From LifeDate - Summer 2007.

by Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb

We all know jokes about Lutherans and change! Nevertheless, even in Lutheranism, things have changed. Lutheran bodies have merged and new ones have formed. Changes have occurred in hymnals, worship styles, pastor’s vestments, and church architecture. In fact, when you consider all the changes, it’s enough to make a good Lutheran exclaim, "Uff da!"

Exclamations of "Alleluia" are called for, however, when you consider that the Word of God never changes. "The word of the Lord remains forever" (1 Peter 1:25). Regardless of how we see it maligned or misused or neglected, the Word remains. The One it points to does not change. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

In this regard, Lutherans For Life has not changed. Our mission remains to witness to the God-given sanctity of human life "based on the Word of God." Our vision remains to be a powerful and biblical pro-life voice to Lutherans and through them renew the Church and transform society. Our message continues to be grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Other things have changed. Leadership has changed. The numbers of Lutherans involved has changed. The location of the national office and the size of the national staff have changed. The number and complexity of the life issues themselves has changed. How we go about educating and equipping God’s people to address these issues changes.

The what we use in this educating and equipping, however, does not change, and we dare never "build our house" on anything but God’s Word (Matthew 7:24). The Word of God does things (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God brings the kind of change even Lutherans desire! The Word reveals sin (Romans 3:20). The Word reveals God’s love in Jesus who dealt with sin and brings salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). The Word works faith (Romans 10:17). The Word gives new life (1 Peter 1:23). The Word provides a "lamp" for living (Psalm 119:105).

Connect the "dots" of these basic Christian teachings to the life issues and you will form a picture of Lutherans For Life and what we desire to help Lutheran congregations do in their preaching and teaching ministries. Politically correct or not, comfortable or not, abortion and other assaults on life need to be called wrong. They are more than political issues; they are sin. But sins against life are also sins for which Jesus died! Those crushed by these sins need to hear the Gospel applied to them. Faith in Jesus Christ brings new life and a new perspective on living life. We are assured that the God who redeemed us through the sufferings of Christ will not forsake us in our suffering. We can live life enlightened by God’s Spirit and make decisions in accordance with His Word.

Dealing with the life issues is often associated with political change and rightly so. It is important for political change to happen, and it is important to have groups courageously lobbying for such change. The problem inherent in political change, however, is that it can change back again. More permanent change calls for a more fundamental change—changed hearts. God’s Word changes hearts.