When we look at our lives and measure them according to
the holiness and righteousness of the Lord God Almighty we
are moved to say, O Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. We
receive forgiveness of sins, and become righteous before God,
by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith, when we believe that
Christ lived, suffered, died and rose again for us, and that for
His sake our sins are forgiven, and righteousness and eternal
life are given to us.
But how do we receive this faith? In order to obtain such
faith, God instituted the ministry of teaching the Gospel and
administering the Sacraments. It is through the Word and
Sacraments that the Holy Spirit produces faith, where and
when it pleases Him,in those who hear the good news of Jesus’s
death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.
Pastors accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage. They
serve us with Christ’s Word and Sacraments, through which
the Holy Spirit gives us forgiveness, life and salvation.
Therefore,we believe,teach and confess that when the called
ministers of Christ Jesus deal with us by His divine command …this
is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Jesus Christ our dear
Lord dealt with us Himself.
To learn more about our Pastors click the adjoining links above.