Pastor cooper, can we say as lutherans that sin destroys faith and good works preserve it? And at the same time say as the bible teaches, that we are saved by faith without works? Thanks and God bless
From one lutheran to another. As I understand it, no sin does not destroy faith. But Good works do help maintain your faith. I think to Romans 7, and then I think about 2 Corinthians 12 As lutherans, we understand that war in the flesh to itself be sin dwelling within us. That despite our Minds and Spirits being slaves to Christ, our Flesh is still tainted by a slavery to Sin. That little part of us in our flesh that wars against The Spirit, is in fact sin that God will one day cleanse us from. Then there's 2 Corinthians 12 where Paul had seen the third heaven and was given both a Thorn and one of Satan's angels to harass him. God didn't remove the Thorn or the devil. Instead saying in this famous verse "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." My pastor told me that power of Christ is what comes when we are afflicted by worldly temptation and do not yield. When we are weak, and feeling temptation all around us but not acting, it is then that Christ is holding us up. Sin will humble you, and if you place your humility correctly, it can become your Strength in Christ. After all, our God defeated death with death in more ways than just the ressurection. God Bless.
🕆 Mark 8:37-38 For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”🕆 Grow in your faith, humble yourself, and surrender to the word and will of God. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Let God’s Peace and Grace be with you (To The Reader). Praise God always. Amen.. 🕆🙏🙌
