Concerning Repentance – part 39
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Psalm 119:25–28
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for audio of today’s devotion.
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
What need is there to cite many testimonies since they are obvious throughout the Scriptures? “The Lord has chastened me sorely, but he has not given me over to death” (Psalm 118:18). “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to thy word” (Psalm 119:28)! Contrition is contained in the first part here, while in the second, it clearly describes how we are revived in contrition, namely, by the Word of God which offers grace, sustaining and quickening hearts.
Pulling It Together
Our ways lead us to certain death. They are low and dusty, clinging to the world and sin. Yet, God is always calling us to the way of life. This begins to happen when our souls melt away in sorrow because of a knowledge of sin. But this is only the beginning, for if contrition was all there was to repentance, we would be left with no hope, no peace, no life. Thus, the second part of repentance is faith in the promise of God’s Word which strengthens and even quickens the penitent. There we find grace, forgiveness, and renewal of the heart, which allow us to continue walking in the way of life.
Prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there is any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! 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