According to WELS, the ELS, and the LCMS, God became man, born of a Virgin, to tell the world every single atheist, polytheist, pagan, and cannibal is forgiven and saved - without faith.
Joint Statement - WELS, ELS, LCMS
Of special note in our discussions was the doctrine of the church, because, to the surprise of ELS and WELS participants, it seemed that we agreed with each other on this doctrine. We also acknowledged agreement in regard to current social issues, such as the sanctity of life, human sexuality, and religious freedom. Last but certainly not least, there was special joy to understand that we all hold to objective justification—that God declared the world righteous through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and that we all recognize it to be the urgent mission of the church to take this gospel to the entire world.
---
"Scripture teaches that God has already declared the whole world to be righteous in Christ, Rom. 5:19; 2 Cor. 5:18-21; Rom. 4:25..." - LCMS Brief Confession, 1932
---
This has to bring great joy to the underworked and overpaid synodical staffers, who believe nothing at all and covet everything about ELCA, especially its degenerate behavior and dogma.
Lutherdom is one seamless garment today - Universalism combined with the manners of the Roman Empire during its steepest decline.
They needed a new Bible for this, and they got what they wanted, the New NIV, which added a word (all) to Romans 3 so that all have sinned and all are declared forgiven.
The New NIV
Romans 3:22 This righteousness is given through faith in[h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
GJ - Note the furtive "all," which is not in the original text, but only in the minds of Universalists.
King James Version
Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
 |
| Brug, Wendland, and Bivens wonder, "Why are our seminary students so stoopid?" Because anyone with a brain is driven out. |