Concerning Repentance – part 9
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Colossians 1:21–23
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Here we appeal to the judgment of all good and wise people. They will undoubtedly confess that our adversaries’ writings are very confused and intricate. Nevertheless the most important subject is at stake, the chief topic of the gospel: the remission of sins. This entire doctrine of our opponents concerning these questions that we have reviewed is full of errors and hypocrisy. It obscures the benefit of Christ, the power of the keys, and the righteousness of faith.
Pulling It Together
There is nothing confusing about the gospel when it is heard with the ears of faith. We confess that Christ has killed our sinful old nature through his own death on the cross, so that we are reborn by faith in him. This is why he is able to present us holy and blameless to God. He does this; we do not. We must only “continue in the faith.” In this way, we have the certainty that we have been reconciled to God through Christ. We have this certainty in no other way. It will never come through works of love, devotion, religion, or law. For that would be faith in ourselves. But because we have faith in Christ, we have a hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5).
Prayer: Spirit of God, keep me ever faithful; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen
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Author
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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