Grace Notes 2024-10-16

As Lutheran we speak of the “means of grace.” And this refers to how, or in what manner, the saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ comes to us. The benefits of what Christ accomplished on the Cross come to us and can claim and sustain us onto life eternal. We do well to pay attention to what these means are, and then make sure we are on the receiving end!

The means of grace are at least fivefold. But each of the five involve God’s Word. At the top of the list is the preaching of the Gospel. Here we are admonished in Luther’s explanation to the Third Commandment that we do not despise preaching and His Word but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

Next on the list are the two Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. One of the great theologians of the Church early on dubbed these two as a “Visible Word.” Baptism involves a one-time Rite, but it is lived out in continual repenting and believing in the Gospel. And Holy Communion provides sustenance as it is celebrated regularly.

A fourth means of grace is the Power of the Keys. I am referring to Confession and Absolution. It is based on the promise of Scripture that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness. (1Jn 1:8-9) This means can take place corporately with the word of forgiveness spoken by the Presider at Worship. Or it can take place privately with the absolution spoken by the Confessor.

The final means of grace is known as “The Mutual Conversation and Consolation of Brethren”. The method keeps in mind Jesus’ promise “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” It happens when believers speak Scriptural truths to each other, and console each other with the promises of the Gospel. Of course, it is predicated on our coming together and having edifying conversation.

Since You Asked…

What is a Paschal Candle?

The Paschal Candle is a massive white candle, two or three inches in diameter and three or four feet in length, used during the Paschal Season, that is, the Season Easter, to represent the presence of the risen Christ among his people. It is therefore accordingly used also at baptisms and funerals as a sign of the dying and rising with Christ that we are joined to by faith. (from “Manual on the Liturgy” companion to the LBW, from Augsburg Pub.)

For churches that celebrate the Easter Vigil, the ceremonial lighting of the Paschal candle is one of the most solemn moments of the service. In our congregation’s use of the Tenebrae Service on Good Friday, the removal of the lit Paschal Candle at the conclusion of the Service to a room or closet, in near total darkness, reminds us that Christ was buried in a tomb following his death on the Cross.