendom.
Be Orthodox, if not Catholic
Protestantism is not new: "Heresy: That “special” moment when you have greater spiritual insight than the apostles, disciples, apostolic and holy fathers and the entire past and present Church members even though you have a bible, spiritual books and canons that they wrote, compiled and handed down to you.This is deception that despite all this, one believes in one’s thougths and opinions.
I'd been wondering for a couple years where that "movement" came from. I stumbled across the answer a while ago. I was right to be skeptical/wary/almost afraid of it. It's wrong and downright dangerous. Dig into its roots if you haven't...😳
Two kingdoms and vocation is what did it for me. It’s such a great framework for Christian living. I also love Lutheranism philosophically, that it’s willing to accept the reality that our rationality is not a starting point to learn divine truths, and accepting what is revealed through the Word of God. It is also truly through the lense of the Gospel, which I didn’t understand before.
Five reasons why I am happily Lutheran! Thank you.
I was baptized as a Lutheran as a baby and confirmed as a teenager, but for me it was reading St. Augustine of Hippo's "Confessions" that gave me confidence in my convictions.
If you're damned, it is because you thrust the Word aside, judging yourself unworthy of everlasting life, Acts 13:46.
If you're eternally saved it is because you've been appointed for eternal life and so were called to faith through the Word, Acts 13:48
One can equally find verses which seem to say one believes through free will and is thereby saved as one can find verses which seem to suggest that man is free to reject the Word and so be damned e.g.
Acts 2:40
Save yourselves from this crooked generation.
Mark 1:15
repent and believe in the gospel.
John 11:25
Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
1 John 3:23
And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
So just because you can find verses which seem to suggest that we're damned through our own free will choice to reject the Gospel it doesn't mean anything because one can equally find verses which seem to suggest that we have the ability to believe the Gospel and to save ourselves.
In the Bondage of the Will Luther taught on the basis of Scripture that God predestines people to both heaven and hell and he denied that we have the ability to reject the Gospel and bring damnation on ourselves. He taught this in the same way we don't have the ability to believe the Gospel and to save ourselves. This idea that we alone are responsible for our own damnation and that God didn't predestine anyone to hell was introduced mainly by Martin Chemnitz.
See my separate comment on this video.
@@Edward-ng8oo I'd say, in short, all preaching that seems to indicate man has a free choice to make actually produces what it demands. The preaching of repentance and belief produces repentance and belief. Neither grants freedom of the will. Taken together with Eph. 2:1 and 1 Cor. 2:14, I don't think you can come to any other conclusion.
@@marcuswilliams7448 Of course your position is basically what the Formula teaches namely that the Holy Spirit attempts to regenerate everyone through the Word and that it’s man's fault if he remains an unbeliever. However that wasn’t Luther’s position in The Bondage of the Will (TBOTW) and it isn’t mine. Luther said in TBOTW that only those who are inwardly drawn by the Holy Spirit are regenerated and that it happens irresistibly, and I agree with that. Neither of the verses you mention teach the universal operation of the Holy Spirit in the means of grace - that’s just an assumption which is imported into them by those who reject predestination to hell. However as Luther proved in TBOTW from Romans 9 and other passages God does predestine people to hell, as he does to heaven.
@@Edward-ng8oo Provide a citation of some kind. A page number would be best so I can read the fuller context.
In any case and again, just because Luther held a certain position at a certain point in time it doesn't mean that the Lutheran Church must needs or is expected to hold said view.
