Good Friday: The Gospel in Action
Today’s Verses:
1 Peter 2:24, ESV
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."
On this solemn Good Friday, we remember the cross–not just as an instrument of suffering, but as the place of God's astonishing grace. Martin Luther emphasized that Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, willingly took our sins upon Himself. He bore the judgment we deserved.
This is the heart of the Gospel: Christ died for us. It wasn't our goodness, but His sacrifice, that reconciles us to God. This day is "Good" because His death purchased our life and forgiveness, received simply through faith (Sola Fide) in Him (Solus Christus).
May we pause today in quiet gratitude for this incredible act of love, the heavy price paid for our peace with God.
.Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son to die on the cross for me, a poor, wretched sinner. Thank You. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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