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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 20:2–3

What does God want? What does he want more than anything? What does God want from us “above all things”? He wants us. He wants our hearts, our trust, so that he may bless us.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:4–6

Instead of “circumcision,” one might as well say “vows” or any other legalism — the idea is the same. Neither vows nor a lack of vows counts for anything. Only faith matters.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:13–16

What a trial the Lutheran Reformers faced; we can hardly imagine such an issue in our modern culture. Back and forth the arguments went, first being written out, edited by peers, then written again and again until all could be in agreement with the document before sending it on to Rome.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 19:16–26

So-called evangelical perfection is the keeping of all God’s commands. Let us consider three points in this regard. First, being in a monastic order does not equal “evangelical perfection” any more than does membership in a particular denomination.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 15:7–9

It is an easy enough trap to fall into. One imagines he is being religious but his religion is based on human traditions. Anything can happen now—and will, as was evidenced by Christians being slaughtered at the hands of the Church.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 12:16–21

Greed always ends in activity that is unfitting for Christians and harmful to the Church. What begins in the heart seeps out into character and behavior.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 15:4–6

There are abuses in churches because there are people in churches. Sinners bring their problems and opinions with them and share them with everyone present. Of course, we should speak against certain abuses, using Scripture to reason with folks.

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Concerning the Mass – part 81

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 3:12–17

It is a tightrope. We are taught to be patient and gentle, loving one another with humility and forgiveness. At the same time, we are to admonish one another from the Scripture.

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Concerning the Mass – part 80

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:21–26

The righteousness of faith is a most blessed, gracious gift of God. Through this righteousness, we honor him and possess a constant comfort against sin and death.

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Concerning the Mass – part 79

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Judges 2:12–13

If you think that salvation is earned by the works you do, you either have become your own god or you have followed another false god. If you are able to save yourself from judgment by doing certain works...you have become your own god.

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Concerning the Mass – part 78

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:8–9

Aerius was a fourth century bishop of Sabaste in Pontus (modern day Sivas in the Black Sea area of Turkey). His teachings about offerings for the dead not being part of the Mass labeled his as a heretic by most of the church.

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Concerning the Mass – part 77

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 4:23–24

Worship in the New Testament is done “in spirit and truth.” This kind of worship means that the active agent is the Spirit of God — not us. Our works do not count for anything.

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Concerning the Mass – part 76

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 50:14–15

The ancients never intended to deliver the patriarch, prophets, and apostles from a so-called purgatory. They only wished to offer up thanks together with them for the blessings that have been given to them and to us,

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Concerning the Mass – part 75

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 4:2

Why is Scripture, or the Word of God, so important? Why is its authority paramount? It is the only objective way we have of knowing who God is, and of discerning his will among the countless voices demanding our attention.

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Concerning the Mass – part 74

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:13–14

Using the Sacrament in a way that Christ did not intend, abuses and profanes his Holy Supper. Offering his blessed promises to the dead and to those who do not believe makes it an occasion for sin and judgment.

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Concerning the Mass – part 73

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 1:18

Ceremonies and rituals are nice. But a ceremony or a ritual is not fine in and of itself. For example, if I go through the motions of living with my wife but do not believe that she loves me, consider the relational benefits alone that are absent to me.

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Concerning the Mass – part 72

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2

Ceremonies and rituals are nice. But a ceremony or a ritual is not fine in and of itself. For example, if I go through the motions of living with my wife but do not believe that she loves me, consider the relational benefits alone that are absent to me.

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Concerning the Mass – part 71

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 20:7

It is obvious that there is no verse of Scripture that would have us celebrate the sacrament in such a way that it promises benefits those who are dead.

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Concerning the Mass – part 70

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1–2

The word “bodies,” used in nearly every English translation of Romans 12:1, does not mean body in the way we think. The Greek somata means more than the physical.

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Concerning the Mass – part 69

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 21:21–22

There are many fine collections of prayers available. If a person reads those prayers but does not believe in God, are they effective prayers?

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Concerning the Mass – part 68

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:11–14

The origin and therefore, original meaning of the term “Mass” is widely disputed. That it originates in the Latin word missa is not disputed. That word means “sending” or “dismissal.”

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Concerning the Mass – part 67

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 2:42

So, we have come to see that the liturgy of the Church is not a sacrifice at all. It is the whole service of worship that is done for the good of all present.

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Concerning the Mass – part 66

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1

The sacrifice, or re-sacrifice, of Christ is not to be added to Holy Communion. It cannot be added, since it has already been accomplished. However, we may add our own sacrifice...

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Concerning the Mass – part 65

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 116:12–13

Liturgy does not mean sacrifice. It never meant that in secular Greek and in biblical Greek it is a word related to the ministry of the Church. The term “liturgy” means a required, public service that is of benefit to others.

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Concerning the Mass – part 64

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:26

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.

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Concerning the Mass – part 63

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:6

Faith is the byword of the Lutheran Reformation. The Church could only be reformed, shaped back to what it was meant to be, through faith in God. Each person receives forgiveness when they have faith in the forgiving God.

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Concerning the Mass – part 62

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 1:17

In Confession and Absolution, we are to carefully consider our sins. We stare squarely into our souls and see who we truly are, and recognize that we are sinners.

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Concerning the Mass – part 61

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 22:19–20

Do your sins torment you? Go to the forgiver of sin. Do you fear eternal death? Go to the source of life. Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? Then go to the table where the righteousness of another is served.

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Concerning the Mass – part 60

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 13:10–15

Faith is the very thing that determines the right to eat at the Lord’s table. A person must first examine himself to see whether he has faith to eat and drink.

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Concerning the Mass – part 59

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 111:4–5

Holy Communion is not effective because of motions and rituals. We are not accomplishing something because we have acted out a tragedy.

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Concerning the Mass – part 58

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 2:25–29

The New Testament teaches that the highest form of worship happens within, spiritually, in the heart. One may do all the outward, religious services but do so with a corrupt heart.

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Concerning the Mass – part 57

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 9:23–24

The Word has been given to reveal God and arouse faith in him. The Sacrament of Holy Communion was instituted so that, in remembering Christ, that faith may be strengthened.

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Concerning the Mass – part 56

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2

A husband may buy his wife diamonds, flowers, and many other things, but if his word does not accompany them, it is difficult to believe for long that these are signs of his love.

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Concerning the Mass – part 55

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27–29

Drawing significance to professions, making divisions among ourselves, is the furthest thing from the focus of the Lord’s Supper. Christ is the emphasis of our communion. Christ is our communion.

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Concerning the Mass – part 54

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 9:15–21

The human heart, harder than diamonds, is determined to have its own way. Religious matters are not exempt from our hardness of heart.

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Concerning the Mass – part 53

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:6–7

Our sacrifices — on an altar or on the altar of life do not settle the score with God. As we have shown many times, Christ alone is the sacrifice that has reconciled God.

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Concerning the Mass – part 52

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 22:19

The disciples gathered around their Lord, bringing nothing to the table. Christ Jesus brought it all. The disciples did nothing but receive with thankful hearts.

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Concerning the Mass – part 51

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 22:17–20

Besides the odious practice of marketing Christ’s body and blood, this commerce is based upon selfish desires, largely the freeing of departed loved ones from a place that does not exist.

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Concerning the Mass – part 50

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:16–17

Holy Communion is the privilege of those who truly participate in the body and blood of Christ. This participation is genuine fellowship in the communion of saints, else it is a mockery.

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Concerning the Mass – part 49

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23–29

There is false security in performing a ritual, or in it being performed for us, expecting that it has some spiritual value just because the ceremony is done. It is not enough to come to the altar to eat and drink a bit of bread and wine.

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Concerning the Mass – part 48

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:27–28

We cannot work our way to God. We cannot do so morally or religiously. Imagine someone saying, I’m good enough now to be forgiven my badness.

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Concerning the Mass – part 47

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:2

The religious works of others on our behalf can no more kill or mortify us than make us alive again or quickened. The work worked by them, though perhaps very satisfying to the eye and ear, remains the work of a human being.

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Concerning the Mass – part 46

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 7:27–28

Either Christ is the full and final atonement for the sins of the world, or he is not. In the latter case, two things are true.

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Concerning the Mass – part 45

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:19–23

Paul tells us all that is required to be reconciled to God. All things in heaven and earth are brought peace and consolation through the blood of Christ alone. Through faith...