@@marcuswilliams7448 Here's a few quotes from The Bondage of the Will showing that Luther believed in double predestination and rejected human free will with respect to both salvation and damnation:
Now take the saying of Christ in John 6 [:44]: "No one comes to me unless my Father draws him." What does this leave to free choice? For he says that everyone needs to hear and learn from the Father himself, and that all must be taught by God. He plainly teaches here, not only that the works and efforts of free choice are fruitless, but that even the message of the gospel itself (which is what this passage is about) is heard in vain unless the Father himself speaks, teaches, and draws inwardly…. But the ungodly does not come even when he hears the Word unless the Father draws and teaches him inwardly, which He does by pouring out the Spirit. There is then another "drawing" than the one that takes place outwardly; for then Christ is set forth by the light of the Spirit, so that a man rapt away to Christ with the sweetest rapture, and rather yields passively to God's speaking, teaching, and drawing than seeks and runs himself. (p.285,286, Vol 33 Luther's Works)
Admittedly, it gives the greatest possible offense to common sense or natural reason that God by his own sheer will should abandon, harden, and damn men as if he enjoyed the sins and the vast eternal torments of his wretched creatures, when he is preached as a God of such great mercy and goodness, etc. It has been regarded as unjust, as cruel, as intolerable, to entertain such an idea about God, and this is what has offended so many great men during so many centuries. And who would not be offended? I myself was offended more than once, and brought to the very depth and abyss of despair, so that I wished I had never been created a man, before I realized how salutary that despair was, and how near to grace. That
is why there has been such sweating and toiling to excuse the goodness of God and accuse the will of man; (page 190, ibid)
But if God is robbed of the power and wisdom to elect, what will he be but the false idol, chance, at whose nod everything happens at random? And in the end it will come to this, that men are saved and damned without God’s knowledge, since he has not determined by his certain election who are to be saved and who damned,... (page 171, ibid)
I will here bring this little book to an end, though I am prepared if need be to carry the debate farther. However, I think quite enough has been done here to satisfy the godly and anyone who is willing to admit the truth without being obstinate. For if we believe it to be true that God foreknows and predestines all things, that he can neither be mistaken in his foreknowledge nor hindered in his predestination, and that nothing takes place but as he wills it (as reason itself is forced to admit), then on the testimony of reason itself there can't be any free choice in man or angel or any creature. (page 293, ibid)
Exactly the same reasons as why I am now Orthodox/Conservative Anglican, moving away from nebulous theological Evangelicalism- God does it all, not human effort in any way, in baptism/salvation/Eucharist- It's quite comforting, really!
Love your videos! In part, since watching them over the past 3 years, we (once baptist) now find ourselves as non-calvinistic/ Lutheran (ish) Anglicans. There are no confessional Lutheran churches within an hour of our home. Thank you!
Any nearby Lutheran parish will do. All Lutherans agree on doctrine/ Augsburg Confession
@@charleshappold4637 That's not true. Plenty of "Lutheran" churches don't believe in the book of Concord or the Bible, and support female clergy, homosexuality, transgenderism and other heresy. Go to a confessional Lutheran church.
@@charleshappold4637 he’s much better off in the ACNA than ELCA
"The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church" by Rev. G.H. Gerberding is an amazing work. The language aged well, and it was clearly written for lay people, and even though it was written primarily against revivalism, it solidified and ironed out all the issues I still had as I came out of the confessionally Reformed camp.
As a former non Christian (Atheist/Pagan) I'm between Lutheranism and Orthodoxy. There's stuff I like from both. But for me it's the intercessory prayers and (how do I say...) the soft worship/hard veneration of saints and Mary.
I was baptized in a Lutheran church as a baby. I wanted to learn what that means, to see if I’d like to find a Lutheran church. This is very helpful.
Thank you!
Now I understand why I’ve inherited my own inner beliefs. I was never a religious person, but I’ve never turned away from God. Regardless of the opinions of others and their religion.
I am a sinner, but Jesus died for those sins. I will always be a child of God.
I appreciate this channel. Im not lutheran, but have seen several videos of yours. You articulate very well, and thoughts make sense.
This is an excellent video. I echo each of these points as reasons for becoming a Lutheran. An important layer that I would add to the first point about the centrality of the gospel is that although other denominations also emphasize a gospel message, the Lutheran doctrine of the division between Law and Gospel allows the biblical gospel to be presented in a way that is clear. As Walther and many other Lutheran theologians highlight, to confuse these categories is to cast the believer into insecurity. Thanks for the sharp content.
