Comments on: Dr. James A. Nestingen – Luther’s “On the Bondage of the Will”

By: Brian Eklund

Brian Eklund — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:58:49 +0000

As a former student of Dr. Nestingen, having taken his Church History, Lutheran Confession (with Dr. Paulson), and his Confession Absolution course, this was an absolute and genuine piece of faithful teaching. I think it was Barth who said that preaching is like holding a newspaper in one hand and the Holy Scriptures in another. Dr. Nestingen embodies that with his teaching of faith (Lutheran), and relating biblical and theological premises and doctrines to everyday life! It was pure Gold! Thanks for placing the video on here!

By: Rob Olson

Rob Olson — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:28:36 +0000

Excellent stuff. I wish I could have been there. I had a cup of coffee with Dr. Nestingen in Hancock, MI in 1998, when he spoke on Confession and Absolution at the ELCA church there, a topic which brought out all of the Finnish Lutherans up dere in da U.P., eh!

A good man, like Forde.

By: Juan Rivera

Juan Rivera — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:05:47 +0000

2Corinthians 5:20-
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Though the talk was VERY interesting… I must convey my disagreement. The Gospel is not solely a “declaration” upon sinners who listen to it- That would be entirely throwing away REPENTANCE… There can be no salvation without repentance-
Are we to say now that Paul was a “Decision Theologian” because he conveys GOD’S APPEAL to reconciliation? Sometimes the Bondage of the Will, if applied too forcefully, can actually DESTROY the Gospel.
The natural man has NO POWER to choose God- but somehow, mysteriously, through the call and power of the Holy Spirit men are ABLE TO ACCEPT this precious Gospel. God does not “repent and believe” for us…he empowers us to do so.
Interestingly, our Lord begins his ministry (according to Mark) by saying: “Repent.”