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Concerning the Mass – part 44

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:13–14

God had a plan — from the beginning. You see it spread before you as early as the book of Genesis. He made a covenant with Abraham in order to bless the nations through the Lion of tribe of Judah.

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Concerning the Mass – part 43

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 2:22–24

God had a plan—from the beginning. You see it spread before you as early as the book of Genesis. He made a covenant with Abraham in order to bless the nations through the Lion of tribe of Judah.

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Concerning the Mass – part 42

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 4:14–16

Jesus Christ is the only high priest able to stand between you and God. As such, he is called our “great high priest” by the writer of Hebrews. Because Jesus is our high priest, we are able to make the good confession. That confession is that he is the Christ, the one whose sacrifice has made the difference.

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Concerning the Mass – part 41

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 1:14–20

What is it that proclaims the gospel? That thing belongs in our services of worship. The Sacraments proclaim the gospel on the deepest level. “Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” clearly “speak” the good news of Christ among us.

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Concerning the Mass – part 40

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23–29

The Lutherans believed (and believe) that we have no need of an intermediary in order to receive the benefits of Holy Communion. Christ is our intermediary. We only need his grace.

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Concerning the Mass – part 39

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:8–10

We have been saved by God’s grace — not by our good works or offerings of money or service. This salvation happens through faith in Christ. It is that simple.

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Concerning the Mass – part 38

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 22:19–20

Faith in Christ, in what he has done for us, is so important because it always makes us look to the source of forgiveness and salvation. Anything that turns our attention away from him must be avoided altogether.

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Concerning the Mass – part 37

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 13:1–5

Repentance does not mean that we must go and do something to overturn God’s anger. Repetition of prayers and good deeds do not effect God’s forgiveness.

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Concerning the Mass – part 36

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Daniel 11:29–32

The desolating sacrilege that Daniel referred to is not about decorations, ceremony, and other external matters. God is instead, teaching us internal, spiritual matters through Daniel’s prophecy: to keep faith...

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Concerning the Mass – part 35

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 4:1–3a

The good news of Jesus Christ comes to us in preaching. We must hear it; then God gives us faith. But the Word must truly be heard in this proclamation, with all that “hearing” means.

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Concerning the Mass – part 34

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 8:18–22

Whether it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or grace, forgiveness, and eternal life under consideration, God’s gifts are just that: gifts. He gives freely to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Concerning the Mass – part 33

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 2:42–47

The Lutheran Reformers taught that there are two basic types of kingdoms in the world: the first, spiritual, the second, temporal. The Church at the time of the Reformation held — and wielded — both powers.

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Concerning the Mass – part 32 - copy

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1

We should not go through the motions of religious ceremony, for this is vanity and hypocrisy. Ritualism without understanding is foolishness.

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Concerning the Mass – part 31

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 15:1–6

Look to Abraham. Was his putting the knife to Isaac the sacrifice God desired? No; that was a test, not a real sacrifice. The true sacrifice was Abraham’s faith in God.

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Concerning the Mass – part 30

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:1-2

In the Old Testament, many things represented things to come; they are lesser types of a greater future. What was concealed in the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament.

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Concerning the Mass – part 29

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 22:14–20

Doctrine must have a sure and clear word of God, not obscure analogies. Nothing in Scripture suggests that a ceremony saves us from sin and death. God has done that for us.

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Concerning the Mass – part 28

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:4-5

That holy priesthood called the Church is the temple of God through which sacrifices are to be made to him. We do not mean physical sacrifices.

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Concerning the Mass – part 27

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 6:5-8

This is the sacrifice that is acceptable to God: our old nature mortified in Christ Jesus. The death of Christ occurred on the cross, while ours happens in baptism where our fleshly nature is slain with Christ.

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Concerning the Mass – part 26

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Malachi 1:10–11

The day is coming when every knee in heaven and on earth will bow at the name of Jesus. This does not come through robotic religion; it happens when hearts are regenerated through the preaching of the gospel.

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Concerning the Mass – part 25

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 5:8-10

The Lord’s name will be made great throughout the earth through the preaching of the gospel. The Spirit produces faith in individuals through the Word.

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Concerning the Mass – part 24

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:6–8

Having been moved to faith, the Spirit of God begins to transform us through the Word, worship, and testing. He gives each believer a gift or gifts of the Spirit that should be used in service for God.

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Concerning the Mass – part 23

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 15:22

Works are things that God rewards, to be sure, but something else is more certain. God does not reward our good works with salvation.

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Concerning the Mass – part 22

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 13:15

Do good but do not depend upon your good works. Depend upon God, upon his word and his promises. Though they please him if done from the heart, God does not require your sacrifices.

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Concerning the Mass – part 21

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hosea 6:6

The Hebrew word for “obey” can also be understood to heed, listen, or hear. For to truly hear is to obey. If you do not obey, you have not really heard.

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Concerning the Mass – part 20

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 4:23–24

In the New Testament, there is no offering or service or work that merits God’s favor ex opere operato — on account of the work that has been done or the service rendered.

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Concerning the Mass – part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1–2

We are to offer sacrifices but the Lutheran Reformers wanted to be clear, not only what those sacrifices are but, what they accomplish. There is no sacrifice that we can offer or that can be offered for us.

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Concerning the Mass – part 18

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 5:6–10

There is only one work that saves, reconciles, justifies, atones, provides forgiveness of sin. That one work or sacrifice is not something that any human being can do.

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Concerning the Mass – part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:4–6

After the true sacrifice had been accomplished, all analogous and ceremonial sacrifices should cease. What they pointed toward had already been accomplished in Christ’s cross.

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Concerning the Mass – part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:16–19

You may sacrifice this thing or another, hoping that God will be appeased and forgive your sins. Or you might do some good work or act of penance, again, hoping that God will remove your guilt.

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Concerning the Mass – part 15

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 6:2-4

Baptism “brings about forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.”

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Concerning the Mass – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:4-10

Although there were symbolic types of atoning sacrifice in the Old Testament, true, propitiatory sacrifice was only accomplished by Jesus Christ.

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Concerning the Mass – part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 2:2

Our concern is what a propitiatory or atoning sacrifice is for Christians. For that matter, what is an atoning sacrifice for anyone during this Christian era? There is just one...

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Concerning the Mass – part 12 - copy

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:8-10

Jesus ended the former type of sacrifice, that is, animal sacrifice for the purposes of reconciliation with God and the forgiveness of sin.

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Concerning the Mass – part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 2:15Mark 16:16

Baptism is necessary for salvation. Jesus did not say, Believe and you will be saved. Instead, he adds a work that he does to us through a Sacrament.

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Concerning the Mass – part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 2:15

It is critical to have a right understanding. Our modern English Bible translations use the phrase, "rightly handling the word of truth." The King James puts a finer point on the phrase by following William Tyndale's lead in literally translating the phrase as "rightly dividing the word of truth."

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Concerning the Mass – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:11-14

Scripture presents Christ as our High Priest, who through his one sacrifice has taken away the sins of the world. Those who believe are justified with God by no merit or works of their own.

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Concerning the Mass – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 26:28

The common belief was that God’s grace and mercy could be had at a price. Therefore, spiritual benefit could come from the work worked, opus operatum.

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Concerning the Mass – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1-2

Peace comes to us through faith. Faith must come first, since we cannot know peace until we know that somehow we have become righteous before God. Now, any sane person knows that righteousness cannot come by virtue of human works.

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Concerning the Mass – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 11:15–17

Grace is not merited “from the work worked” (ex opere operato) by humans. It is a gift received through faith in the great work of Christ. Going through religious motions accounts for nothing without faith in God’s word of promise.

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Concerning the Mass – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12

I know a man who reads his morning paper, then removes the employment section of the classified ads. He takes that bit of the paper with him on his drive to work. If someone is panhandling on a street corner, he hands them the employment classifieds.

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Concerning the Mass – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 20:7

The Augsburg Confession, of which this document is a defense against the charges of the Roman Confutation, states that “the Mass is a Sacrament for those gathered.”

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Concerning the Mass – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 10:17

One must trust the promise of God, believing with true faith. Yet, as we have said, this cannot be accomplished without the Word. One must actually hear the words of Scripture, not a babbling in another language but real, understandable words.

