Principles of the Doctorine of Christ

Mesa Apostolic Lutheran Church Bible Study Discussion Session 3:
Principles of the Doctrine of Christ

After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. He preached: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:14, 15).
Continue first section: Repentance (pp. 2 & 3)

1) Consider the spiritual ramifications of Jesus' words "repent and believe." What does this teach us about the often heard statement "just believe"?
2) Luther's Tower Experience
3) What is "imputation"?

4) As used in the New Testament law has several meanings—for example, customs, natural principles, all of God's revelation, or the Mosaic code.
5) In Romans and Galatians Paul closely examines the law received and shared by Moses. He speaks of its temporary nature, limited purpose, and ability to provoke or stimulate one unto sin. What does he mean?
6) The law is not a believer's guide. In John 16:13, Jesus states that when he, the Spirit of truth, is come he will guide you into all truth. . . . See Romans 8:5.
7) According to Paul, what is the lawful use of the law?

8) What is the inner core, or heart, of repentance?

Metanoia [Greek, NT] (literally, 'a change of mind'): remorse, repentance, turning about, a change in principle and practice
Teshuvah (Hebrew, OT): turning around
Is it the outward action that is the important essence of repentance, or is something else of greater significance?
At what point does the sinner have a change of mind/turn around?

The Awakened State (pp. 4-6)

1) What is an "awakening"?
2) Are both a careless sinner and a self-righteous person under the curse of the law?
3) How does the self-righteous condition differ from that of a careless sinner?
4) How does the Apostle Paul's awakening illustrate the awakening of one who is in a self-righteous condition of heart?
5) What does Cornelius' experience teach us?
6) What IS spiritual poverty? In what way does the "pure mercy" of God create a recognition of "spiritual poverty"? What happens to the heart?