Concerning the Church – part 4

Concerning the Church – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Titus 3:4-7

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

So we wonder why they have found fault with our description that speaks of living members. We have said nothing new. Paul has defined the Church in precisely the same way, saying that it should be cleansed in order to be holy. He adds the outward marks of the Word and Sacraments, saying, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27). We stated this in our Confession with almost the same wording.

Pulling It Together

The true Church consists of the righteous who enjoy Christ’s fellowship through faith and the Holy Spirit. So we must be careful to confess that sinful people, such as ourselves, become righteous and holy only through the grace of God. They do not become righteous by their own works but instead, are cleansed by the promise of God’s Word in Holy Baptism. The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews them, so that they are fit for the kingdom. Members of the Body of Christ are justified to God and sanctified by the gracious agency of God, not by their religious deeds and moral character. Being justified by his grace, the Church enjoys the hope of eternal life promised in the gospel to those who believe.

Prayer: Wash me, Lord, and I shall be whiter than snow. Amen

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