The Smalcald Articles – part 66
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Isaiah 50:4-5, 10
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
Therefore, what the scholastic theologians have taught regarding this article is nothing but error and blindness, namely:
1. That since the fall of Adam the natural powers of humankind have remained entire and uncorrupted, and that, by nature, they have sound reason and a good will, as the philosophers teach.
Pulling It Together: Though this passage in Isaiah depicts the coming Messiah, it may also be seen as a model for the godly life. Within it, we see that human beings have the capacity to learn and to think. They may learn to fear, love, and trust God. Yet, though they have the capacity, it must be developed by the grace of God. When convicted of their darkness and sin, they may find light and life only when the Lord opens their ears to hear his Word. When they trust him instead of their own reasoning, be calls them from their darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Prayer: Incline my ear to your Word, Lord, that I may find light, and life, and rest in you. Amen
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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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