Thursday, June 23, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Adiaphora and Tyranny Now Available
Adiaphora and Tyranny, four writings of Matthias Flacius on the biblical teaching about adiaphora from the Adiaphoristic Controversy, is now available at our website: www.magdeburgpress.com. Right now it is being offered and a discount price or in a bundle with our other book by Flacius, How to Understand the Sacred Scriptures. Thank you for your support and to all who helped with this work!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Adiaphora and Tyranny
Adiaphora and Tyranny, which includes four of Flacius' important works from the Adiaphoristic Controversy, should be available by the end of the month, and will be offered on the website for a significant introductory discount. Check back for more details. We are very excited about the release of this new book.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Looking for Volunteers
We are almost done translating our next publication--four works by Matthias Flacius from the Adiaphoristic Controversy. These works deal with what true adiaphora are, the proper Christian response in a time of confession, the role of the state in churches, and various other important topics. They helped influence the formulation of Article X of the Formula of Concord as well. We are hoping a few theologically astute men or women would be willing to read through parts of the book to catch typos, suggest wording improvements, and point out where additional footnotes would be helpful. If you'd be interested, please send a message. The pay isn't great (free copies of the book and a thank you in the preface), but the help is appreciated.
The True Font of Teaching
25. Further, since some men send us off elsewhere for seeking truth, now to the ancients, now to the most learned ones, now to the fathers and the traditions of predecessors, it is therefore necessary to carefully observe with respect to that that Christ and the apostles did not cite any fathers or their traditions or customs, which they no doubt would have been able to produce abundantly in their favor, in that way greatly increasing the respect that the Pharisees and priests had for their authority, as well as the respect of the people. They in fact produced no such thing, not the slightest either in their favor or contrary to it. Instead, they expressly found fault with the traditions of men. This demonstrates that all truth is to be drawn from the font of the Scriptures alone. We have been built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles alone and upon that we must establish the church and the religion. We must strive to imitate and hear them lest we pay excessive attention to what men say, the traditions of men, and what kinds of rules or religions they might endeavor to command or set forth for us.
How to Understand the Sacred Scriptures, 84-85
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Processed and Shipped
The printer has notified us that all of the orders placed so far for the Flacius book have been processed and shipped. Please let us know if you encounter any problems. Also, if you would be so kind, as you read through any of our books, if you notice any typos, errors, or areas that could be improved, please do not hesitate to email and let us know. In this way, we can be sure to ensure that we are constantly improving our publications for the future. We lack the staff of larger publishing houses, but strive to keep the books we publish as proper and polished as possible.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Place your order!
The website has been updated and How to Understand the Sacred Scriptures can be ordered for a special introductory price of $7.99. The book is 118 pages. It includes an insightful introduction to Flacius' life and theology by Dr. Jack Kilcrease. The translation is of Flacius' hermeneutical principles from Clavis Scripturae Sacrae. The Clavis was a large work that covered a variety of matters, including Hebrew vocables. This portion of the work on interpreting the Scriptures had an enduring impact and was used for centuries by Lutheran pastors and theologians. It also influenced a number of other books on hermeneutics.
We are offering some bundle deals as well. For instance, get Gerhard's Sacred Meditations and Flacius' How to Understand the Scriptures for $18.99. We've really worked hard to keep the prices down on our books and hope that will help get good Lutheran theology into more hands. Whatever profit has been made in the past has been rolled into future publication and revision costs.
We are offering some bundle deals as well. For instance, get Gerhard's Sacred Meditations and Flacius' How to Understand the Scriptures for $18.99. We've really worked hard to keep the prices down on our books and hope that will help get good Lutheran theology into more hands. Whatever profit has been made in the past has been rolled into future publication and revision costs.
Christ at the Heart of Scripture
9. When we are converted to Christ, the veil is taken off our heart and also from the Scriptures, not only because we are illumined with spiritual light, but also because we grasp the scope and argument of all of Scripture, namely, the Lord Jesus, with His suffering and benevolent service (2 Corinthians 3:16). For the end of the law is Christ. That alone is the pearl of great price, and when we have found it in this field of the Lord, then we go about our life well satisfied.
