Sin and the means of grace
Hi, I have some questions: In your site, it is said that the law isn't a means of grace. But I read some Reformed say it is, in the sense that the law is part of the word, and that the law shows us our need of Christ. In that sense, would the Synod agree that the law is a means of grace? Also, I am struggling with a lack of faith. What should I do? Hear and read the word until faith is created in me? And I have to try to keep the law as best as I can meanwhile? Also: the confessional Lutherans say that good works do not contribute to salvation (it's evidence, a consequence of salvation) but, at the same time, say that deliberate sin extinguishes faith. But, since the demands of the law are so hard, isn't not doing good works all the time a sin? Because if I am not helping my neighbor, but doing something for myself, I am not keeping the law intentionally. Thanks.
The law of God points out our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. It is through the gospel that God offers and gives us his grace, the forgiveness of sins. The means of grace is the gospel in Word and sacraments (Romans 1:16).
God creates saving faith through the means of grace, and God strengthens saving faith through the means of grace (Romans 10:17). To grow in your faith, you will want to be faithful in using God’s word and in receiving the Lord’s Supper.
You are correct in noting that our good works do not contribute to our salvation. That is very clear from Titus 3:4-7. Jesus alone is Savior.
When it comes to our sins, we confess this in the Common Service: “Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.” We confess our natural sinful condition, and we confess our sins of commission and sins of omission.
There are sins of weakness, and there are willful, deliberate sins. You are correct in observing that willful, deliberate sins can cause a person to fall from faith. Recognizing who we are by nature and what we do every day explains why there is a need for contrition and repentance each day of our lives. At the same time, there is also reason to look in faith to Jesus and his salvation each day of life.