Christ's Church is Never Declining!

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
Psalm 46:5








When the statistics are announced about Christianity in the world, what is typically said in our time? It is in decline. This world's analysis says that it is in decline, but God says it will never decline, for He is in her midst!

Notice anything about this Psalm? Right, it is the Mighty Fortress Psalm! "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea." Verse1-2

Over all of its history the Christian church in the eyes of man is always been on the decline and about to go under. Even after our Lord's Ascension, the church was consisting of only a few men and women who believed and were carrying out His mandates. He continually added to this church. And He continues to add to it, and will until the day He returns! So, it is never declining! It is always growing!

His Word even teaches that during the last days, it would seem to be doomed to decline and ruin, except that He return and rescue it: "And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short." Matthew 24:22

God is always in the midst of the Church to continue His saving work through the gospel in Word and Sacrament to add to His kingdom. This wonderful work will continue till the end, even though the devil and world rages against it. They will not succeed. For He is present in these precious means of grace (Word and Sacrament) to be her midst to protect, as is well proven over time.

Luther asks who is doing all this? He answers in his most famous hymn: "Jesus Christ it is, of Sabaoth Lord, And there's no other God." The Crucified One continues to fight with and for His increasing and not declining Church! Thanks be to God!