2 Advent – Thursday

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

– Romans 5:1-2.

We who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ are justified in the sight of God, and have received the forgiveness of all our sins. Because God forgives us our sin, or justifies us (declares us righteous), we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. God has no further charge against us. Because we have peace with God, He will surely not condemn, or damn, us. He will save us, give us eternal life and glory. This is so divinely certain that, even now, we greatly rejoice in such hope. – This is what Dr. Martin Luther expresses in the words of the Small Catechism: “Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.” You – believing Christian – have the forgiveness of sins. You know that God forgives you all your sin. How, then, could you possibly be damned? It is only for sin that one can be damned; and that has been forgiven you. Nothing but sin could prevent you from obtaining life and salvation. And you have the forgiveness of sins. You should be absolutely sure of life and salvation; you need neither fret nor fear, since you have forgiveness of all your sins. Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. Do but hold fast to the forgiveness of sin offered you freely and without price – for Christ’s sake – and life and salvation will come inevitably. Look cheerfully and confidently beyond death and the judgment, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

PRAYER. – Most heartily I thank Thee, Lord Jesus, that Thou hast merited and given forgiveness of sins to me. Now I have peace with God and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Amen, my God, so let me have life and salvation. O my dear heavenly Father, Thou wilt surely do this, for Thou hast forgiven me all my sin. Preserve in me – O Thou faithful God – true faith in my Lord Jesus Christ through whom I have forgiveness of sin. Amen, Thou wilt hear me. Amen.

In Him alone my trust I place,

Come boldly to Thy throne of grace,

And there commune with Thee. Salvation sure,

O Lord, is mine, And, all unworthy,

I am Thine, For Jesus died for me!

Hymn 379, 5.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:6-14       Theme: The Second Coming

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.