Grace Notes 2021-07-21
Words matter. It is always good to pay attention to them. We often use words like grace, faith, belief, and discipleship, so freely we barely notice them. Likewise, it is helpful to use substitute terms to rouse our attention and gain nuance.
An example of the aforementioned is the term disciple. We know the Great Commission of Matthew 28 is the making of disciples. And there is an emphasis in the NALC, indeed in many denominations, on discipleship. Well and good. But do we really let the word and concept sink in and do business with us?
Can you see the similar root in the English word discipline with disciple? Does discipline play a role in our faith? You would not necessarily know the Greek New Testament word translated into the English, but let me help you here. The Greek word is mathetes. And translating it as “disciple” is not the only English word that could be used. Others include pupil or student. The words follower or devotee also fit the bill. I think the concept of being an apprentice can also get at the concept.
And we should not stop with the idea of discipleship as the only way to talk about baptized believers joined to Christ and growing in their faith. The idea of being a servant of Christ is the way the New Testament disciples saw themselves. The Apostle Paul also described himself as being a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
There’s a point in all this. Let me illustrate it with two substitute terms for disciple. First, consider the word apprentice. An apprentice is involved in learning, but the academic aspect of this learning does not go without training and practice. It is hands on learning under the tutelage of the Master!
And second, consider the word soldier! The first thing a soldier under command does each morning is to report for duty and take orders. Sounds like Scripture and prayer to me!
Since You Asked…
Do Lutherans Promote Private Confession?
“Confession has not been abolished by the preachers on our side. … The people are carefully instructed concerning the consolation of the Word of absolution (forgiveness) so that they may esteem it as a great and precious thing. It is not the voice of the man who speaks it, but it is the Word of God, who forgives sin, for it is spoken in God’s stead and by God’s command. …it is necessary for terrified consciences” (Augsburg Confession, XXV).
Private confession has two parts: First that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the Pastor as from God himself.