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Concerning the Mass – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 8:30

More than one person has proclaimed to me, as though to unsettle me, I suppose, that going to church does not make one a Christian. Well, amen to that.

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Concerning the Mass – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 4:13–16

The Reformers would not sit still for the scattered blows of their opponents’ Confutation. Twisting statements into something they are not could not be permitted, if the central focus of the Reformation was to be maintained.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 54

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 11:28

Cultural correctness is not an easy thing to buck. It feels like nearly everyone is against you. Yet, it is far better to have the whole world denounce you than have God condemn you.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 53

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:24–25

Only God’s Word will abide. Our idle arguments will wither, our fine words and reasoning fall with the flowers at the end of summer. As they wither and fall, God’s glory will appear in full bloom before us.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 52

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Titus 3:5

As stated when writing about the Distinction of Meats, Jovinian was a monk and ascetic in the fourth century who wrote against celibacy and other monastic traditions. He praised the virtues of marriage and was therefore, of course, branded a heretic.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 51

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:7–8

If one cannot in his own power do what God expects, that is, if he continues to sin, then he should do what God says is the answer. It is foolhardy to do what people say ought to be done when God has provided a different solution.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 50

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 51:7

What makes a sinner pure? Flagellations? Fastings? Offerings? Are these the things that King David did in order to be clean after his sin with Bathsheba? King David well understood who did the cleansing.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 49

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:2

This long argument against the demonic dogma of enforced and perpetual celibacy may seem to some as being overdone. Yet these very same problems persist 500 years later.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 48

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 2:17

The Wittenberg Reformers knew something about peddlers of religion. The hucksters of indulgences plagued the lands, bilking folks out of scarce money. There were other charlatans too, who traded wholesale in religion, exchanging false promises for the blessings of life.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 47

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:19

What is one to do when all attempts have been made to reason with people who have willfully gone astray? There are people — yes, even in the churches — who willfully ignore Scripture, insisting instead on their own bent reasoning.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 46

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 8:44

The devil’s lies brought sin and death into the world. Knowledge of this should provide godly people with ample courage to stand for the truth. Part of that truth is that God uses both self-discipline and marriage as means of faithfulness.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 45

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 13:4

A further edition of the Lutheran Confessions adds, “God has now so blinded the world that adultery and fornication are permitted almost without punishment; on the contrary, punishment is inflicted on account of marriage.”

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 44

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 1:18

We do not like to think of a wrathful God. Yet a holy God is by default, angry at times. His anger is stirred by willful disobedience, by those who think they know better than he does.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 43

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 31:10

Those who prohibit marriage, enforcing celibacy as a necessary good work, have become a laughingstock. Even their own dare to laugh when others make sport or even scorn their ways. For these ways are not God’s ways; perpetual celibacy is a human invention.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 42

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 2:22–23

The churches and seminaries should be places where people may safely flee the passions — not run straight into them, and with more abundance and variety than was known elsewhere.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 41

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 55:8–9

We should never place so-called common sense before Holy Scripture. We may imagine that we understand something perfectly well, yet God’s way are not our ways. What once seemed entirely sensible to us looks quite different through the eyes of faith.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 40

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:35

Marriage should never be considered an obstacle to salvation, nor as a life filled with sins. Quite the opposite is true. The Apostle Paul praises the married life for its unique ability to keep one from sin.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 39

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:10–14

Not only was celibacy not the thing in Rome or in the monasteries, unchastity was on display in these places — as it is now. This hypocrisy was well-known to the people.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 38

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:1–9

Marriage should never be considered an obstacle to salvation, nor as a life filled with sin. Quite the opposite is true. The Apostle Paul praises the married life for its unique ability to keep one from sin.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 37

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:18–19

Programs of austerity for the sake of meriting favor with God are useless. Indeed, they are harmful. These things make us think that we are the cause of our own salvation.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 36

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:6

These false teachings come about by not understanding the principal teaching of the New Testament, the one from which all good doctrine springs, and the central tenet of the Lutherans. That principal belief is that we are saved by God.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 35

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 51:17

Those who enjoy their ease and indolence, without the benefit of the Word of God, and having no regard for it, live their lives without worry or guilt. These conditions brought the most debauched lifestyles upon the Church, just as they do in our times.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 33

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 15:8–10

We neither require nor need any acts of purification. For it is God alone who cleanses hearts. King David knew this to be true. What work of cleansing did he do after his sin with Bathsheba?

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 32

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:30–31

The ceremonial code in the law of Moses, those things concerning what is clean or unclean, do not pertain to Christians. Christians are freed from all the ceremonies of Moses, not only from the laws concerning uncleanness.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 30

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 1:9

Whether or not we concur with the rhetorical comparisons used by Melancthon, we may understand his point. That is, we cannot earn the favor of God. Rather, because of Christ’s work, those who believe are regarded as righteous by God.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 29

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1

Whenever some religious notion enters our heads, making us imagine that we must do one thing or another in order to earn God’s grace, we may confidently declare that thing to be false.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 28

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 15:16–20

It is the heart that must be changed, not necessarily one’s vocation or position in life. One may think that he must become a pastor in order to be on heaven’s path.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 27

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Titus 1:15

Nothing is pure, if it is done outside of faith and God’s Word. An unbeliever may practice the most ascetic spiritual disciplines. He may fast, study, meditate, remain celibate, and feed the poor, but none of this is pure if it is exercised without faith.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 26

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 1:14

If ever there were a single word that summed up the Lutheran Confessions, it is the word faith. Everything depends upon faith in God, and that depends upon God’s grace.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 25

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:12–14

But the main point here is that marriage remains a holy estate even if one person is not a believer — not because of the beliefs of the person, but because of the God who ordains marriage.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 22

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 18:22

Before going on with arguments, let us acknowledge that the Holy Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments declare marriage a holy matter, something that God has ordained.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 21

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:4–5

Is a pastor purer to God if unmarried? Is this what makes people pure under the New Testament? Is it the New Testament in human purity or the New Testament in Christ’s blood?

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 19:6–8

Contrast the hardness of humans with the mercy of God. Humans invent divorce and laws like celibacy — even forcing divorces upon those already married so that human regulation will be kept, even when it is in open defiance of God’s command.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 18

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:19–21

There are those who are able to truly and consistently practice control of the flesh. But if they are not able, if they have not been empowered with restraint by God, then they should marry. This is God’s plan for us — with good reason.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:12–13

Do you imagine that you are able to be virtuous in your own strength? Of course, we must rely on God’s strength, not our own. Yet we are not to rely upon his strength alone. We must also depend upon his plan.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 1:17

God has already provided the answer; and it is a splendid solution. So, if anything, people should pray for common sense. God has blessed men and women with the sweet fellowship of marriage and the comfort and peace of the marriage bed.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 15

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:6–7

Paul does not say here that he wishes all were celibate. Rather, he speaks of his gifting from God’s Spirit to keep himself under control. He would prefer that all were like himself, self-controlled in matters of sexual appetite.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:3–5

Since the fall of Adam, the temptation to sin in general has been difficult but the struggle with lust may be at the top of the list. Self-control is a hard habit to master.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:1–2

Evidently, the notion of celibacy had been raised with Paul by the Corinthians. The apostle gives a conditional response. There are some who have received special graces from God, so that they may be celibate.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 1:27–28

Natural love existed between men and women even when their nature was still pure. God told Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply,” which of course, happens in but one manner.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 5:1-2

In the wisdom of God, there are both male and female, the one for the other. He formed man from “the dust of the ground,” then breathing into him “the breath of life.”

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 24:36-39

Eating, drinking, marrying, and other such natural privileges and rights are good; God has blessed these things for our use. Yet a problem occurs when we enjoy (or over-enjoy) these rights without thanks to God.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:25-33

God has built into nature — indeed, into our natures — the union of men and women. But this built-in right points to the glory of the regenerated nature that we have in Christ.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 2:18

This is human reason at work again. Scripture says one thing, but we come up with our reasons for not believing what the Word says. Men and women are made for one another...

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 1:27–28

“Reason cannot establish anything sure about God.” But if we rely upon what is written, if we look to Scripture for our answers, we see quite clearly that God created men and women for the purposes of partnership and filling the earth with people.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 15:18–20

There it is; this is the problem. When we base our positions on traditions, we end up with opinions. When our beliefs come from God’s Word, how can we do anything but oppose human opinions that are contrary to his Word?

