Fagerberg, Holsten, and Eugene Lund. A New Look at the Lutheran Confessions (1529-1537). St. Louis: Concordia, 1988. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 12, “Eternal Life” Loc. 7020-7228.
In this final chapter Fagerberg discusses the “last things,” observing that they are spoken of only briefly in the Confessions and that they were received without opposition (Fagerberg 1988, Loc. 7020). However, “the subject of eschatology is so essential for them that it pervades the entire presentation” (Fagerberg 1988, Loc. 7025). The entirety of the Christian life is lived between creation and final resurrection (Fagerberg 1988, Loc. 7035). Fagerberg discusses numerous eschatological implications of the Reformation doctrines which have been previously considered. Eternity is the eventual goal of all the work of Christ. Fagerberg does discuss the Reformation view against a millennium and against purgatory (Fagerberg 1988, Loc. 7117). The rejection of a millennium may be related to a desire of the Lutherans to distance themselves from the radical Reformation. Rejection of purgatory is more clearly linked to its absence in Scripture (Fagerberg 1988, Loc. 7122).
Fagerberg concludes his book with a very brief observation that the Reformation’s greatest strength was in its positive and joyful message of assurance of salvation by grace through faith. This is a message which will suffice to eternity (Fagerberg 1988, Loc. 7145).