Second Sunday in Advent – Thursday

Image result for 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.

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.