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:31–32

It is an irony. One would think that priests would be the ones to marry. After all, Paul tells us that marriage is a symbol of the relationship that Christ has with his Church.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:7–9

One cannot put on an alb and cincture, yet live like an unbound infidel, and think that putting on an extra robe will cover the hypocrisy. More laws and traditions are not needed.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 47:10

The authors of the Roman Confutation acted as if the shameful lives of so many priests were of little concern compared to the issue of priests being permitted to marry.

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 15

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ezekiel 7:25–26

There have always been and still are priests, popes, pastors, and bishops who will have nothing to do with the commands and law of God. Scripture is not their guide; indeed, they teach the people that some verses of the Bible are true, while others are fairy tales

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 7:8, 13

I am always impressed by the steady hands of those who pour from a chalice into a small, individual communion cups. I am no less impressed by those who can hold the cup to the lips without spilling, and for those lips to receive without dribbling.

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23–25

I am always impressed by the steady hands of those who pour from a chalice into a small, individual communion cups. I am no less impressed by those who can hold the cup to the lips without spilling, and for those lips to receive without dribbling.

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 3:1

The focus of the Lord’s Supper should not be the office of the minister, but Christ alone. With him as our focus, we easily see that there are indeed offices or orders in the Christ’s Church but that we “are all one in Christ Jesus.”

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 26:26–28

All of God’s people are to be given both kinds in the Lord’s Supper — both the bread and the wine, his body and his blood. The reason for this usage is simply this: the Lord himself commands this practice for the forgiveness of sins.

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 4:1–4

Just because someone wants it to be a certain way, does not make it so. If someone commands authority, this does not necessarily make his demands right. The dictates of an entire culture do not stamp a matter with divine approval.

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 24:30–35

When we speak of breaking bread, we mean that we take the time to enjoy a meal. In the Church, this may simply refer to a fellowship meal. Yet, in certain Scriptures it could be understood as being something more than a potluck.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 37

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1–3

The unity of Christ’s Church depends upon the Holy Spirit — not our actions. However, individual congregations can be destroyed by both our deeds and an intolerance of biblical teaching.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 34

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:16

“Well, I don’t know what art is but I like pink.” That opinion may be fine for my granddaughter but it will not fly at the Guggenheim. It does not work in Christian faith either.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 33

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

The office that Melancthon refers to is that Christ is our Propitiator and Mediator. Christ alone has atoned for our sin and it is he who stands between sinners and God.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 32

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

The Scripture is not some pulp fiction, read for shallow thrills on an idle evening. Rather, the word permeates our whole lives, penetrating and informing us who we are before God.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 30

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:17

The “Apostolic Fathers” inform us that Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John, and “the angel of the church in Smyrna.” Irenaeus was his disciple and tells of the bishop’s faithful life, teaching, stand against heresy, and martyrdom.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 27

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:1–6

Great value was placed on ... what the early theologians and bishops called the Church Fathers taught about the Christian faith from the time of the apostles through the seven ecumenical councils of the Church.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 25

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:4–6

All Christians are priests before God. The Church, a “holy priesthood” of believers prays to God through Jesus Christ. God does not require other intercessors who are in his presence.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 24

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 3:16

We cannot stand on our own two feet, let alone lend our works or merits to other people. This is the purview of Christ alone. Christ Jesus imputes his righteousness to us, but we do not ascribe our righteousness to anyone.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 23

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:15

Because of his sacrificial death for us, Christ alone has satisfied the just requirement of God’s law, something which we nor the saints could ever do. Scripture therefore, calls only Christ our Mediator.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 21

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 1:17–18

The one who died but lives again causes us to live forevermore through faith in him. Jesus tells us that it is his voice that the dead will one day hear when some will be resurrected to eternal life.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 7:23–25

No one draws near to a king unless he is commanded to do so. Therefore, if you wish to have the king’s ear, it must be done through one who is already in the king’s presence — and to whom the king will listen.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:27–31

Everything that we have comes from God. Both our physical and spiritual lives are gifts. Since all comes from God, why would we think righteousness and eternal life come from another source?

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:13–14

It pleases God to answer our prayers when we pray according to his will. So, just as we are careful to ask that his “will be done” in heaven, we should be as concerned that God’s “will be done on earth.”

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 2:1–2

God’s law and holiness demands perfect holiness from us. Sadly, we do not act so devoutly. The just punishment for our failure is death. Happily, God sent Christ to become our substitute.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 11:25–30

The rest that Jesus gives is rest despite the work, and further, regardless of the troubles of life. Jesus provides something more than physical rest; he gives spiritual rest, comfort, and peace.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:5

What we are really discussing here is God’s ability to keep his promises. Does he forgive and justify those who have faith in Christ? Or not? We confess that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and does so for Christ’s sake

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:11–12

It is no accident that solus Christus (through Christ alone) was as central a slogan of the Reformation as sola fide (by faith alone). We have bold access to God through Christ alone.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 5:15–16

“The prayer of faith” is an important dimension in Lutheran Christianity. But like too many other Christians we may have developed a misunderstanding of the prayer of faith.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 1:5–8

One cannot invoke the saints of heaven with confident faith because the practice is based on human tradition instead of Scripture. It is based on the word of man, not upon the Word of God.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 8:33–34

Why is there so much confusion about this matter, other than that Scripture is ignored, in favor of human traditions? The prayers of saints and angels do not compare to the prayers of Jesus.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 4:16–17

We have already noted two honors that we ought to give to the saints: thanksgiving and the strengthening of faith. Let us be clear what we mean by honor. The honor that we give to “sleeping” saints is not the veneration of their images or praying to them.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 1:12–14

Who could be more guilty of sin toward Christ and his Church than Saul of Tarsus, who would become better know as the Apostle Paul? Because of his persecution of Christians, Paul eventually considered himself to be the greatest of all sinners.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:2-4

To be sure, the Confession is not referring to the invocation of saints. Rather, like Paul, the Lutheran Reformers taught the churches to honor those who have been made holy and called saints because of their faith in Christ.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 116:15

Let us clarify our terms again. Saints are those who have been made holy by God’s grace; they are not those whom we have declared holy. Indeed, they are those whom God has declared holy for Christ’s sake.

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Concerning Good Works – part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:27–31

We receive salvation, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit because of God’s grace — not because we deserve these gifts or have earned them. There is no merit in keeping the law, since it cannot save us, even if we could keep it, which we cannot do at any rate.

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Concerning Good Works – part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 15:8–11

We do good works for three principal reasons. One, we are to bear good fruit so that God is glorified, and two, to prove that we are real disciples of Jesus. Doing good in Christ’s name not only shows others whom we follow, it also shows us that we are his disciples.

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Concerning Good Works – part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:3–11

The Holy Spirit calls us to faith through the Word, and thereby grants us eternal life. The promises of God have already been gifted through belief in the promise. To this we are to add the qualities of faith

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Concerning Good Works – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:47

We confess that for salvation, nothing else needs to be added to faith in Christ, or what is also called belief. Much is said in the record of Scripture about doing good works but never so that one would be justified with God by doing those works.

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Concerning Good Works – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 4:13–16

A promise has been made. All that remains is for us is to believe in God’s commitment to save us from sin. There is no need to do something in order to obtain his promise

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Concerning Good Works – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Titus 3:5

Anyone who earnestly reads the Bible will soon observe that the teaching that we obtain the forgiveness of sins by faith freely for Christ’s sake has its foundation everywhere in the Bible.

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Concerning Good Works – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:24

When medicine cannot revive you, and doctors are of no use, and when death is imminent, your good works will give you no solace. You must have a reliable treatment for your condition when the despair of sin and death overwhelm you.

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Concerning Good Works – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Joshua 1:5–7

We must hold the ground of the gospel and not give an inch. When the choice is between Scripture and tradition, the choice is clear even if it is sometimes difficult.

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Concerning Good Works – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:4–6

The Father’s purpose in sending his Son into the world was so that the Christ would bear our sins. Nowhere has God’s plan been that we should bear our own iniquities.

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Concerning Good Works – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:26

God, who is faithful and just, forgives us of all sins and cleanses us from unrighteousness. He alone is legally and ethically righteous and honorable to forgive. He is the just justifier.

