He calls the world into being,
creates man in his own image,
and sets before him the ways of life and death.
He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets
and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord
he has come to us
and shared our common lot,
conquered sin and death
and reconciled the world to himself.
He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit,
creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,
binding in convenant faithul people of all ages, tongues, and races.
He calls us into his church
to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
to be his servants in the service of men,
to proclaim the gospelto all the world and resist the powers of evil,
to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table,
to join him in his passion and victory.
He promises to all who trust him
forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,
courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
his presence in trial and rejoicing,
and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end. |