Christendom, the one holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, God's chosen people, those who through true faith in Jesus Christ have become His dear children,- this Christendom, and each and every member of it, possesses something daily in rich abundance that is better than anything there is, and which cannot be procured or purchased with any deed man may do, or any treasure in the world: forgiveness of sins. Dr. Luther says in his Small Catechism: "In which Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all sins to me and all believers." And the Holy Spirit prompts every Christian to say these words, these words of praise and rejoicing: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities." Truly, this forgiveness of sins is better than all the treasures of the world. If God would not forgive us our sins, we should be lost. If but one single sin were not forgiven us by God, we should be lost. But God forgives us, us Christians, all our sins, and He does this daily and richly. Daily He takes us to His fatherly bosom and forgives us all our sins in an over-abundance of grace. And hence we also have life and salvation. For where there is forgiveness of sins there is also life and salvation. Since we have received forgiveness of sins, yes, because our sins are being forgiven every day, every curse and every punishment is far removed from us, and blissfully and peacefully we rest in the bosom of God and await eternal life, which He will surely give us. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities." This is most certainly true.