Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 14

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 30:11–14

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Words cannot express the sum of abuses that have been produced in the Church because of this fanatical opinion concerning the opus operatum without a good disposition on the part of the one using the sacraments. Hence the incessant profanation of the Masses which we shall speak of later. Neither can a single letter be produced from the ancient writers in which this matter favors the scholastics. Augustine actually writes to the contrary, that faith in the sacrament, not the sacrament, justifies. The declaration of Paul is also well known: “For man believes with his heart and so is justified” (Romans 10:10).

Pulling It Together: One must believe that God acts in the sacraments according to his promises. This is not difficult to comprehend. Simply going through the motions of a ritual is of no effect. God does not bestow his grace on people who are so disinterested that the sacrament is merely a religious routine for them. His grace — justification, righteousness, and salvation — is only had through faith. What is more, this is the only way to have peace in the conscience, for if one does believe God forgives sins and justifies us to himself, there can be no real peace. Of what use then, is the sacrament?

Prayer: Help me believe your word, Lord, and do it by having faith. Amen

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