Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 20

 

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 20

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:8–10

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

  Click for a recording of today's lesson.

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Paul teaches this in Galatians 3:13, when he says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.” That is, the law condemns all men, but because sinless Christ has borne the punishment of sin and been made a victim for us, he has removed that right of the law to accuse and condemn those who believe in him. He is the propitiation for whose sake they are now accounted righteous. But since they are declared righteous, the law cannot accuse or condemn them, even though they have not actually satisfied the law. Paul writes to the same effect in Colossians 2:10. “You have come to fulness of life in him.” It is as though he were to say, “Although you are still far from the perfection of the law, the remnants of sin do not condemn you because for Christ's sake you have a sure and firm reconciliation — if you believe — even though sin still dwells in your flesh.

Pulling It Together: You are not whole because you have filled yourself. If you believe in Christ, you are whole and filled in him, by him, because of him. So far, and as far as this life allows, you will never be whole as a result of your religious works and moral behavior. You will fail as much or more than you succeed at these works because sin and the old nature cling to you. Nevertheless, you are reconciled to God because of the wholeness of Jesus Christ. Be sure of this; be confident in your faith in him. Christ alone is your fullness. He completes you — in spite of yourself.

Prayer: We praise and bless you for being our fullness, the one who completes us. Amen

Share this post

Log in to add a comment

Click Here For Content Archives