Respect my friend. I lean towards Eastern Orthodoxy but appreciate Lutheran doctrine.
These are many of the same reasons I joined the LCMS after much time in Evangelicalism and Reformed churches.
LCMS? I’m thinking lutheran,confessional? What else? I’ve never heard of that before.
@@kylesalmon31Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 😊
I’m sure we’ve all been in bible studies when asked “what does this text mean TO you?” when rather the question should be “what does the text mean FOR YOU?”
Thank you for Law&Gospel!
This was very enlightening and easy to ingest. Thank you for your insight!
I appreciate the academic thrust of your videos. It helps to have knowledgeable fellows in our episcopacy and the UA-cam Lutheran presence like yourself. Keep up the good work, and may God be with you.
Being the only monergistic denomination that isn't calvinist is a huge draw I think. Such a comfort. Tying in with the objectivity point. I like the corporate confession (both senses of the word) and absolution too.
Thank you for the beautiful clarity
Curious if any traditional Lutherans like Dr. Cooper can explain the splintering of Lutheranism into quite different synods. I'm Catholic and appreciate Dr. Cooper's approach, though I don't see how it can square with ECLA gay and women clergy, etc.
Many Lutherans don't refer to ELCA as Lutheran...I am one of them. They need to drop the L. And the C. And the E.
1. The gospel ( = God saves us and not ''we save us'' with our ''faith'' as a work and ''good works'') 2. The sacraments as real and effectual means of grace, as Jesus' blood, flesh, divinity for the objective forgiveness of our sins 3. The connection with the historic church 4. The doctrine of vocation 5. Allow scripture to speak by itself.
God died for us te have the possibillity to go to Heaven..so we have to choose the Good, we chose not Jesus otherwise why i will be judged if im not free..this is a bullshit..Jesus said în the Appcalipse "I staied at the door and i knock " so we chose to open or not and after Jesus give us the gift like faith etc
I am now Lutheran, its close to the early church in our liturgy. We have Holy Communion and Word preached and reading from old and new books and psalms and confessional readings and to top it all we confess our sins every service. Its a full time of worship with songs also. The Orthodox and Catholics and other Aspotolic Churches follow similar patterns. Blessing to everyone ❤❤😂
I would love to see you do an in-depth video on how Lutherans interpret James Chapter 2. It always seems to me like Lutherans try to weasel there way out of letting that Chapter speak for itself.
Don't understand how monasticism should be the ideal Christian life. Jesus, for instance, spent only 40 days in the wilderness; as opposed to the entirety of his days. I, for one, would consider such a move as something of a permanent vacation---that is, in many respects, an easy escape from responsibility to others (in some inarticulable way).
I grew up in a suburb of New York City that seemed to be 90% Catholic and 10% Jewish. I’m glad I was born Lutheran and I’m happy to still be Lutheran.
Pastor Cooper can you do a video about the doctrine of assurance, showing the difference between Lutherans, early calvisnist and puritans? I have much doubt about it
oh great! I love the 5 reasons series! 😊📖
Dr. Cooper, I was hoping you could clarify something for me through a comment or video. Do Lutherans believe that God grants the gift of faith to all people and some choose to resist it or is it given to a particular group of people? If it were the latter, wouldn't that negate the objectivity of the gospel since it is available to everyone but not truly offered to everyone? Thanks for taking the time to read and reply!
Well, I'm not sure how Dr. Cooper will put it, but I'm a confessional Lutheran too. And if i were to answer your question, I would say that faith comes by the Holy Spirit from hearing the Word of God (Gospel). So, faith is a gift (it's not your own doing but the Grace of God), but you can choose to reject it. You can still choose to rebel. You can still choose to sin (and you will), and that's not because you don't have enough faith but because of your sinful nature, the part of you that wants to rebel and reject God at Satan and the world's encouragement.