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Concerning Good Works – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 3:12-15

It is hard to believe. But it is true and must be believed. Christ came to save poor sinners — and he does not need our help. Our works are not the way; Christ is. Religion is not the truth; Christ is. Our devotion is not the life; Christ is.

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Concerning Good Works – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:8-10

The gospel clearly teaches that people are forgiven for Christ’s sake. The Apostle Paul instructs us in no uncertain terms that we are not saved from sin and death because of our works.

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Concerning Free Will – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 6:5

God did not establish a world where sin existed. He created all good things and all things good. He did not create evil. Nevertheless, it is within his will that we may sin — otherwise, we could do no evil.

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Concerning Free Will – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 2:37-38

The young man in Matthew 19 had been keeping the commandments his whole life, or so he claimed, but still knew something was lacking. So he asked Jesus, “What good deed must I do to inherit eternal life?”

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Concerning Free Will – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 13:1

Everyone is able to abide by the laws of the land, else the Scripture would not command us to do so. Furthermore, one may choose to obey the laws of the land or not.

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Concerning Free Will – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:28–31

Faith is a gift from God; it is not something that we can conjure by reason or industry. Do you truly fear, love, and trust God? Then you have been regenerated or born again and faith is at work in you.

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Concerning Free Will – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:8–9

A person who is not enlightened by God’s Holy Spirit — an “unspiritual” or “natural” person — does not, by natural reasoning or abilities, perceive or receive anything pertaining to God’s will and divine gifts.

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Concerning Free Will – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 3:16–18

But when one comes to the understanding that he is a sinner, through and through, always has been, and always will be, that person may then have the hope of finally pleasing God.

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Concerning Free Will – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:1–2

Without the Spirit, people walk along the natural course of the world. This is the path of sin and death. We cannot do otherwise; we cannot move toward God on our own.

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Concerning Free Will – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 2:14–16

Without having ever taken a confirmation class, everybody knows that they should honor their parents. Do we need to understand that it is the sixth commandment in order to know we ought to be faithful to our spouses?

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Concerning Free Will – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 2:9–10

Lutherans reject the Pelagians and others who teach that we are able to love God above all things and keep his commandments by the power of human nature alone, without the grace of the Holy Spirit.

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Concerning Christ’s Return to Judgment

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 25:31–46

Because Jesus rose again from the dead, we confess that on the last day of the world, he will bring with him all who have died in the Lord to be with him forever.

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Concerning Political Order – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:1–2

As God has established all civil authorities, he would have us pray for them—whether we like them or not. Christian love demands that we hold them before God in prayer.

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Concerning Political Order – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:33–37

Because Jesus said, “Do not take an oath at all,” we may feel guilty when we do make contractual promises. The issue here is not what we sometimes think it is.

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Concerning Political Order – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 2:42–47

It is dangerous to souls for us to concede that anything people do produces perfection. We are only made perfect by God through faith in Christ.

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Concerning Political Order – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:1–2

It is God who makes us perfect. There is nothing we can do or not do, possess or not possess, that makes us perfect or complete in the eyes of God.

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Concerning Political Order – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:38–40

If someone wrongs you, are you to take matters into your own hands, taking vengeance on the one who has wronged you? No; vengeance is the Lord’s.

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Concerning Political Order – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:17–19

When the Lord says that vengeance is his, one way his retribution is felt is through our governments, the political kingdoms in which we live.

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Concerning Political Order – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 8:2–5

The gospel does not give us new laws, nor does it call us to replace existing laws with the old Jewish law code. Instead, we are to obey the laws of the land while also living according to the rule of a higher kingdom, a spiritual kingdom.

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Concerning Political Order – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Chronicles 19:6–7

God is the final authority; all authority comes from him. Every governing power exists because of God. This is why Christians may serve in public office or be otherwise employed by governments.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 22

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 3:7–13

If we are going to follow a command of God, let us keep this one: believe in his Son, Jesus Christ. For “this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:20–22

I have enjoyed wearing the most comfortable jeans. But it seems that just a few months after I get them broken in, they wear out and I have to start all over. Who knows how many pairs of jeans I have worn out in my life?

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 1:10–11

Maintaining rites for the sake of order in the Church is one thing. But to contend that these rites justify God is in opposition to the doctrine of the Apostles, and contrary to both the Old and New Testaments.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 14:9–12

The face of Christianity is changing in many places. Things that were once considered true because they are the testimony of Scripture, are now cast aside in favor of personal and public opinion.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:1–5

Since rituals invented by people — instead of those instituted by God — have no testimony in the Word of God and no demand on his people, how could they have anything to do with real unity in the Church?

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:6–7

The highest service of God is to have faith in him. There is nothing you can do that is more precious to God than to trust him, believing his promises — to have faith, which is “more precious than gold.”

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:5–6

“You can’t make this stuff up,” people sometimes say when they hear something incredible — like the guy who called 911 because he was locked in his car. You can’t make this stuff up.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 1:3–7

God does not start a process that we must then finish. The Father sent his Son to accomplish a mission, not to partially complete the task. That task was to save the world through faith in Christ.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:7–9

God did not tell Abraham that if he kept certain traditions and fulfilled various commands, that he would be blessed. Rather, he promised him a son and descendants that would bless the whole world.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:18–24

The traditions of the Church, though often useful for devotional purposes, can not make us right with God. Pastors and priests are not mediators between God and sinners. But they can point the way. And that way — the only way — is Christ.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:21–25

I do not have a truck payment this month. In fact, I have not had to make my monthly payments for years. By making regular payments until my debt to the bank was paid off, I received the title to the truck.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Order – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 6:31–35

The Golden Rule is another way of stating the second half of the greatest commandment. It helps us put the commandment into action by telling us how to love our neighbor as ourselves.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Order – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 1:5–7

Is the result of your doctrine love or hate, peace or discord? Do you find that you are often agitated with people, politics, the news, life in general?

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Order – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:18–19

When there are divisions in the Church that are based in human reasons or traditions, they must be either resolved or condemned. In the end, after patient and prayerful dialogue, only the truth must stand.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Order – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 14:40

There should be a form of order and discipline in the Church, as there is in every organization. The Lutherans had no squabble with the Roman Church about the ordering of such matters.

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 2:28–29

What advantage are the sacraments if they are not believed, if there is no faith in the promises attached to them? Without faith in the Word of God connected with it, baptism is only water. Without faith in God’s promise of grace, Holy Communion is only bread and wine.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 65

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 41:8–10

There are times when it is difficult to believe that God really loves us. When we sin, we sense an estrangement with God that must somehow be overcome. The instinct is to make an offering...

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 64

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 13:9b–10

There are no confessed sins that Christ Jesus cannot or will not forgive. Therefore there is no confessed sin for which a minister of the gospel cannot and should not give absolution.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 63

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 18:15–18

The purpose of the keys involves both peace and terror. For those who believe in Christ and confess their sins, there is the comfort of knowing that they are forgiven because Christ alone is God’s satisfaction.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 62

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 4:22–25

Where is it written? Where do the Scriptures teach that we pay the price of freedom from eternal death? How do our punishments replace the excelling merit of Christ’s satisfaction for sin?

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 57

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 51:7–12

God will do what he must for the good of those he loves — even if it means inflicting them with some corrective troubles. Perhaps the psalmist’s bones were not actually broken but...

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 52

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 9:3–8

Many people think that our troubles originate in our sins. Often enough, this is precisely the case — but not always. Sometimes our troubles are meant to point us and others to the glory and the power of God.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 51

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 1:2–4

We should learn to regard our troubles as signs of impending grace. God is at work in these afflictions. When we have gotten to the other side, we can see that suffering drew us back to God, and caused us to rely upon him, and persevere.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 49

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:22–24

God may impose certain punishments for sins, by way of making an example of some people, and to discipline others. But these punishments are corrections and examples, not a means of grace and forgiveness.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 41

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 8:37–39

We are threatened on every side. Ten things are listed in Romans 8:37–39, over which we have no power or control. Indeed, the tenth thing Paul lists is anything not mentioned in the first nine.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 35

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:22–25

Do good works because God commands them to be done and because they bring him glory. But never hold the delusion that by doing good works, your sins will be forgiven or you will go to heaven.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 32

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:9–10

Jesus Christ is so completely holy and meritorious before the Father that he is holy and worthy for me. God is so pleased with his Son that he is well-pleased with those who believe in him.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 29

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 5:6–7

Good works are mandatory. But they do not appease the wrath of God against sin. Repentance is required, as it is commanded by Christ. This requirement does not make one righteous...

