A New Book with a long History...

I recently bought a new book that was published by Concordia Publishing House this year of 2005. It's a Reader's Edition of the Book of Concord--The Confessional Writings of the Lutheran Church. Every Lutheran who is true to the roots of their Confessional heritage and wants to stay true to what the Bible truly teaches should have a copy of this book in their home and read it diligently along with the Bible, which is the only source and norm for our lives. Here is what Dr. C.F.W. Walther said about the importance of every Lutheran layman having a copy of the Book of Concord:

The Book of Concord should be in every Lutheran home. For that reason our church should provide a good, inexpensive copy, and pastors should see to it that every home has one. If a person isn’t familiar with this book, he’ll think, “That old book is just for pastors. I don’t have to preach. After working all day, I can’t sit down and study in the evening. If I read my morning and evening devotions, that’s enough.” No, that is not enough! The Lord doesn’t want us to remain children, who are blown to and fro by every wind of doctrine; instead of that, He wants us to grow in knowledge so that we can teach others. (Essays for the Church, Vol. II, pg. 51).

With several English translations of the Book of Concord available, why create Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions?
There are various translations and editions of other texts for the church, most notably the Bible. Therefore, it is understandable that there will be, and should be, several editions of the Book of Concord. Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions is unique and unlike any other edition presently available because of its wealth of supplemental materials specifically included for the lay reader.
I recommend this book to all of you who want to find out more about what the Lutheran Confessions teach and confess so that you too may be ready to give an answer for the faith that you have in Jesus Christ our Lord!