Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Revelation 5:12
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From the Word: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing. (Revelation 5:12)
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
The Third Petition
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
What does this mean?
The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it will also be done among us.
How is this done?
God’s will is done when he hinders and destroys every evil design and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature that would keep us from hallowing his name and prevent the coming of his kingdom. And God’s will is done when he strengthens us and keeps us steadfast in his Word and in faith to the end of our earthly lives. This is his good and gracious will.
Pulling It Together: It was the will of the Father that his Son, the perfect Lamb of God, be born, suffer and die, and be buried, raised, and ascended to glory. All this was the Father’s perfect will so that the imperfect world he loves may be resurrected to new life. The Lamb died so that those who believe in him may share in his perfect righteousness. Without the will of the Father and the obedience of his Lamb we would be unjust and unable to believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.” Yet, because the Lamb is worthy, the Father is just in calling us worthy, righteous, and perfectly justified to him. For his sacrifice has destroyed the intent of the devil, redeeming our sinful nature so that we may regard his name as holy. What are we to do then, but fall down before the Lamb and worship (Rev 5:14)? This too, is the will of the Father.
Prayer: Thank you, O Lamb of God, for making a way to your Father—even for me. Amen.
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The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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