Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 59
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Revelation 2:2–5
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Additionally, the Fathers wrote that once is sufficient for the public or ceremonial penitence that the canons mention concerning satisfactions. Therefore it is understood that they did not consider these canons as being necessary for the remission of sins. In addition, they frequently say that repentance should be shown in other ways than this ceremonial one expressed in the canons about satisfactions.
Pulling It Together: You may have all of the outward signs of a Christian but if you neglect the greatest commandment, you are headed for trouble. All of your morality and ceremonies and works can be in play but if you do not have love, you will come to nothing (1 Corinthians 13:3). Do you love the Lord with every fiber of your being? Do you love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36–39)? If not, remember how far you have fallen since you first fell in love with Jesus. Repent; head back to that relationship with him, in which he is first in your life. This is the true repentance of the heart that causes various fruits of repentance to grow out of your life.
Prayer: Help me to remember the height from which I have fallen out of love with you, Lord — and help me to return. 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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