God’s son has come. Jesus Christ has completed his work. The sin of the world was laid upon his shoulders, and he bore its shame. His sacrifice is complete. God’s verdict of “not guilty” is rendered. Jesus has restored life and immortality to a fallen world. The same simple truth applies to all people: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Sadly, most people don’t know this simple truth. The vast majority of the souls living in the world are perishing in darkness, ignorance, and unbelief. Billions have never heard that God has reconciled the world to himself in Christ. Countless souls will live out their days unaware of the forgiveness that was purchased for them at Calvary’s cross.

St. Paul asks: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14,15).

Since Jesus died for the world, he is to be proclaimed to the world. Every soul is a treasure, whose worth is measured by the precious blood of Jesus.

A powerful motivator

God’s justification has given you a new identity as a forgiven child of God. It has given you a new purpose in life. It motivates your mission, as you share the good news of sins forgiven with people who are still lost and dying.

The forgiveness acquired by Jesus for all at the cross gives us confessional Lutherans the highest motivation to share our Savior. We don’t preach “Jesus saves” and offer a salvation that is incomplete and just waiting for the sinner to do something to complete the transaction. We offer comfort to troubled sinners, the assurance—not the mere possibility—of salvation. We proclaim boldly, “Jesus saved.” Past tense. Finished. Certain. Period.

We don’t leave God’s people twisting in an ambiguous morality asking, “What would Jesus do (WWJD)?” We proclaim what Jesus did to rescue sinners, and we rejoice that God counts every Christian work of faith done in the righteousness of Christ as good.

A ticket to growth and popularity?

As we share the good news, does this mean that our churches will always see droves of people coming to hear God’s Word? Is preaching repentance and faith the ticket to a growing synod? Not necessarily.