Reflections on August 19th, 2012, The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost: “Walk as Children of the Light” (Ephesians 5:6-21)

Dear Christian Friends,

 

Everything that we have received from the LORD is just that: from the LORD! Even our sanctification is from Him! The Word of the LORD: “He [God] is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption (1st Corinthians 1:30).”

In this context, Dr. Mueller’s list he provide on August 19th is spot on in describing how we — by God’s grace through Word and Sacrament — are enabled to live in the light of Christ. This is what Dr. Mueller proclaimed:

Walking in the light of Christ

 

Risen with Christ, his light shines on us (Eph 5:14)

 

We walk not as unwise, but as wise (Eph 5:16)  and remember that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).”

 

We rejoice in things that are “good, right and true” – that’s where the “fruit of the light is found” (Eph 5:9)

We make the best use of time in these evil days (Eph 5:16)

 

We “understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17) by study of his Word

 

We don’t turn to the world’s debauchery, but are filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18)

 

We worship together, “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Eph 5:19-20)

 

We submit to one another (Eph 5:21)

 

So what do you think? It sounds like God’s new creation. Christ’s righteousness is passively received as God clothes you in Christ, AND it actively occurs…in and through His people who radiate His light. My, my, it sounds as though Lutheran Christians really do believe in sanctification. As Harold Senkbeil entitled his book: “Sanctification: Christ in action”. Christ is the Living God. His life is now in those who believe and are baptized!

 

In Christ,

 

Dr. Espinosa

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