Scripture Interpretation, Baptism, and Church Attendance. Killing and the Death Penalty.
by the Rev. Walter Snyder

Q: Where does the Bible say anything about using the Scriptures to get closer to God?

A: The Bible is full of references to Christ and Holy Scripture. He tells His hearers that it (at that time,
the Old Testament) testifies to Him. Paul reminds Timothy (1 Timothy 3:16--17), "All Scripture is
inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in
righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." How this
works out is not always so simple. Discernment and application are important. As Paul says in
Romans 10:17, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." If you read the
previous verses in Romans 10, you see that the "hearing" is that of sheep to shepherd or parishioner
to pastor. Nothing replaces good, sin-condemning Law and sin-forgiving Gospel preaching. In other
words, being a member of---and a regular participant in---a solid Christian congregation, with a
pastor who teaches God's Word in its truth and purity in his sermons and Bible classes, is essential. If
forced to choose, opt for the sermon over the Bible class, since a true pastor of Christ's Church will
always let you leave knowing that your sins are forgiven.

Thus, you get closer to God as His Word pours into your ears. Yes, reading Scripture is also valuable,
but receiving the *proclaimed* forgiveness of sins that is part of any true Biblical sermon has been
the core of the Christian Church from its earliest days. That's why, after Pentecost, the Christians
banded together and remained in "the apostles' teaching" (including the sermons of the disciples and
their followers). They also remained in the "fellowship" (the Christian assembly or Church, not
individuals struggling to interpret the Bible), the "breaking of bread" (Holy Communion, where the
group is joined as one with Christ and each other), and in "the prayers" (since they are *the* prayers,
these must be ones known to and used by the entire group), as Acts 2:42 states.

Your question ties in with those of the following person.

Q: Can you be baptized by any pastor from any church or do you have to be baptized by the
pastor of the church you are attending? Do you have to join a church? Is it absolutely
necessary? How do you know that you are chosen to be saved? I know this is my insecurities
talking here but I was just wondering.

A: In general, Christian baptism is Christian baptism. However, the Church has generally encouraged
baptism by the pastor of the congregation which one is joining. Exceptions are often made when a
family member is a pastor. Even then, the baptism is normally done in what will be the "home"
congregation unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

As for joining, the church---that is, the local congregation---is where God gives his gifts. It is where
sinners are baptized and washed of their sins, where forgiveness is given in the words of absolution
and in the sermon, and where we are given Christ's body and blood to eat and drink. To remain
Christian outside the Church's congregational life is almost as difficult as remaining a fish out of
water. The spiritual nutrition and shelter aren't there for us anywhere else. We might last for a time,
but the discipline necessary for staying in Scripture is missing, as is the "mutual conversation and
consolation of the brethren," of which the Bible speaks.

Knowing that you are saved comes from knowing the Savior. Sometimes you may not feel saved, but
if you know Christ Jesus as the Scriptures testify of Him, believe that He died for you, and have been
baptized into the Christian faith in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,
you are saved. Being active in a true Christian congregation will reenforce these things, that you
might know Him and know your salvation all the better.

Q: The Bible says that the penalty for sin is death, but it also says don't kill. How is this?

A: You're not the first Christian to ask this question. Along with others, I've wrestled with this myself
and have consulted those wiser than I (including Martin Luther, who wrote a great essay to Christians
who were soldiers). The short answer is that as *individuals* we are commanded not to kill.
However, as Paul reminds us, the *government* has the sword, and the right to exact earthly
punishment on God's behalf. Now, if a government abuses this authority, those responsible must
answer for their sins. But God does allow (and in places commands) death for certain crimes and also
doesn't forbid Christians from taking up arms to fight for their nation or to defend their own families.
We are not allowed, by God or by government, to exact revenge ourselves. "Vengeance is mine, says
the Lord." Eternal punishment is only in his hands. Earthly punishment is often his hand veiled in the
flesh of earthly rulers and laws.

To Ask the Pastor, please write Ask the Pastor, PO Box 12, Emma, MO, 65327 or send email to
askthepastor@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book
"What Do Lutherans Believe."

Ask the Pastor is copyright (c) 2001 by Walter P. Snyder. It may be reproduced  in totality,
including this disclaimer, by anyone, provided that no profit is generated by said
republication and redistribution. Translations into other languages should similarly note
the United States and any appropriate international copyrights, as well as God's Scriptural
injunctions concerning the property of others.