How to Understand the Sacred Scriptures, page 69
Sacred Meditations - Second Edition
Thank you for all of your support of Magdeburg Press. We are pleased to announce that the second edition of the Sacred Meditations will be available soon. The translation remains almost entirely the same, but a good deal of formatting has been done for a cleaner appearance and easier reading experience. For those of you who have read the Meditations before, or haven't read them in a while, here's a taste:
XVII. Concerning the fruits of Baptism.
Baptism is a holy washing.
Remember, faithful soul, the great grace granted you in the salutary washing of Baptism. Baptism is a washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5). Whoever has therefore been moistened in the washing of Baptism is no longer completely lost1 in the former ways of his carnal birth. Rather, because he has been born of God, that is, through water and the Spirit (John 3:5), he is also a son of God, and because he is a son, he is also likewise an heir of eternal blessedness (Romans 14:17). Thus,2 the eternal Father proclaimed the following words at Christ’s Baptism: “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). Therefore, he adopts all who believe and are baptized as sons. In Christ’s Baptism, the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove. So also, the Holy Spirit is present in our Baptism, giving it its power. Yes indeed, he confers himself to those who believe and affects a new impulse within them so that they are as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Just as he acted in creation, so also he acts in our own regeneration. In the beginning of creation, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the waters and conferred upon them a vital power. So also, in the water of Baptism the Holy Spirit is present and works to save us by this means of regeneration. Jesus Christ himself, our Savior, chose to be baptized to testify to us that we are made his members through Baptism. Frequently medicine is applied to the head to heal other members of the body. Our spiritual head is Christ. He received the baptismal medicine for the salvation of his mystical body.3 In circumcision, God entered a covenant with his people in the Old Testament (Genesis 17:11). Similarly, we are received into the covenant of God in the New Testament through Baptism since Baptism has taken the place of circumcision (Colossians 2:11). Therefore, whoever is in the covenant of God should not fear the accusations of the devil. The Christian is clothed with Christ in Baptism (Galatians 3:27). Hence, the saints are said to have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). The righteousness of Christ is that most beautiful of clothing. Whoever has thus been clothed with this clothing should not fear the stain of sin.
There was a pool near the sheep gate4 in Jerusalem. At certain times, an angel used to descend and turn the waters of it. Whoever descended into it5 first after the waters were turned was healed of whatever disease he had suffered (John 5:2-4). The water of Baptism is that pool which heals us from all the disease of sins when the Holy Spirit descends into it and turns it with the blood of Christ, who was made the [sacrificial] victim for us, just as the sheep to be sacrificed were also washed in that pool in Jerusalem. At Christ’s Baptism, the heavens were opened. Likewise, in our Baptism, the doors of heaven are opened. In Christ’s Baptism, the entire Most Holy Trinity was present (Matthew 3:16). So also, it is present in our Baptism. And so, in the words of promise that are joined with the element of water, faith receives the grace of the Father who adopts6 us, the merits of the Son who cleanses us, and the efficacy of the Holy Spirit who regenerates us.
When Pharaoh and all his armies were submerged7 in the Red Sea, the Israelites were saved and passed through it unscathed (Exodus 14:28). Thus, in Baptism, all the armies of sin are submerged and the faithful pass safely through to the promise of the inheritance of the heavenly kingdom. For this reason Baptism is also like that sea of glass which John saw (Revelation 4:6). Through it, like through a glass, the splendor of the Son of Righteousness enters into our minds. That sea was before the throne of the Lamb. The throne of the Lamb is the Church, in which alone the grace of Holy Baptism is held. The prophet Ezekiel saw waters flowing from the temple, making all alive and healing them (Ezekiel 47:1). Likewise in God’s spiritual temple, that is, in the Church, the saving waters of Baptism, in whose depths our sins are cast, still gush (Micah 7:19). All who come to this stream are healed and live. Baptism is the spiritual flood in which our sinful flesh is drowned. The unclean raven exits and the dove, the Holy Spirit, brings back the olive branch, that is, inspires peace and tranquility for the soul. Therefore, remember, faithful soul, this highest grace made yours in Baptism and give due thanks to God.
