Help My Unbelief: Where to Turn When the Human Experience Does Not Match the Divine Truth

Abstract

At the heart of biblical and Lutheran doctrine, we see justification by faith. Through the work of his son, God has taken away the sins of the world (John 1:29 NIV). Through faith, the benefits of that work are received (John 3:16). But what happens when a Christian is tempted to think that those benefits are not for them? The purpose of this study is to answer the following question: What does a Christian need when faced with the temptation to not appropriate the promises of the gospel? The opening portion of the study will identify the existence of a particular affliction—often called Anfechtung—where one is led by Satan to doubt the sincerity of God’s promise of forgiveness. This section will lean heavily on the writings by and about Martin Luther, along with a variety of practical and pastoral sources. The second portion of the study will turn to those very promises of God, examining the scriptural truths that provide Christians with a deeper understanding of the objective truths which can combat this particular affliction. This section will primarily focus on the work of Lutheran dogmaticians, including Adolf Hoenecke, Johann Gerhard, and Francis Pieper. The third portion of the study will identify and recommend practices that can help Christians face this particular affliction. This section will make use of many of the same practical and pastoral writings as the first section.