Closing the Back Door
It may seem that emphasizing the promissory nature of baptism and the Supper is a reversion from the Reformation.
On the contrary: In popular medieval piety, no common believer could have assurance simply by hearing the promises of God, receiving baptism, occasionally receiving the Supper. To have real assurance, they had to find a mystical backdoor to God.
The Reformers said that God’s promises are true. God hasn’t hidden Himself. The gospel says, He’s come out of hiding; He’s come in the flesh of Jesus; He’s shown Himself.
And this available God has made Himself available to the end of the world through His Spirit in Word and Sacrament.
The Reformation was about closing the back door, and letting people come in the front.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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