Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 77
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 13:15-16
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Even the statement in Tobit 4:11 ought to be understood in the same way. “Alms free from every sin and from death.” We will not say that this is hyperbole, though it ought to be understood in this way so that Christ is not robbed of glory. For it is his prerogative to free from sin and death. We must come back to the rule that without Christ the teaching of the law is unprofitable.
Pulling It Together: Those who trust in Christ ought to sacrifice. We no longer sacrifice animals as was done under the Old Covenant. Instead, because Christ is the once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:14), those living under the New Covenant are to offer sacrifices of praise to God and good works for their neighbors. These sacrifices do not save, justify, or take away sins. Christ has already done that for us and for the world. Nevertheless, our sacrifices please God if they are done in faith, believing that Christ alone is the atonement for our sins, and that we offer the sacrifices of worship and good works only to please him.
Prayer: Lord, open my lips to give you thanks and sing your praise. Amen
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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