I'm sure Dr. Cooper could explain it better, but that's what I have been taught and that's what I believe. Hope it helps
@@thescribeknight9952 thank you so much for such a succinct presentation of how faith in Christ comes about. God bless you, brother.
Hello fellow Lutherans,
Five basic reasons why I would consider myself "Lutheran"
1. Belief in the freedom of God's will. (The freedom of God's will is directly proportional to His sovereignty. The freedom of our human will is also directly proportional to our sovereignty;)
2. Belief in our total release from the entire Law of Moses, as accomplished in Christ's death. (Release from the Law Moses does not mean licence to sin; it means legal union with Christ.)
3. Belief in the proper distinction of law and gospel as that which diagnoses our condition (law) and that, which prescribes the right medicine for our condition (gospel).
4. Belief in the clarity and sufficiency of scripture. (We don't need superstitious "academics" to interpret the scriptures for us; the scripures are capable of interpreting themselves for us.)
5. Belief in the distinct God-given roles of state and church. (No Roman Catholic or Calvinistic merger between the two - the church shall never have the right to punish wrongdoers as does the state, Rom. 13.)
- very basic reasons ! Consider also belief in the Word of God as the means of our sanctification (the means of grace). This includes the written Word, the faithfully proclaimed Word and the visible Words of the sacraments. - This would all fall under point 3, above.
I love lutheran authentic chridtianity
Thanks for this Dr. Cooper. I know you've already done a video on differences between Anglicanism and Lutheranism but if you're up for returning to the Negative genre, would you be willing to do a "5 reasons Why I am not Anglican" video? Thanks
I was about to post this as well so I second this!
@Marty Lol you're full of shit. You're a sectarian heretic who idolatrously worships your Church over the person of Christ, thereby adding to the Gospel and incurring the Anathema of Paul as revealed in Galatians 1. Besides this I'm lost as to why you're even bothering to waste time hanging out on the comments section of an intra-Protestant video if you're convinced we're all heretics and damned, you obviously have too much time on your hands
@Marty Speak for yourself delusional Papist moron
Thank You so much for this. Very well said.
Love to idea of God working in the orordinary of live. Joy in the ordinary is a great blessing. All unto the Lord.
Might be the best explanation of why Lutheranism I have ever heard.
Very convincing and logical arguments for Lutheranism.
I heard you say on another video that if you had to choose between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, you would pick Orthodoxy. It would be interesting to see a video of your reason(s)
Lutherans are good people. Growing up, most of my neighbors were Lutheran, some Missouri Synod, some LCA. But it was just that they were not Catholic.
Great video! Very thorough and thought provoking. 🙏🏼
Much of what you say is also true in the Reformed and Presbyterian churches. The Puritan and Baptist stream of thought may not be the best representative of the Reformed tradition.
The problem is that if you believe in the perseverance of the saints then you wind up using law to determine who is in or out.
@@adamsmith4195 Do Lutherans believe you can lose your faith?
IS CONVERTING FROM PRESBYTERIAN TO LUTHERAN A GOOD IDEA???
Don't know if I'd call it converting. You wouldn't get re-baptized. You'd just start hearing preaching that focuses on _Christ's gifts to you_ instead of _how you need to bear enough fruit to convince yourself that you're a real Christian._ And you'd get real assurance in the Absolution and the Lord's Supper.
I was literally reading through a Gene Veith blog when you brought him up... eerie
I appreciate all you do for the Lord and His church. I was raised a Lutheran and agree with most all the book of Concordia. I now teach "Ancient Antiochene Theology" at "The Shepherds Way - Eric King". If you have a chance I would love that you visit. Comments of agreement or disagreement can be made. thanks again brother
I left a comment on your deconstruction video about teleology and purpose and I like the Lutheran approach presented in this video
It's funny cuz I literally just agreed with everything you said. I guess that makes me Lutheran. I don't really care about denominations though and I don't get the Impression from scripture that denominations matter that much.
