Concerning Christ

Concerning Christ

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 20:24–28

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Our adversaries approve of the Third Article, in which we confess that there are two natures in Christ, that the Word assumed a human nature into the unity of his person; and that this same Christ suffered and died to reconcile the Father to us; and that he was raised again to reign, and to justify and sanctify believers, and so forth, as stated in the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed.

Pulling It Together: Even a doubter like Thomas understood that Jesus is both God and man. Jesus Christ is God incarnate, or in the flesh. Thomas said that he would not believe Jesus was raised from the dead unless he saw him in the flesh. Knowing he had been crucified, had died, and was buried, Thomas said he would never believe unless he verified it was the same man by seeing the nail marks in his hands and by placing his hand in the spear wound in Jesus' side. Eight days later, Jesus gave Thomas the opportunity to touch his wounds. It is not clear whether Thomas actually touched Jesus' hands and side but we know Thomas' response was, “My Lord and my God!” The resurrected body of Christ caused the famous doubter to believe in divine flesh. Those who opposed the Lutherans also believed in the dual nature of Christ. There was no disagreement between the scholastics in the church and the Reformers concerning this article. However, there was much difference on the further matters of justification and sanctification through Christ. These matters are defended in the next Article.

Prayer: Help me believe, Lord, what is written of you in the volume of the book. Amen

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