During the last four years I have written a number of blog posts that deal with the topics of soft antinomianism, the Law and exhortation. In these I have identified a problem that is new and unique to modern Lutheranism - an inability and even refusal to preach about new obedience and good works. This form of antinomianism stood outside the two categories of antinomianism that Lutheranism had defined in the sixteenth century. After identifying the problem, it was clear that a new term of reference was needed in order to speak clearly about a new phenomenon. And so "soft antinomianism" was born. I have sought to identify and explain soft animonianism, and to show on the basis of Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions and the practice of Lutherans in the past that it is wrong. In rejection of this I have advocated what the Lutheran Confessions clearly teach on the basis of Scripture - that being Lutheran includes exhortation for Christians to live in ways that are prompted and made possible by the Gospel. For ease of access, I have brought together all of the posts into one place and provide a brief description of each one.
The blog post that started it all. A look at Titus and the manner in which Paul repeatedly
calls for good works – a call which he grounds in the Gospel.
A consideration of some of the key issues in the discussion
of “sanctification” including the distinction between sanctification, new
obedience and “sanctification”; regeneration by the Spirit and cooperation in
new obedience; the possibility of growth and progress in new obedience; and the
law’s third use. I had just come to realize how big the problem is.
A discussion of what I have termed “soft antinomianism”
in which the robust presence of language that exhorts or admonishes Christians
to godly living and good works is seen as a diminishing and denial of the
Gospel in preaching. This is followed by a discussion of Martin Luther's antinomian theses and disputations. The term "soft antinomianism," was first coined here.
Martin Luther says in his 1535 Galatians
commentary, “Therefore it is as necessary that faithful
preachers urge good works as that they urge the doctrine of faith,” and “This
is why faithful preachers must exert themselves as much in urging a
love that is unfeigned or in urging truly good works as in teaching true
faith.” I discuss how this language flies
in the face of much Lutheran understanding about preaching and teaching today.
A discussion of how the apostolic pattern of exhortation and admonition
should help guide our preaching today.
A discussion of synergism – the good kind. Justification is a result of divine
monergism. Sanctification (understood in
the narrow sense) is a result of divine monergism. But new obedience takes
place through synergism (cooperation) of the new man working with the Spirit.
A discussion of how both Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions state
that an increase of in new obedience is possible, and what this means.
A discussion of how the simultaneous presence of the new man and the
old man in the believer necessitates that we balance two sets of truths.
A discussion of what
soft antinomianism is, why the term “soft antinomianism”
is an accurate and helpful term of reference, and a brief account of its history.
An examination of why soft antinomianism operates in this way in the way it does.
Some say soft antinomianism doesn't exist. This is a discussion of a classic example.
An examination of Walther's Law and Gospel which shows that Walther offers a very different
understanding of the Law and the preaching task than is offered by the soft
antinomianism of modern Lutheranism.
There
are some who say that soft antinomianism does not exist. David Scaer
provides a description of LCMS preaching today that matches it
precisely.
Is Jesus an example and should we speak about him in this way? In his Church Postil Luther says that the answer is yes.
Our response to Jesus' words in Luke 6:36-38 reveals whether we are Lutherans or modern distortions of this.
Luther's words in the Church Postil for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, Mt 6:24-34 will surprise a modern Lutheran.
Luther cannot speak about the birth of Jesus Christ without talking about what those who believe in Jesus Christ now do.
A summary of the blog posts in sermonic form.
Luther does not just assume that living a new life in Christ and putting to death sin is true for the Christian. In the Church Postils he regularly speaks about it.
A careful discussion of the Law and exhortation in response to a classic example of soft antinomianism.
Daring to be Lutheran includes exhortation about what Christians are to do. It did for Martin Luther.
Thank you, Pastor Surburg, for the clarity of your various writings on this subject and for your persistence in pursuing this subject.
ReplyDeleteHe who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Thank you for compiling this in one location. Also, along this topic, would you consider blogging about the Lutheran difference between sanctification and new obedience? And if you do, please let me know. Thanks for the consideration.
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