Even more, the more plentiful the grace that has been conferred upon us through Baptism, the more diligently we ought to guard that gift that has been given. “We have been buried with Christ through Baptism into death, therefore, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead in the glory of the Father, we also should enter into a new life” (Romans 6:4). We were healed. Therefore, let us sin no more lest something more detrimental happen to us (John 5:14). We have been clothed with the righteousness of Christ, by far the most precious clothing there is. Therefore, let us not stain it with the blemish of sins. Our old man was crucified and died in Baptism. Let the new man now live. We have been regenerated and the attitude of our minds has been renewed in Baptism (Ephesians 4:23). For this reason, do not let the flesh dominate the spirit. “The old has passed away. Behold, everything has been made new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Let not the oldness of the flesh prevail upon the newness of the spirit. We have been made sons of God through spiritual regeneration. Let us then lead a life worthy of such a Father. We have been made the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us thus prepare a hospitable seat for such a great guest. We have been received into the covenant of God. Let us therefore take care that we do not labor for the wage of the devil and thus be cut off from the grace of the covenant.
Work all this in us, O Blessed Trinity, one God, who has given such great grace in Baptism, and grant that we may persevere in this great grace.
XVII. Concerning the fruits of Baptism.
Baptism is a holy washing.
Remember, faithful soul, the great grace granted you in the salutary washing of Baptism. Baptism is a washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5). Whoever has therefore been moistened in the washing of Baptism is no longer completely lost1 in the former ways of his carnal birth. Rather, because he has been born of God, that is, through water and the Spirit (John 3:5), he is also a son of God, and because he is a son, he is also likewise an heir of eternal blessedness (Romans 14:17). Thus,2 the eternal Father proclaimed the following words at Christ’s Baptism: “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). Therefore, he adopts all who believe and are baptized as sons. In Christ’s Baptism, the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove. So also, the Holy Spirit is present in our Baptism, giving it its power. Yes indeed, he confers himself to those who believe and affects a new impulse within them so that they are as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Just as he acted in creation, so also he acts in our own regeneration. In the beginning of creation, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the waters and conferred upon them a vital power. So also, in the water of Baptism the Holy Spirit is present and works to save us by this means of regeneration. Jesus Christ himself, our Savior, chose to be baptized to testify to us that we are made his members through Baptism. Frequently medicine is applied to the head to heal other members of the body. Our spiritual head is Christ. He received the baptismal medicine for the salvation of his mystical body.3 In circumcision, God entered a covenant with his people in the Old Testament (Genesis 17:11). Similarly, we are received into the covenant of God in the New Testament through Baptism since Baptism has taken the place of circumcision (Colossians 2:11). Therefore, whoever is in the covenant of God should not fear the accusations of the devil. The Christian is clothed with Christ in Baptism (Galatians 3:27). Hence, the saints are said to have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). The righteousness of Christ is that most beautiful of clothing. Whoever has thus been clothed with this clothing should not fear the stain of sin.
There was a pool near the sheep gate4 in Jerusalem. At certain times, an angel used to descend and turn the waters of it. Whoever descended into it5 first after the waters were turned was healed of whatever disease he had suffered (John 5:2-4). The water of Baptism is that pool which heals us from all the disease of sins when the Holy Spirit descends into it and turns it with the blood of Christ, who was made the [sacrificial] victim for us, just as the sheep to be sacrificed were also washed in that pool in Jerusalem. At Christ’s Baptism, the heavens were opened. Likewise, in our Baptism, the doors of heaven are opened. In Christ’s Baptism, the entire Most Holy Trinity was present (Matthew 3:16). So also, it is present in our Baptism. And so, in the words of promise that are joined with the element of water, faith receives the grace of the Father who adopts6 us, the merits of the Son who cleanses us, and the efficacy of the Holy Spirit who regenerates us.
