LESSON: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:1‒6

We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23‒24

God has determined it as His will that all men should adhere to the one man Christ, hope in Him, and take hold of Him if they are really concerned about their salvation. They should know nothing about anyone else except Christ crucified, who alone is the mercy seat put forward for us by God, as Paul says (Romans 3:25).

Up till now, one man has clung to this saint, another to that one; one man has been attached to Mary, another to St. Barbara, and there have been any number of sects and orders. But no regard at all was paid to Christ; only His name was retained. We have had many intercessors, all of whom we should have abandoned and clung to Christ alone.

St. Paul declares that the Gospel concerning God’s Son was promised through His prophets (Romans 1:2). He sets up very tight and narrow limits to make it clear that in the Gospel there is only one matter of real significance, namely, this one person, Jesus Christ. He who knows this can be thankful to God that he knows where to look for consolation and help and where to place his confidence. Such a man will also despise and reject all contrary proclamation.

SL.XI.1836,3

PRAYER: Lord God, You have not left us any room at all to doubt what You offer us in the salvation provided for us in the Gospel. You have made it quite clear that all this is available to us by faith alone. Make us strong in faith, that we may always cling firmly to our only Savior, in whose name we also ask this. Amen.

Editor’s note: No American Edition (AE) equivalent for today’s sermon excerpt exists at the time of this publication. For an alternate English translation of this sermon, see Lenker, Church Postil–Gospels, 5:326-343.