Devotions from Steadfast Lutherans

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:19–25, ESV)

5 The world against me rages,

LSB 467:5

Dear Jesus, help us to always trust in You and Your work of atonement for our victory over sin, death, and the devil.  Help us look to you when tempted to be fearful like the unbelievers are, and to know that we are as secure and safe as we ever shall be because of Your finished work at Calvary.  Amen.

St. Paul rightly says since we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we saved by him from the wrath of God.  

Easter Sunday is the public spectacle of Christ’s victory.  It is a testimony of His power to save – that in fact Christ has done everything needed to accomplish salvation.  The grave, that final opponent is defeated and cannot stand against Christ, and by implication the grave cannot stand against those who belong to Christ.  You have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection, you have new life by the forgiveness of sins.  Christ shares His victory with you – not only at the Last Day, but even now each day in your baptized life – daily dying to sin and rising again to newness of life.

Dear Jesus, thank You for earning our salvation and rising from the grave.  Help us to look to you for our eternal joy no matter our earthly situation.  Help us to fear the grave as little as our beds.  Amen.

Dear Lord, Thine were the works, Thine was the love, Thine the sacrifice, the blood, that saved me and brought me into communion with Thee. Grant me to always thank Thee and to behold Thee in heaven with eyes unclouded. Amen

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4

Unto life Thou shalt arouse me

Thou hast died for my transgression,