When Pharaoh and all his armies were submerged7 in the Red Sea, the Israelites were saved and passed through it unscathed (Exodus 14:28). Thus, in Baptism, all the armies of sin are submerged and the faithful pass safely through to the promise of the inheritance of the heavenly kingdom. For this reason Baptism is also like that sea of glass which John saw (Revelation 4:6). Through it, like through a glass, the splendor of the Son of Righteousness enters into our minds. That sea was before the throne of the Lamb. The throne of the Lamb is the Church, in which alone the grace of Holy Baptism is held. The prophet Ezekiel saw waters flowing from the temple, making all alive and healing them (Ezekiel 47:1). Likewise in God’s spiritual temple, that is, in the Church, the saving waters of Baptism, in whose depths our sins are cast, still gush (Micah 7:19). All who come to this stream are healed and live. Baptism is the spiritual flood in which our sinful flesh is drowned. The unclean raven exits and the dove, the Holy Spirit, brings back the olive branch, that is, inspires peace and tranquility for the soul. Therefore, remember, faithful soul, this highest grace made yours in Baptism and give due thanks to God.
Even more, the more plentiful the grace that has been conferred upon us through Baptism, the more diligently we ought to guard that gift that has been given. “We have been buried with Christ through Baptism into death, therefore, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead in the glory of the Father, we also should enter into a new life” (Romans 6:4). We were healed. Therefore, let us sin no more lest something more detrimental happen to us (John 5:14). We have been clothed with the righteousness of Christ, by far the most precious clothing there is. Therefore, let us not stain it with the blemish of sins. Our old man was crucified and died in Baptism. Let the new man now live. We have been regenerated and the attitude of our minds has been renewed in Baptism (Ephesians 4:23). For this reason, do not let the flesh dominate the spirit. “The old has passed away. Behold, everything has been made new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Let not the oldness of the flesh prevail upon the newness of the spirit. We have been made sons of God through spiritual regeneration. Let us then lead a life worthy of such a Father. We have been made the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us thus prepare a hospitable seat for such a great guest. We have been received into the covenant of God. Let us therefore take care that we do not labor for the wage of the devil and thus be cut off from the grace of the covenant.
Work all this in us, O Blessed Trinity, one God, who has given such great grace in Baptism, and grant that we may persevere in this great grace.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Scriptures Must Be Read in the Fear of God
8. The Sacred Scriptures must be read in the fear of God, so that we may stand securely and turn aside neither to the right nor to the left, whether in faith, in morals, or in any other actions (Joshua 1:7,8; Deuteronomy 5:32). For the fear of God is also the highest wisdom, so that it alone knows the right way and is heard in this, its house, as the one and only head of the household.
How to Understand the Sacred Scriptures, page 69
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Problem of Interpreters
Interpreters, who indeed ought to be the greatest help to the unlearned for learning the Sacred Scriptures, often darken them more than they explain them, whether from ignorance or malice, as they introduce their own thoughts and dreams into Scripture, and affix to it a wax nose (as the impious Jesuits of Cologne blaspheme Scripture).
How to Understand the Sacred Scriptures, page 49
Sorry for the Wait...A New Publication
We are excited to announce that How to Understand the Scriptures (from the Clavis Scripturae Sacrae) by Matthias Flacius is in the final stages of preparation for publication. This work, designed to help the Christian interpret the Scriptures, or rather let them interpret themselves, will be a useful tool for students of the Bible. Even more, it includes a wonderful and thorough introduction by Dr. Jack Kilcrease. Stay tuned for details. Excerpts will follow.
So, It's Been a Long Time
Needless to say, the blog has been neglected. Time to become useful again. We are now preparing for the publication of Flacius' insightful principles for the interpretation of Scripture. Some will soon be included on this blog. God's blessings as we celebrate the Epiphany!
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