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 28

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 6:19–23

We are either slaves to the devil, sin, and death, or to God, righteousness, and life. Whichever we are bonded to will determine the fruit we get. The fruit or the wages of sin is death.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 27

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 8:12–13

We are indebted to God in Christ to no longer live in the sin for which he died. This does not mean that we no longer sin, for as long as we are in this flesh, this mortal body, there is sin and death.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 24

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 14:28–33

When I was a boy, I learned to carry a full cup of coffee to my father. I walked through the kitchen, down the carpeted hallway, and in to the living room, then handed it to him without having spilled a drop.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 21

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 2:15–18

Misrepresentation of Holy Scripture will upset the faith of some, those who have itching ears, but also those who are unlearned. Such deception even leads people into lives of ungodliness.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 33:14–16

It has already been stated here, more than a few times, that genuine faith is shown in its works. This is an entirely different matter than saying that forgiveness happens because of those works.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 18

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:6–8

Lutherans confess with Scripture that sinners are justified before God — that is, absolved of all sins and condemnation, without any worth or work of their own — through God’s pure grace.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 8:3–5

In the worldly kingdom, there are many disciplines we might bring to bear in order to make things more civil and orderly. Requiring certain satisfactions can even make folks feel better for a time.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 4:9–10

It bears repeating: our love, devotion, good works, and religious activities do not satisfy God’s justice. Only God’s Son propitiates, appeases, or satisfies God’s just demand for holiness.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Recently, a car rental company called, wanting to know when I was going to pay the bill on a transaction from over a month ago. I let them know that the company had paid that bill, informing them of the transaction details

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 3:1–3

God’s justice requires the punishment of sin. We either take the punishment or pay the penalty. However, we cannot make restitution. We can neither keep from sinning, nor pay the penalty of that sin.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 7:13–14

Your remorse does not merit God’s forgiveness. Being sorry — even though you go on at length about your specific regrets — does not repair your sinful condition or your broken fellowship with God.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 9:30–33

Anyone who wants to achieve righteousness or justification with God through religious devotion, doing good deeds, or by other things they imagine gain them merit with God, will be dreadfully unsuccessful.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:25–33

Always interpret Scripture in the plainest sense, using the clear meaning of the words. If a parable is being used, we might allow our minds to wonder what Jesus meant — until he tells us plainly.

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Concerning Repentance – part 75

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 20:18–21

Of what use is repentance, if it is merely being sorry for sins and then doing something good? People will remain in guilt, knowing that they are never good enough to merit forgiveness.

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Concerning Repentance – part 74

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:5–6, 11–12

Because the guiltless and incarnate God died for our iniquities, bearing upon himself the sin of the world, he carried our sins to the grave.

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Concerning Repentance – part 73

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ezekiel 33:10–13

Should you try not to sin? Certainly; but your ability or inability has nothing to do with forgiveness. Should you be sorry when you sin, and seek to do better? Absolutely, yet again, this has nothing to do with forgiveness of sin.

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Concerning Repentance – part 72

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 4:20–5:1

Faith must always be in the forefront because it makes us think of Christ. Even sorrow, though necessary but, because it naturally causes us to try to settle our own sins, must never be considered alone.

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Concerning Repentance – part 71

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 143:1–2

Let us be reasonable. Were we to depend upon our own righteousness and faithfulness, who could survive the wrath of God? They are deluded and arrogant persons...

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Concerning Repentance – part 70

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:20–25

Someone better make us holy and righteous or we are in eternal trouble. We have faith that Jesus was sent by his Father to accomplish this very thing.

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Concerning Repentance – part 69

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 10:8–11

It is not possible for someone to have a peaceful conscience, if they doubt that God is gracious toward them. No matter how hard they try to do right and be religious, they still question whether they have forgiveness of sins.

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Concerning Repentance – part 68

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 1:6–8

James is speaking to the topic of receiving wisdom from God in this passage of Scripture. However, the same exhortation may be applied to anything one asked of God. Ask in faith. Believe!

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Concerning Repentance – part 67

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 15:1–5

How can I keep the law without Christ’s help? I cannot, for I will either not do it at all, do it imperfectly, or as likely as not, do it with an impure devotion.

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Concerning Repentance – part 66

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:13–15

Cleansing from sins has always been necessary to God. Atonement has been required since the earliest days of Judaism. Even the first sin needed covering with death.

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Concerning Repentance – part 65

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:13–16

If we believe that we must keep the law in order to be forgiven by God, then we are saying that justification, righteousness, and forgiveness are not matters over which Christ has any power.

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Concerning Repentance – part 64

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:22–24

The law incarcerates; it does not free. Only faith in Christ frees us from captivity to sin and death. Yet, thank God for the law, for without its accusations, we would never know our need for salvation and God’s grace.

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Concerning Repentance – part 63

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:14–20

Believe the promise of the gospel; it is the truth. Know that Christ’s own righteousness has been granted to you as protection against sin and death.

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Concerning Repentance – part 62

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:12–16

We cannot read the law with veiled hearts and expect to find the grace of God. All we sense is God’s displeasure. So, we cannot expect the law to come to our rescue.

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Concerning Repentance – part 61

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:19–22

Think for a moment how silly it would be for a person to look in the mirror and say, “You’ve been so good lately; I forgive you.”

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Concerning Repentance – part 60

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

We preach and confess that Christ died for our sins and saves all those who believe. The world responds, “What kind of babbling is this?"

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Concerning Repentance – part 59

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 1:1–7

Faith in Christ arouses good works, but it is faith in Christ that receives forgiveness. Although God certainly wills that we speak and do good, our salvation does not depend upon such goodness.

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Concerning Repentance – part 58

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 5:18–24

It was common in Jesus’ time for people to think their physical ailments and disabilities were the result of their sins. Think of the paralyzed man being carried on a cot to Jesus.

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Concerning Repentance – part 57

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:13

We must be sure to believe in the word of God, not the words of men. The testimony of men reasons that we must do good things to appease an angry God.

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Concerning Repentance – part 56

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:16–17

In C. S. Lewis’ poem, “As the Ruin Falls,” he writes, “a scholar’s parrot may talk Greek.” People may sound authoritative; indeed, some birds may seem so. But by their singing, one may determine what sort of birds these authorities are.

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Concerning Repentance – part 55

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:55–58

The doctrine of justification by faith is one for which people have given their lives. Luther himself, knowing that his life would be forfeit, declared that his conscience was captive to the Word of God, not to the doctrines of men.

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Concerning Repentance – part 54

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 40:28–31

We are saved, forgiven, and made righteous through faith in God’s Christ. There is no other way to God; there is no shortcut.

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Concerning Repentance – part 53

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 10:42–43

The whole of Scripture proclaims that forgiveness of sins is received only through faith in Christ. Those who suppose that God forgives their sins because they are good people, are led astray by their vain imaginings.

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Concerning Repentance – part 52

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 4:1–8

Everyone acknowledges that, “You can’t take it with you.” Common sense wisdom understands that our works have no eternal value. So why do some try to stack them up as having merit with God? Belief in God’s promises is what counts as righteousness.

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Concerning Repentance – part 51

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:21–25

The forgiveness of sins is received — not earned. Now a sizeable portion of the Church thinks otherwise. Yet this is clearly what Scripture teaches us. Forgiveness is received by faith.

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Concerning Repentance – part 50

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 5:9–12

If you cannot believe God’s promise then you may as well insist that the sun will rise in the west tomorrow morning. For if you cannot believe that which is most sure, how certain is anything else that has been taken for granted up until now?

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Concerning Repentance – part 49

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 17:15–18

Promises are laughable words, unless received with faith. Abraham and Sarai were promised a son in their advanced old age. Abraham laughed; he laughed so hard that he fell to the ground.

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Concerning Repentance – part 48

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 3:16–18

We cannot place our trust in works wrought by ourselves. Surely, this is evident to everyone. Who among us has been found faithful — even to his own intentions?

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Concerning Repentance – part 47

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 11:28–30

Being sorry for our sin does not merit forgiveness. You probably heard a retort something like this at some point in your life: “Sorry doesn’t fix what you broke.”