5 reasons I am a Christian.
1. I believe the Bible is God's Word
2. I Believe that Jesus is the Son of God
3. I Believe this world is cursed and I am a Sinner.
4. I believe the Finished work on the CROSS is the only way to the Father and out of HELL FIRE
5. Because I have a hole in me that only my CREATOR the Holy Trinity will fill.
Does Luther reject the distinction between the Vita Activa and the Vita Completiva?
Given your Reformed AND New England background, did you ever consider Congregationalism?? I know the UCC is obnoxiously liberal at this point, but aren’t there smaller Congregationalist groups, too?
Either way, glad you’re a Lutheran!!
So I'm delightful in Christ to be an Ethiopian Lutheran!
What's your take on the threefold office? I've read things from Catholics that seem to prove that the bible supports the Bishop-Priest-Deacon structure.
That is the forumla practiced by most Lutherans worldwide. Apostolic succession.
St. Jerome proved by the Scriptures that bishops and presbyters are exactly the same.
www.newadvent.org/fathers/3001146.htm
Dr. Cooper, did Jesus establish the Lutheran church in the 16th century? Do you believe that your church is the actual Church established by Jesus? What if each Protestant denomination claims to be the the actual Church established by Jesus?
Jesus established just one Church, isn't it? Among all the denominations including the Catholic Church, which one has more claim to be the one, true, Church? Is it the Lutheran church?
You helpfully strengthen my Calvinistic sensibilities.
You know, concerning Holy Baptism, the Reformed and the Arminian views break with the concept so dear to Lutheranism (and suppposedly by the Reformed, but not really in practice) of the analogy of faith, i.e. that Scripture must be allowed to interpret Scripture. Lutherans practise the analogy by interpreting Holy Scripture in light of itself, by other Scripture. What the Reformed and others do is to DENY some Scripture by interpreting it by other Scripture. Their analogy of faith turns Scripture on its head.
Just out of curiosity, which Lutheran sect do you belong to? I'm not Lutheran (though I am Protestant), but my hometown is predominantly Missouri Synod with a sizable Wisconsin Synod minority along with some Catholics. My uncle is also a LCMS minister in another state. (He actually baptized me as a baby, so I'm probably listed on official records as a member of the LCMS, but I was raised and later baptized in another denomination and currently don't identify with any one specific.)
He is AALC, it’s a smaller sect but nearly identical in beliefs to the LCMS
I thankful had my eyes opened to the false word of faith people I had followed and my old church by such UA-cam creators as Chris Riseborough, Steve Kizar, Daniel Long (who are all Lutherans and left those false churches) along with some in other denominations. Chris is a Lutheran pastor in ND. All three of these men have made me interested in the Lutheran church. A couple weeks ago I visited a Lutheran church near me. A woman at the company I just left there has been there her entire life. They gave me a copy of Luther's Shorter Catechism. I am reading it now.
I'm a church mutt....baptized as a baby in the Methodist church almost 70 years ago, UCC, Church of Christ (including one of their colleges), Assembly of God, nondenominational charismatic, Southern Baptist, PCA, Southern Baptist, UMC, PCA UMC, then a start up church that started under the UMC and once established became nondenominational charismatic word of faith. Thought to going back to my old PCA, but I don't live anywhere near it anymore.
I'm going to sign up for the new membership class at Peace Lutheran that starts in a week and learn more.
I’m so far from compelled by the articulation of any of these points. Does anyone know a representative that is a little
More convincing in becoming Lutheran?
I’m beginning to wonder whether my Presbyterian church is Lutheran. 😂 I feel like I’ve heard all this from the pulpit, including Luther’s quote on vocation.
Maybe your pastor is going down the Jordan Cooper path.
would you be able to recommend a good systematic theology of the lutheran church?
i don't understand, there are lutheran churches with female pastors, what do you mean with doctrinal unity?
