The Lutheran difference

While paging through a catalog from my church body's supply company I came across several items that reminded me of one of the central tenets of the Reformation - Christian freedom.

Among the many important doctrines recovered by Martin Luther and his colleagues was that of freedom.  Not the kind of freedom we have as American citizens but freedom that comes from our redemption through Christ.

This is freedom from the law that condemns us for our sinfulness because Christ fulfilled the law for us.  Through the forgiveness of sins which he achieved on the cross, the law's power over us was terminated.  St. Paul addressed this at some depth in his first letter to the church at Corinth.

People there were troubled that some Christians were purchasing and eating meat that was sacrificed to pagan idols then sold in the marketplace.  Folks were divided over its propriety.  

Could a Christian eat this "idol" meat without sinning? And what effect would it have on Christians who believed it was an improper act? Do their feelings matter more than one's own?

Here is what God tells us through Paul:

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others." (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NIV)

Just as secular freedom demands responsibility on our part, so also our freedom in Christ requires Christian responsibility. The Christian is released from useless rules of conduct devised by sinful men. But he must always be cognizant of how his freedom is interpreted by others, especially those whose faith is weak.

Which brings me back to the catalog.  In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation Concordia Publishing House - a very Lutheran outfit -  is offering several commemorative items suitable for holiday giving.  

My favorites are this German-looking beer stein as well as a very useful shot glass.  Christian freedom at its finest.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."              1 Corinthians 10:31


(Just be sure to leave these in the cupboard when entertaining your Baptist friends.)