Concerning the Mass – part 34
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Acts 8:18–22
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
For our opponents retain only the ceremony in the Mass, and publicly use it as a profane fundraiser. Then they claim that this work can be transferred to others so that they will deserve grace and all good things.
Pulling It Together
Whether it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or grace, forgiveness, and eternal life under consideration, God’s gifts are just that: gifts. He gives freely to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. No one, at any price, may earn his own salvation, any more than he might purchase the power of the Holy Spirit. This cannot be accomplished with money or through religious deeds.
The gifts of God are also personal, in the sense that they may not be applied to others. When you come to the Lord’s table, you hear these words: “The body of Christ given for you.” And, “The blood of Christ shed for you.” For you. The gift of grace is freely given to those who have faith in the giver, in God. It is not then, able to be applied to whom one pleases — whether they have faith or do not.
Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, of any thoughts and actions when I imagined that I could earn your grace. Amen
Share this post
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.
Click Here For Content Archives