The Immediacy of the Blessing

"God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples."
GENESIS 28:3
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The Immediacy of the Blessing
Above Isaac gave blessings to his son Jacob. These he repeats in this passage with a wish. But the blessing, as we have also pointed out above, is the very thing that has been handed over and given forthwith. Thus Baptism is handed over to me now, and forgiveness of sins is handed over; for I do not hope for the remission of sins, but I have it forthwith in faith. I do not believe that Christ is going to suffer for me. No, through faith I am sure that He has suffered for my sins and risen for the sake of my righteousness (cf. Romans 4:25). Therefore it is not a mere prayer or wish; it is that by which through the power of the Keys I hand over to you now the remission of sins, the grace and favor of God, in order that you may be able to conclude with certainty that you have God, who is well pleased with you. This I hand over to you as a sure possession. Thus the Church has the favor and goodwill of the divine Majesty, of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, forthwith, of Christ and the angels, who give their congratulations, and of all creatures, who applaud and wait for its redemption, as is stated in Romans 8:19.
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