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Concerning Repentance – part 46

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 3:4–8

These are important distinctions. Faith is different than sorrow or contrition. It is also different from devotion or works of penance. Faith stands apart, believing in the Redeemer...

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Concerning Repentance – part 45

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 7:36–38, 48–50

We are saved, forgiven, and made righteous through faith in God’s Christ. There is no other way to God; there is no shortcut.

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Concerning Repentance – part 44

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 12:13–14

When David was brought up short by the knowledge of his secret sin, he was contrite and confessed his sin. After his confession, the prophet Nathan spoke words of forgiveness from the Lord.

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Concerning Repentance – part 43

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 3:6–8

After we take the tantalizing fruit of sin, a frightening self-consciousness overwhelms us. All we want to do is cover our sin and hide from God. This terror is contrition; and it is not enough.

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Concerning Repentance – part 42

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 3:14–15

The promise, though veiled, goes all the way back to Genesis. That very first sin demanded the declaration of a Savior from the loving God. For from those tragic bites of forbidden fruit...

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Concerning Repentance – part 41

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 4:15–17

How strange it must seem to a child, for the parent who loves, to also seem so angry. For the threat of an oncoming car does not concern the unknowing child who is chasing a ball into the street.

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Concerning Repentance – part 40

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 2:2–6

Life and death are in God’s hands. And there is nothing that we can do to deliver ourselves from the grave. The foolish harden their hearts to this fact of life. But the wise are contrite.

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Concerning Repentance – part 39

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 119:25–28

Our ways lead us to certain death. They are low and dusty, clinging to the world and sin. Yet, God is always calling us to the way of life.

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Concerning Repentance – part 38

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 7:24–8:2

We are in bondage to the flesh: these bodies of death with their natural inclinations that serve the law. We are bound by nature to sin “in thought, word, and deed.”

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Concerning Repentance – part 37

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Habakkuk 2:1–4

It is the height of arrogance for someone to think that justification occurs through the human acts of contrition, devotion, or other acts of love or good works

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Concerning Repentance – part 36

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 6:2–4, 11

Paul speaks plainly about these two parts of repentance. He writes that we are dead to sin, this taking place through our baptism.

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Concerning Repentance – part 35

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 1:14–15

It is not enough to only believe the history of the gospel. One must have faith in the one who is the incarnate gospel. One must trust in Christ for the remission of sins.

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Concerning Repentance – part 34

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:11–15

To think of repentance in terms of contrition alone is to act in accordance with the law. This is unstable ground since it depends upon the person who is sorry for their sin.

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Concerning Repentance – part 33

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Chronicles 7:11–14

God has always been ready to forgive. Proof of his willingness is the ways he has provided for people to have faith and turn to him.

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Concerning Repentance – part 32

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 10:10–16

Believe that you are truly forgiven in heaven when you hear such words as these on earth: “I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

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Concerning Repentance – part 31

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 10:13–17

The promise of divine grace is received through hearing the gospel. This hearing occurs in many ways. It is received through the reading of the Scripture, both individually and corporately.

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Concerning Repentance – part 30

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:18; 3:11–12

We cannot fear, love, and trust God without faith. In other words, we cannot keep even the first of the commandments without faith, let alone the rest of the law.

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Concerning Repentance – part 29

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2

The witless child who does not believe his parents got him a birthday present, will never enjoy the gift. Perhaps he was sorry for having been a disobedient child but just could not accept that his parents loved him nonetheless.

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Concerning Repentance – part 28

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:39–11:2

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.

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Concerning Repentance – part 27

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 2:19–21

As long as we live in this flesh, we will experience all of these feelings. For the law will never cease to accuse us of sin.

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Concerning Repentance – part 26

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 38:14–15

We are very weak. Jesus reminds us if this fact of our human nature. “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

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Concerning Repentance – part 24

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 32:5

Repentance begins with a heart that is moved toward God’s mercy and then has faith that he forgives for Christ’s sake.

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Concerning Repentance – part 23

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 2:13–16

The Lutherans, on the other hand, confessed that the power of the keys was the authority of Christ spoken by any confessor, and dependent upon two things: contrition and faith.

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Concerning Repentance – part 22

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:7–10

The fault with indulgences lies not only in who it is that forgives sin, but in what this forgiveness costs. God’s gracious forgiveness is a gift.

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Concerning Repentance – part 21

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:21–28

Going to church, doing good works, being president of Council, having perfect attendance, teaching Sunday School, and even knowing all three of the ecumenical creeds by heart mean nothing without faith.

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Concerning Repentance – part 20

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:1

The Lutherans however, confessed that everything hinges on Christ. He bore our sin on the cross so that we would be made “the righteousness of God.”

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Concerning Repentance – part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 38:1–4

We have to admit that our sins are great in number, that they have gone over our heads as if if we were drowning in our iniquities. Who could confess such a volume of transgressions?

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Concerning Repentance – part 18

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 8:21–24

So today, we ought to be teaching our people that God forgives sins for Christ’s sake, not because we perform certain rituals.

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Concerning Repentance – part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 16:19

The power of the keys binds things in heaven, not just on earth. When a “door” is unlocked or locked on earth in the name of Christ, it is done in heaven too.

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Concerning Repentance – part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 4:20–25

So we confess that our holiness, our works of contrition, is insufficient for the remission of sins, while faith in Christ merits forgiveness of sin...

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Concerning Repentance – part 15

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 38:18–22

It is not enough to be sorry for our sin. Nor is it enough to do good. For we cannot assist ourselves. Instead, we must avail ourselves of the mercy of God in Christ Jesus.

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Concerning Repentance – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 4:4–5

Although we should certainly “fear, love, and trust God” (Small Catechism), these things, including the fear of God (attrition), do not earn grace.

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Concerning Repentance – part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

You cannot reason or work your way into God’s grace. God’s grace is a free gift, something that is given by him for you.

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Concerning Repentance – part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 11:23–26

Since the consequence of sin is death, it is no wonder there is the felt need to confess all sins. Perhaps, we might imagine, if we could confess them all, we might overcome death.

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Concerning Repentance – part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:7–8

We confess that we are in bondage to sin, that we cannot free ourselves, and that Christ alone has redeemed us from sin.

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Concerning Repentance – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:21–23

There is nothing confusing about the gospel when it is heard with the ears of faith. We confess that Christ has killed our sinful old nature through his own death on the cross.

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Concerning Repentance – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 145:8–9

Our anxieties about sin may be managed on the surface with words and semantics, but when the test is applied in the heart, these matters turn out differently.

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Concerning Repentance – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 103:8–13

Look to the Word. What is written? How far does God say that he hurls our offenses? “As far as the east is from the west,” is how far he removes our sins from us.

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Concerning Repentance – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 20:21–23

The power of the keys is the clear charge of Christ to preach the gospel, to remit and retain sins, and to administer the sacraments.

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Concerning Repentance – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 6:1–4

Around the time of the Reformation, there was endless quibbling in the church about how and when things happened.

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Concerning Repentance – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:1–2

Peace is only found in the grace of God. This is why Peter says, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” Who does this math?

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Concerning Repentance – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10

The doctrine of faith is no small matter, for true repentance depends upon faith. Repentance needs faith to believe that God is so merciful toward us that our sins have been forgiven for Christ’s sake.

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Concerning Repentance – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 3:18–21

What are we to do but to turn again and again to Christ? The heart of this turning, this repentance, is faith. We believe that in turning from our sins to Christ, those sins are blotted out.

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Concerning Repentance – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 51:7–17

God creates clean hearts within us. This happens when we are first, stricken in our consciences, and then, have faith that God will forgive us and make us righteous for Christ’s sake.

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Concerning Confession – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 44:22–23

Confession must lead to Christ — not to more and more confession. Christ is the focus, not ourselves. Therefore forgiveness must be the outcome of confession, not the tyranny of a guilty conscience.

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Concerning Confession – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 40:11–13

Only a foolish or crazed person would undertake the task of counting the hairs on his head. There are too many to count.

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Concerning Confession – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 22:11–13

The imposition of rules and regulations will change no heart. The Holy Spirit changes hearts. The crucified Christ draws people near.

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Concerning Confession – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:12–13

Our focus should be Christ, not our sins. One can spend so much time in introspection and the endless recounting of sin that Christ is lost in the shuffle.

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Concerning Confession – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27–29

Confession precedes Holy Communion. We are to earnestly confess our sins and hear the words of absolution before receiving Christ.

