Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 2

Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:12–21

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

  Click for a recording of today's lesson.

From the Confessions: The Augsburg Confession

People were made to believe that monasticism was even better than baptism, that it was more meritorious than other vocations such as magistrates and pastors who serve their calling in accordance with God's commands, without any man-made services. These things cannot be denied, for they are written in their own books. Furthermore, a person who had been ensnared by a monastery learned little of Christ. Once monasteries were schools of theology and other subjects profitable to the Church, where pastors and bishops were educated. This is no longer the case. It is needless to rehearse what is known to all. Formerly they came together to learn; now they pretend that it is a kind of life instituted to earn grace and righteousness. They even preach that it is a state of perfection, putting it far above all other vocations ordained of God. We have explained this without hateful misrepresentation, so that our position may be understood.

Pulling It Together: The Apostle Paul admits that he is not perfect, but struggling against his flesh (Romans 7:15). He presses on toward the goal of completeness, in spite of his imperfect state (Philippians 3:14). This is a life that shares in Christ's love (Matthew 5:48) and suffering and resurrection (Philippians 3:10). It is the life that celebrates the death of the old person in Christ's own death through baptism. In this way, we become like him in his death (Philippians 3:10). He had no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3) and by this, he lists human associations and religious zeal. Yet these are the very things the Church taught would produce human perfection. The apostle trusted in Christ alone for perfect righteousness —t hat he would be found in Christ, not having a righteousness of his own but “that which comes through faith in Christ.” The things we do are worse than rubbish (Philippians 3:8), especially when we expect them to garner any worth with God. Lutherans confess that what Christ has done for us is of such surpassing value that we are declared righteous by our faith in him alone.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to live in your righteousness today, and so, press on toward the goal even when I fail and fall flat. Amen

Log in to add a comment

Click Here For Content Archives