Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 2
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:2-4
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Our Confession approves of honoring the saints. A threefold honor is approved. The first is thanksgiving. We ought to give thanks to God for showing examples of mercy, making known his will to save people, and giving teachers and other gifts to the Church. As these are the greatest gifts, they should be commended and the saints who have faithfully used these gifts should be praised, just as Christ praises faithful businessmen (Matthew 25:21, 23).
Pulling It Together: To be sure, the Confession is not referring to the invocation of saints. Rather, like Paul, the Lutheran Reformers taught the churches to honor those who have been made holy and called saints because of their faith in Christ. We rightly give thanks for all of the saints: those who in every place call upon the Lord. We should further honor them by imitating their lives, just as Paul urged us to imitate himself (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1).
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for those who live faithful lives and call upon your name. 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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