Concerning the Mass – part 64
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:26
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
The adversaries also refer us to philology. From names for the Mass they make arguments that do not require a long discussion. For though the Mass is called a sacrifice, it does not follow that it must confer grace ex opere operato, or that it merits the forgiveness of sins when applied on behalf of others.
Pulling It Together
Though some call it the sacrifice of the Mass, it still would not mean that this service of thanksgiving, or Eucharist, bestows God’s grace upon people whether they have faith in him or not. Even if it were a sacrifice, the doing of the ceremony does not deserve forgiveness and salvation for unbelievers, let alone for those not present or even dead. At any rate, Holy Communion is not a sacrifice. It is a service of great thanksgiving and communion among many people, a liturgy of the gratitude of God’s people and of blessing from God. We are not killing or sacrificing Jesus again and again at each communal remembrance. Instead, in the service of worship or liturgy, the congregation proclaims Christ’s one-time death until he returns.
Prayer: Strengthen me and keep me in your grace, Father, through faith in your Son. 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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