Luther's vocation teachings are what should be discipling is. Discipling isn't just teaching bible or theology, it's teaching a whole way of life. Teaching to represent God in everything you do as his imager in Christ.
The commandment it not bear Gods name in vain is what this is establishing. The word used for bear is the same word used for picking things up. It's a commandment to not shame God since you(Israel at the time it was given of course) are God's representative to the nations of those who don't know him.
Your parish is very fortunate to have such a catechist. God bless you, Pastor Cooper
"One Reason I'm a Lutheran": Read the entirety of the Book of Concord.
Just read the forward lol
The Formula of Concord departed from Luther's teaching on the bondage of the will with respect to damnation. The documents contained in the Book of Concord which were in existence during Luther's lifetime didn't challenge Luther's doctrine of double predestination as taught in The Bondage of the Will. It was only the later Formula of Concord which departed from true Lutheranism and taught only single predestination to heaven. Lutherans are really Chemnitzians not Lutherans. See my main comment under this video.
@@Edward-ng8oo Even if that were true (which I'm not granting) it wouldn't matter. The Lutheran Church doesn't and has never subscribed the full corpus of Luther's writings, but to our public Confessions contained in the Book of Concord.
@@marcuswilliams7448 Yes I know that confessional Lutherans don’t subscribe to Luther’s writings as a whole, but what I'm saying is that because the Formula of Concord teaches a different theological position to Luther’s on predestination, Lutherans shouldn’t be named after him, but rather after Chemnitz who was the main author of single predestination.
@@Edward-ng8oo That doesn't follow whatsoever. If we disagree with Luther on any point of doctrine, we must abandon the name Lutheran? That's silly.
I am confused like, which denominations will please God and what about true believers who don't have denominations 🤔
I love watching your videos : )
This was great. Hit it right on the head for me.
why do i never see an adult baptized during a regular service? and why are there no other "minorities" (blacks, hispanic, eastern Asian, etc.) pastors?
This is excellent!! And so many more reasons also!
What is your opening song?
ua-cam.com/video/XOokv_17FTI/v-deo.html
So im working through baptismal regeneration do we give children the blood and body of Christ?
Also thru Baptism, we are born again, thru water and Spirit.
So, you’re either speaking of universalism, or that our salvation is ultimately dependent upon our choices. How does this differ essentially from Orthodoxy or Catholicism?
*Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11* God wants all wicked to repent and live.
*Luke 7:30* God's βουλή (plan/purpose/resolve/counsel) for the Pharisees was to accept them. But they rejected this βουλή of God for themselves, by refusing John's baptism.
*1 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:2* He is especially the Savior of believers. He remains the Savior of all people. This makes the labor of evangelism and the reproach of scoffers bearable. He is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the church AND the world.
*John 1:29; 3:16* The lamb of God takes away the sins of the world. God loved the world.
*Luke 8:13* Jesus asserts that some really do *joyfully believe* the gospel for a while, and actually *fall away* through trials and temptations.
*Luke 11:13* Jesus is emphatic that the Father gives the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.
*Romans 11:32* Who does God have mercy for? Everyone whom he consigned to disobedience!
*1 Corinthians 8:11* It is possible to destroy the saving faith of a brother for whom Christ died.
*Eph **4:30* The Ephesians were sealed for the day of redemption, yet Paul warned them that the possibility of grieving the Holy Spirit was a reality.
*2 Peter 2:1* Christ bought even the heretics who deny Him and destroy themselves.
*1 Tim 2:1-6* Christ died for all people and wants all people to be saved. Therefore, Paul commands us to *interceed* even for godless kings and rulers.
*Hebrews 3:1-12* Even "holy brothers and sisters" can "turn away from the living God" with an "evil, unbelieving heart."
*Hebrews 2:1, 12:25* The author and the audience could reject God's warning and not escape.
