Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Lutheran Saints....biblical basis and saints days

Christian Lutherans do believe in saints....

The biblical understanding of saints is that all Christians are saints (see Psalm 30:4, Acts 9:32, Romans 1:7)

In the Apostles Creed we state....I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints.....
Think about what this is saying....We believe God is using His church to do something!!

In the Apology to the Augsburg Confession (XXI  Cult of Saints) we read...
It is also taught among us that saints should be kept in remembrance so that our faith may be strengthened when we see what grace they received and how they were sustained by faith.   Moreover, their good works are to be an example for us, each of us in his own calling......
However, it cannot be proved from the Scriptures that we are to invoke saints or seek help from them. “For there is one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5), who is the only saviour, the only highpriest, advocate, and intercessor before God (Rom. 8:34). He alone has promised to hear our prayers.....

 Lutheran Christians therefore remember saints days and other minor festivals for 2 main reasons to remember:
  • How God is merciful and graceful 
  • How God has been at work not only forgiving people but also how He has used people to bring His love and grace into the world

Different Lutheran Communities differ in who they remember and when they remember them.  The following are link to various lists of saints remembrance days either as festivals or commemorations from different Lutheran communities:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America festivals  and commemorations  ELCA ical Calendar
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod festivals and commemorations LCMS google calendar

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