Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 96
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 11:28-30
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
The glory of Christ becomes more brilliant when we teach people to avail themselves of him as mediator and propitiator. Faithful consciences see that the most abundant consolation is offered to them in this doctrine. We learn to believe and fully trust that we have a reconciled Father for Christ's sake, not because of our own righteousness, but because Christ also helps us to observe the law.
Pulling It Together: What a burden it is to fulfill the law on our own. Who can keep the law? Is there anyone who can satisfy the demands of the law? Yes, there is one who can and did so for the world. Jesus Christ fulfilled all righteousness, and he did it as the mediator between us and God. Jesus reconciled us to God, becoming righteousness for us. When we trust in his propitiation or satisfaction of the law, our yoke becomes light. We are aided by his righteousness, aiming at keeping the law because of love for him instead of from fear of God’s wrath. When Christ is our mediator and propitiator, we find rest for our souls — not in our own righteousness but in the righteousness that has been given to us by God in Christ.
When you fail to keep the commandments, remind yourself that Christ is your righteousness — not your ability to perfectly fulfill the law’s requirements. Depend upon him and your yoke will be light, for he has carried the load.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to trust in you. 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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