"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

A German Pastor named Martin Niemoeller who lived in Germany during the Nazi era said this: “No, the church has not been victorious, she has failed and is failing still because she assumes that the judgment that is passed around her applies to the world and not to herself.” He goes on to say, “…no one should lose the chance for forgiveness which still is being offered to us, perhaps for the last time in the history of our people.” In other words, you never know what tomorrow brings.

Forgiveness is not available to us in the ways that we might like it to be. Forgiveness is not available to us in good works that we might try and use to pacify our conscience. Forgiveness is not available in relief work or civil services. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession informs us that good works cannot possibly assuage our conscience with regard to our sinfulness. Only faith in Christ justifies. Scripture says in Romans 5:2 that “through Him we have access to the Father, through faith.” The premise that underlies these things is just this, sin terrifies consciences. In order for your conscience to become settled, it is absolutely imperative that the sin question be dealt with. The Apology says that “we are reconciled to the Father and we receive the forgiveness of sins when we are comforted by a confidence in the mercy promised on account of Christ.” The confidence referred to here is faith. Faith the size of a mustard seed moves mountains. Faith is what gives us confidence and assurance with regard to our sin.

We pray: Father, through our observance of Lent, help us to understand the meaning of Your Son's death and resurrection, and teach us to reflect it in our lives. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

Lord’s blessings on ya,