52. Why is it vital for us to gather together with fellow Christians in public worship?
The Word of God gathers all who believe in Jesus Christ into the Holy Christian Church, and also calls believers to gather together in congregations for public worship for several reasons.
A. God is present as His Word is proclaimed and His Sacraments are administered (Matthew 28:18-20; John 10:16; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:14). Through these Means of Grace, He freely gives His gifts and blessings, chiefly the forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43; 1 John 2:2). In worship, our Shepherd, Jesus, speaks through the mouth of the shepherd (pastor) whom He has called to care for our souls (Acts 20:28). The Word of God is not simply information, but the Word actually delivers what it says (Isaiah 55:10-11).
B. We hear God's Word at a set place and time (Isaiah 66:23; Luke 4:16). Though it is delivered through fallible men and simple means, the Word that is read, preached, and spoken over water, bread, and wine is not to be scorned (Jeremiah 6:10; John 8:47; Luke 10:16). Sunday worship is a public testimony to our faith in Christ and His resurrection from the dead "on the first day of teh week" (Luke 24:1; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
C. Believers are still sinners who need one another and the encouragement we receive from one another, "and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:25). We share our blessings, burdens, and joys in petitions and hymns of praise with those present (Colossians 3:16), remembering the Church throughout the world and the saints and angels of Heaven (Hebrews 12:22-24).
The Large Catechism teaches: "Whenever God's Word is taught, preached, heard, read, or meditated upon, then the person, day, and work are sanctified. This is not because of the outward work, but because of the Word, which makes saints of us all. ... Note, therefore, that the force and power of this commandment lies not in the resting, but in the sanctifying, so that a special holy exercise belongs to this day. ... Here a work is to be done by which a person is himself made holy. This is done (as we have heard) only through God's Word" (LC I 92, 94).
Eventual commentary
| Previous Question | Next Question |