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Stump, Joseph

"An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism"


[Jer. 31:29] If the children also are wicked, their sufferings are a
punishment; [Ezek. 18:20, Prov. 3:12, Rom. 8:28] if they are godly,
their sufferings are a chastening.
_In the Next World_ God will punish by Exclusion from Heaven and from
His Presence; [Matt. 22:13] and by Eternal Misery in Hell. [Rev. 21:8,
Matt. 25:41]
II. BLESSING.
GOD PROMISES GRACE AND EVERY BLESSING. [Rom. 2:10+]
1. _To Whom?_ TO ALL WHO KEEP THESE COMMANDMENTS. It is true, all men
are sinners, and no one keeps these commandments perfectly. [Rom. 3:23+]
But the godly try earnestly to keep them, [I Cor. 9:27] and are truly
sorry for every failure to do so. [Rom. 7:24] To them, therefore, God
promises grace and every blessing.
2. _Why?_ God will bless them, not because they have earned a reward,
but because He is merciful and gracious. [Ps. 103:11+, Joel 2:13] We
cannot earn anything from God but punishment. His blessing is bestowed
upon us solely as a gift of grace.
3. _How?_
_In this World_ God blesses the godly with: Peace of Heart; [John 14:27]
His Favor and Guidance; [Ps.


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