Image: The Lutheran Study Bible LCMS
As a six year project to create “THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE” by Concordia Press, (affiliated with the Missouri Synod Lutherans) nears publication in October, 2009, the ELCA has rushed into publication a rival Bible entitled “LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE.” Despite requests by Concordia to use another title, Augsburg Fortress Press released their Bible this month, with not much more than a year of preparation.
The two Bibles, however, differ significantly in their approach. In one critical passage, the Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20 the ELCA Bible notes, “Jesus now sends the disciples to make disciples of all nations. That does not mean make everyone disciples. Most people who are helped by Jesus and believe in him never become disciples. Jesus includes in salvation people who do not believe in him or ever know about him (5:30; 25:31-45). Disciples are students, called for the sake of the world to learn from Jesus and to bear witness to the kingdom. They are salt and light (5:13-16). Jesus promises to be with them always as they carry out this mission. Previously, Jesus promised to be present in the exercise of forgiveness (18:18-20) and in the ‘least of these’ who suffer (25:31-45).”
The goals of Concordia’s THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE are:
1. Present justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as the chief teaching of Scripture (Lk 24:44-;47; Jn 5:39; SA II I 1-4)
2. Properly distinguish and apply Law and Gospel (reading the Bible as a book about justification; Jn 1:17; Gal 3:21-22; Ap XIIA 53-54)
3. Emphasize God’s work through the means of grace (Mt 26:26-29; Jn 3:5; 20:22-23; Rm 10:17; SA III IV)
4. Function from a “Scripture alone” point of view and presents a “Scripture interprets Scripture” approach to using the Bible (Ps 119; 1Tm 6:3; 2Tm 3:16-17; FC Ep Sum)
5. Equip the laity for works of service, with a particular focus on evangelism in their various vocations/callings in life (Ps 145:4-13; Eph 2; Ap XV 41-42)
6. Present a uniquely Lutheran study Bible that features genuinely Lutheran notes and comments throughout, references to the Lutheran Confessions where appropriate, focus on the Small Catechism for helps and explanations, citations from Luther throughout, and materials to aid daily devotion and prayer
May 18th, 2009 at 8:17 PM
Jesus includes in salvation people who do not believe in him or ever know about him=UNIVERSALISM. NOT CHRISTIANITY OR LUTHERANISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1