Several weeks ago there was considerable discussion in Lutheran CORE’s Facebook group in response to a person who questioned whether it is appropriate to call the Bible the Word of God. 

As part of that process, we posted our Statement on Scripture, which was written in 2007.

Because that statement was responding specifically to comments made by former ELCA presiding bishop Mark Hansen and to the ELCA’s Book of Faith initiative, we felt that the document should be updated to reflect our current situation and without reference to that initiative.

We are very grateful to NALC pastor Ken Kimball, who, along with Bishop Paull Spring, wrote the original statement.  Pastor Kimball graciously accepted our request to update the statement.  We are also very grateful to Dr. Mark Mattes of Grand View University for reviewing the statement. 

At its most recent meeting the board of Lutheran CORE unanimously voted to approve the statement.  You can find the full text of that document here. 

As we said in the July 2021 issue of CORE Voice, the real issue behind the issue is more often than not the authority of Scripture.  Refusing to call God Father, rejecting evangelism as part of the mission of the church, seeing faith in Christ as only one out of many ways to God, and embracing the full, radical LGBTQIA+ agenda all result from rejecting the inspiration, reliability, and authority of the Bible.  Therefore, we are glad to be able to share with you this newly updated Statement on Scripture.    

In the words of a hymn that has been set to the tune of “A Mighty Fortress” –

“God’s Word is our great heritage and shall be ours forever.

To spread its light from age to age shall be our chief endeavor.

Through life it guides our way; in death it is our stay.

Lord, grant while time shall last your Church may hold it fast

Throughout all generations.”

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:1-2)

 

You, O Lord, are the solid ground upon which all hope can be built. You who made all things have given good and gracious promises. Your wing covers all the earth and You have provided all that is needed. Let me take refuge in You, the only One who is able to protect me from my enemies. Increase my faith that I would trust in You alone who is trustworthy. Abide in me as I abide in You.

Lord, through the storms of this life I often forget that all things are in Your hands. You provide for all and for Your purpose. Though I experience affliction, help me to see through the momentary things and come under the shadow of Your wing and find refuge. Help me to know that You are my strength and an ever present fortress. Teach me to love You as You love me.

Lord, You love us so much that You have provided all that we need to live through the storms of this life. Lift me up into Your presence that I would abide with You as You abide with me. Keep me close to You and teach me to keep You close to me. Help me now and always to rejoice in all the good gifts You give that I may become like Christ and be a faithful servant in Your kingdom. Amen.