*Ephesians 3:3-6; Isaiah 45:19* As God has revealed his secret will in scripture, it is always to extend greater mercy.
*1 John 2:2* Christ is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, not only for the church.
What do you think of George Forell resources..
I'm proud to be a LUTHERAN.
Infant baptism doesn’t save-only when one can accept Christ on our selves the Word is clear in scripture.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_baptism
If the bible says believe and be baptised, that is a choice isnt it? So how can belief be a gift? If its a gift then why is everyone not given it? If Baptism saves then why aren't you giving it to everyone?
@VDMA LCMS Explain how the thief on the cross was saved without being baptized
@VDMA LCMS So basically you’re claiming the thief on the cross was an exception?
@VDMA LCMS The thief died after Jesus. So the new covenant was in place.
I ❤ 😍 💖 lutheran Christians the only way to Heaven
I have a message that I’m sharing where I can, some may not want to hear this, but I ask that we stay polite and seek truth together. 😊
Love is an action. Feed the hungry, house the homeless, father the orphan, and protect the defenseless and vulnerable.
Read the Word for yourself, not only relying on others for guidance. Pray for guidance.Yahushua/Yeshua - His Hebrew name who is usually called (Jesus) taught to keep the whole Word. Including the Law/Torah. Matthew 5:17 “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not [g]the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished! 19 Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches [h]others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever [i]keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Read 1 John. John tells us that sin is lawlessness, and that we must keep the commandments. Trust in the atonement of Yahushua/Yeshua who is usually called Jesus, and keep God (YHWH)'s whole Word/commandments. Revelation 12:17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 14:12 Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Go to parableofthevineyard youtube channel for information about the bible and good bible studies. I'm in no way paid or sent by him for advertising. I just have learned a lot from his content. He's just a man who is trying to learn as well. :) Yeshua died so we may be resurrected to eternal life..... :)
This is very, very interesting.
JEROME BURNETT No, he’s not. He’s explaining why he’s a Lutheran.
JEROME BURNETT
You didn’t watch it, obviously.
Thanks for the video Pastor! How come Lutherans seem to be so against small groups?
Those are the Pietists .... not confessional Lutherans.
@@gabrielemanuelandingemaaga6576 The pietism i am used to know (german) is very open towards other confessions and nondenominationalism of which it is a part.
Plus ... small groups often break down into books studies, watching movies, elevating personal feelings or experiences over objective biblical truths
@@gabrielemanuelandingemaaga6576 I am new to the Lutheran church so forgive my ignorance. You are saying that it is the pietists that are against small groups? Or confessional Lutherans? What is the difference? And why is it wrong to elevate personal feelings if that is the point of the group? I am thinking of a support/fellowship focused group rather than a more Bible study oriented group. But even in the Bible study version, why would it be wrong for a group of Lutherans to meet together to read through the Catechism? Sorry for long reply.
@@gabrielemanuelandingemaaga6576 Huh ? What do you mean? What does watching a movie have to do with pietism ?
Satan is attacking viewers through some of the ads that constantly interrupt your teaching. Are the revenues worth it?
Thanks for sharing!!
I was baptized as a baby
That's nice
I was never baptized a Christian or any religion
1. Centrality of Gospel. 2. Objectivity(?) of Gospel. 3. Historical Continuity "Early(?)" Church. Catholic Church? 4. Doctrine of Vocation 5. Al!ow Scripture to speak for itself. Lutherans do not grab on to a particular text. Mysteries are non rational. 😇💒
Another commenter is confused about the video. I'm gonna plagiarize you because you're awesome. Thanks.
Johann Sebestian Bach - the best reason.
Dear Mr. Cooper..... As a _Lutheran_ scholar, why do you and your church deny the sacrament of Confirmation? I'd want a Lutheran perspective.....
So, which church allows the highest of sinners?
Dang this really got me wondering if Lutheranism might just be better than anglicanism