Üdvképek, szentségek és a szentek közössége
Images of Grace, Sacraments, and the Communion of Saints

Theological Emphases in Luther’s Sermon on Preparing to Die

Summary/Abstract: This paper offers a theological analysis of Luther’s highly influential early sermon, focusing on three central concerns of the original piece: the conflict of images, sacraments, and the communion of saints. Special attention is paid to the sermon’s pastoral theological orientation and to how the central issues relate to larger themes in early Reformation theology. The images of grace countering those of death, sin, and hell not only exhibit a strong Christological focus but are also internally connected to the teaching of the bondage of the will and Luther’s theology of the cross. Rather than explore the sermon as evidence for the development of the Reformer’s sacramental theology, this paper concentrates on the sacraments’ function as means of grace for the dying, strengthening their faith, and poses the question whether Luther’s approach to the anointing of the sick (extreme unction) may not point the way to a contemporary Protestant reinterpretation of this rite. In Luther’s understanding the saints represent not so much the officially canonised now deceased members of the church as a welcoming and supporting community. The role he assigns them in carrying the burden of the dying person and receiving him/her has both great ecumenical significance and considerable potential to enrich contemporary Protestant piety.Ultimately, images of grace, sacraments, and the communion of saints are all given to support the dying person, to strengthen his/her faith, which is also recognised as a major task of Reformation theology.

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