Concerning Repentance – part 28
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:39–11:2
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for audio of today’s devotion.
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Therefore, we add faith in Christ as the second part of repentance so that during these terrors, the gospel of Christ is presented to consciences. For in his gospel the forgiveness of sins is freely promised through Christ. Therefore, they ought to believe that their sins are freely forgiven for Christ’s sake.
Pulling It Together
If repentance is only a matter of sorrow for sin, then human nature tries to appease God. But we cannot appease God by any means. We cannot do enough good works to appease God. Nor are we able to love God sufficiently or in a manner that might appease him. At any rate, appeasement is not our business, since none of this has anything to do with our love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and because of his great love, sent his Son to be the propitiation or the appeasement for our sins (1 John 4:10). Appeasement is God’s business — not ours.
So, yes, we must be sorry for our sin but then, we must turn to God in faith that he forgives us because Christ Jesus is the sacrifice for our sins. Thus, we confess that we are forgiven for Christ’s sake. God has taken care of our sins. Have a little faith.
Prayer: Give me faith, O Lord, that I may be confident of my hope in you. 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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