Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 32
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today’s lesson.
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
But certain triflers, having no knowledge either of faith or civil affairs, have invented epic stories that are nothing but superstitious examples about certain prayers, fasts, and new services created for monetary gain. There is no need to cite examples of their fabrications of miracles about rosaries and similar ceremonies, since these “legends,” as they call them, and the “mirrors” of examples, and the “rosaries” are readily available, containing many things like the “true stories” of Lucian.
Pulling It Together
The Scripture is not some pulp fiction, read for shallow thrills on an idle evening. Rather, the word permeates our whole lives, penetrating and informing us who we are before God (Hebrews 4:12). It wounds our consciences, piercing so deeply that we must depend upon God’s grace instead of our piety or the merits of saints. The word of God makes us “wise for salvation” — not through fables about saints but through faith in Jesus Christ. The inspired, God-breathed word is beneficial to our souls, so Lutherans confess sola Scriptura: Scripture alone is our rule of faith and practice.
Prayer: Give me confidence in your word, 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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