Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity (1879)

Luke 10:23-37 The question: "What shall I do that I may be saved?" is only then a blessed question if it is sincere and is addressed to the right person; as the example of the jailer at Philippi1 and the Jews on Pentecost2 shows. Many people believe this question is not necessary because they consider their supposed virtuous life for the infallible way of salvation. Others, who are troubled by their sins, find this question indeed sincere, but turn to such who themselves do not know the way of salvation, and their students put off the reward of good works, penances, merits of the saints, and help from human mediators. Today's text gives the unmistakable answer to that question from God's Word and shows the only true way to salvation for all. How Can We Men Attain Salvation? 1. When Christ is revealed to us; because a. He Himself, to Whom all things, even judgment, are given3, praises those who are saved, who see and hear Him4; thus men must be found in Him and in His Word; b. He declares that children of God have waited from the beginning with longing for His arrival in the flesh5, therefore He is the only Savior of all, also the most pious and highest amnestied in the kingdom of God; without Him and outside of Him no man is saved. Whoever does not know Him, or properly wants to get to know Him, cannot attain salvation. Why? Christ shows to the scribes tempting Him that no man can justify himself before God, as he has fulfilled the Law. Thus we can only attain salvation 2. When we recognize ourselves as transgressors of divine law; because a. the Law is so holy and sacred that anyone who does not shine and burn very full of the love of God6 is a transgressor; b. also the command of neighborly love convicts us as transgressors, because . it also includes our enemy7, . it requires works of true self-denial8, . it forbids tiring in such works9,
1 2

Acts 16:30. Acts 2:37. 3 Luke 10:22; Matthew 7:22-23. 4 Luke 10:23. 5 Luke 10:24. 6 Luke 10:27. 7 Luke 10:29-33. 8 Luke 10:34. 9 Luke 10:35.

But the transgressor of the Law is doomed to death10; we ourselves must recognize this impending, horrible end, so that the mercy of God could prove itself to us. For we attain salvation only, 3. When Christ's compassionate love accomplishes its work toward us; because we learn from the compassionate Samaritan to know the saving love that Christ alone has revealed and shown to us, because He is the One, a. Whom really laments all those who fell their spiritual misery; b. Who keeps them from imminent destruction through His comforting and helpful coming; c. Who not only waits for His own in the inn of the Christian Church for healing their wounds, but also they are cared for by the office of the Gospel until they recover to eternal life. R.L.

10

Luke 10:28.