Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 14:1–4
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John 14:1–4
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From the Confessions: The Apostles’ Creed
“The Life Everlasting”
Pulling It Together
We spend our lives waiting on things to happen. As children, we were known to ask, “Are we there yet?” We could not wait for birthdays, Christmas, and vacations. They seemed never to arrive. Nonetheless, we hoped for them. We waited with confidence for them to arrive. When they finally did arrive, they were over much too fast.
It seems that we spend these earthly lives waiting for Jesus to return and take us to this eternal home. He said that he was going to prepare a place for us, a place in his Father's house—a permanent home in heaven—then return for us so that we would be with him forever. This is the hope of the Christian: to be with the Lord forever. When that day comes, with its goodness, joy, and glory, it will not come and go like a child's long awaited birthday party or an adult's all-too-short vacation. It will never end.
We confess that there is an everlasting life, that Christ died and rose to secure our place with him there, and that he is returning for us to be with him forever in his Father's house. Whoever believes in the Son has this eternal life (John 3:36) for it is the will of the Father that Christ raise up the believer on the last day (John 6:40). This we believe and confess. His will be done.
Prayer: Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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