Concerning Repentance – part 1
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Psalm 51:7–17
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today’s devotion.
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
They approve the first part the twelfth article where we explain that those who have fallen after baptism may obtain forgiveness of sins at whatever time, and as often as, they are converted. They condemn the second part, in which we say that the parts of repentance are contrition and faith. They deny that faith is the second part of repentance.
Pulling It Together
God creates clean hearts within us. This happens when we are first, stricken in our consciences, and then, have faith that God will forgive us and make us righteous for Christ’s sake. We are not penitent, but then left wanting for righteousness. We confess that God upholds us and restores to us the joy of salvation. Therefore, we do not busy ourselves with earning favor with God through acts of righteousness. Rather, God forgives us and renews righteous spirits in us. We believe that he does this because of what Christ Jesus has done for us, not because of what we do for him. This requires nothing less than faith.
Prayer: I will declare your praise, O Lord, for you have delivered me from all my iniquities. 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