Theologica Prolegomena Class -- Anfectung & Absolution

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 08, 2022 with No comments

 Greetings all,

      This is a discussion from my seminary class with Dr. Leins, Theologica Prolegomena. We're talking about a German word called "Anfectung." It's a word that's difficult to translate into English. Then we have "Anfectungen," the plural. Our wounds, sins, scars, trials and tribulations. When we as believers go through tribulations, sometimes we can doubt and question the Lord. But can we really stop? The answer will give us an idea of what Anfectung means.  Men and women across the ages have dealt with Anfectungen. But I mean, how can we actually deal with our own fallenness? One way is through Phariseeism. In the minds of the Pharisees, they considered themselves morally superior to everyone they were around. 

     HOW CAN WE STAY AWAY FROM BEING PHARISEES? 

In some way, all of us will be hypocritical on some points.  However, we must be careful not to make our sins bigger than God, or his ability to forgive. 

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ANFECTUNG AND ANFECTUNGEN?

I believe that Anfectung and Anfectungen would be things we would focus on if we focused on the Law. For example, Christ's Sermon on the Mount is a prime example of Law in the New Testament.  Christ called us to impossible standards; which is the point. We need Him. 

STAY CLOSE TO THE GOSPEL

Oftentimes, the gospel is what is void in some churches. Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The gospel is one of the means of grace that Luther and Lutherans esteem so highly.  

WHAT ARE THE MEANS OF GRACE?

They are those external sacraments which God uses to provide forgiveness for our sins and grace for living. We need to know that God is local, he is in our midst every Sunday, through Word and Sacrament. 

GOD's WORK THROUGH THE WORD

Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 7:24

The Two Foundations

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
  1. Matthew 8:8
    But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

  2. Matthew 8:16
    Now when evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.
More to come!!