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Concerning Confession – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 2:42–43

As Christ is known to us in the breaking of the bread, the early Church assembled to know Christ in his Supper, the Apostles’ teaching, prayer, and fellowship.

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Concerning Confession – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 1:7-10

Confession and absolution provide persons of faith with the regular assurance that their sins are forgiven because of what Christ has accomplished for them.

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Concerning Confession – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 28:13-14

People recoil at the idea of fearing God because they believe that God loves them. “Why should I fear someone who loves me?” they might ask.

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Concerning the Holy Supper – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 22:19-20

Holy Communion is not something that we do; it is something that God does for us. It is not an act or ritual that we perform; it is an activity of God that we receive.

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Concerning the Holy Supper – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:47-57

We have been talking about Holy Communion, Baptism, the Church, justification, and other matters but in all of these topics, we are actually considering faith.

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Concerning the Holy Supper – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 26:26-28

Jesus called the bread that he broke and gave to his disciples to eat, “my body.” He said of the cup, “This is my blood.” This is what we believe.

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Concerning the Holy Supper – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:15-17

This participation, as the Revised and English Standard versions translate the word, is a fellowship or, as the King James Version phrases it, a communion.

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Concerning Baptism – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Titus 2:11-15

God gives authority to people to speak and act in his name through Holy Baptism. The pastor seems to be the one using the water, and if that were all the pastor did then that would be all there was to see.

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Concerning Baptism – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 19:25-26

The universal grace and promise of the gospel is just that: universal. It is not applied to everyone except some persons.

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Concerning Baptism – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 10:13-16

The divine promises of grace and of the Holy Spirit do not belong to the old alone, as if Jesus, who loved little ones, would have them wait for his promises.

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Concerning Baptism – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 16:30-33

When a child, or anyone else in a household or family, is baptized, the will of God, the promise of God’s salvation is realized. The work of salvation continues through faith.

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Concerning the Church – part 34

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 13:1-7

It is important for us to distinguish between the two kingdoms—the kingdom of God and worldly kingdoms. Both Church and State are under God’s authority but they serve different ends.

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Concerning the Church – part 33

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 28:18-20

Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions urge us to be not only wary of false teachers and ministers, but to have nothing to do with them.

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Concerning the Church – part 32

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 14:22-24

The words of Christ spoken over the bread and wine insure the promise of grace to those who believe. When we believe his word over the elements, he is truly present in them.

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Concerning the Church – part 31

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 15:1-9

If I considered my musical preference to be a commandment instead of a tradition, I could cause a great deal of confusion and harm.

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Concerning the Church – part 30

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 2:4-5

The truth of the gospel is that righteousness and salvation come through faith in Christ — Christ alone. This is the word that sets us free.

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Concerning the Church – part 29

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 2:2 

We may well suppose that if two Lutheran churches in the same county celebrated Easter on different Sundays that people would have something to say.

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Concerning the Church – part 28

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-5

There is nothing wrong with celibacy or fasting or many other disciplines. Even in marriage, abstinence can be a good thing, if the couple agrees together to abstain for some spiritual purpose.

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Concerning the Church – part 27

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 14:5-6

If others wish to abstain from certain foods on certain days, that is between those people and the Lord. Do not let them convince you that abstinence is a matter of righteousness.

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Concerning the Church – part 26

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 1:1-3

“It is written.” This was a favorite saying of the prophets, the evangelists, the apostles, and Jesus. Sometimes it is phrased as a questions: “What is written?”

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Concerning the Church – part 25

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

External is not eternal. These outward things will never secure everlasting life. Furthermore, they will never give us peace. The heart must be changed by God for these things to be ours.

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Concerning the Church – part 24

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:16-23

How heartbreaking it would be to run in a race, and to run so swiftly that you won the race, only to find out that you had been disqualified because of a false start or a lane violation.

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Concerning the Church – part 23

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:1-6

I have convictions but if I dare to make those things qualifications for your righteousness and salvation, please take me to task.

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Concerning the Church – part 22

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 20:24–26

The Church is that gathering of saints where the Gospel is correctly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered.

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Concerning the Church – part 20

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:4-6

If you believe these things, we agree that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God” — no matter the particular manner of our ceremonies.

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Concerning the Church – part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 16:15-16

The effectiveness of the sacraments depends upon Christ. Were you baptized in a stream or at a font, at the hands of a priest or a pastor, by a saint or a sinner?

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Concerning the Church – part 18

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 4:13-14

Every pastor who presides over Holy Communion is a sinner. Some are worse sinners than others. Some do not even believe in Christ or the Word of God.

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Concerning the Church – part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 1:15-17

It is the duty of pastors to preach the gospel. It is each church’s obligation to make sure that they do. Yet, it is more than a duty; it is a joyful compulsion.

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Concerning the Church – part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 2:32-36

The prophet Daniel presented the Antichrist along similar lines as this sarcastic paragraph from the Confessions. There is no ruler of rulers but Christ.

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Concerning the Church – part 15

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 10:16-18

We should not expect everyone in a collar or alb to represent the kingdom of God. Every preacher in a pulpit does not necessarily proclaim the Word of God.

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Concerning the Church – part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:28-29

We must not replace Christ with works, offices, masses, or anything else. These things do not save; Christ alone saves and justifies.

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Concerning the Church – part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:19-21

You will find the church wherever two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus, that is, with faith in him, teaching the gospel, and administering the sacraments.

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Concerning the Church – part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 13:47-50

Jesus was clear on this matter when he was brought before Pilate. His kingdom is not of this world. It is not temporal but instead, spiritual.

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Concerning the Church – part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 18:33-37

Jesus was clear on this matter when he was brought before Pilate. His kingdom is not of this world. It is not temporal but instead, spiritual.

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Concerning the Church – part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 3:2-7

As worshipers come forward for Holy Communion, many pause at the baptismal font, place their fingers in the water, and make the sign of the cross on their forehead.

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Concerning the Church – part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:24-29

All those who by nature were born Jews, or Abraham’s seed, were given the law so that they might be an example to the nations of how God would have people live.

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Concerning the Church – part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

The Body of Christ is not an organization that merely goes through the motions of ceremonies. The Church has gifts in the heart, namely, the Holy Spirit and faith.

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Concerning the Church – part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 12:5-7

The “house of the righteous,” the church, is infiltrated by the wicked. Sometimes, they seem petty, though they are aggravating and ungodly.

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Concerning the Church – part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:25–27

When we perceive the threat to the Church — a threat that exists both from within and without — we can be led to despair of her continued existence.

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Concerning the Church – part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 2:12-16a

We believe in the Church. This is the congregation of those who believe in Christ. They are spread throughout the ages — past, present, and future.

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Concerning the Church – part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Titus 3:4-7

So we must be careful to confess that sinful people, such as ourselves, become righteous and holy only through the grace of God.

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Concerning the Church – part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:15-23

We deplore the condition of some church bodies, that they have abandoned the Word of God for culturally correct beliefs. Yet, we should not complain overly much.

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Concerning the Church – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 26:26-28

Some people attend church because they were raised to do so. They give no thought to faith; it is simply the right thing to do.

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Concerning the Church – part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 22:9–14

Nearly 40 years ago, a half dozen people from a local cult attended my church, trying to get people to follow their false god.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 155

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 2:8–13

Let us continue to keep Christ at the center of all things. The promised Messiah, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin from the lineage of kings, suffered, was crucified and buried for our sins.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 122

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 17:7-10

We are indentured servants, slaves to sin and death, and we can never earn our freedom. Either the master sets us free—and death and the devil are not going to do that—or someone pays our debt and sets free.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 99

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 1:21-24

Surveys are often filled out by a person who marks the box, “Christian.” Often what this means is that the person thinks there is a God. In the public mind, believing there is a God is synonymous with being a Christian.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 51

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:4–6

Be careful not to build a doctrine of righteousness and salvation upon anything you do, for that house would surely fall, since it is founded on the limited and human instead of upon the infinite and divine.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 11:39–44

What good is it to go to church on Sundays, bring an offering, be an usher, and serve on a committee, if the doing of these things is the whole of one’s religion? All of these things and more can be done without any faith in God.

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Concerning Justification, part 50

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 7:24–27

Justification is no idle dream among Christians because Christ Jesus has built his church, not on shifting sand but, on the Rock, upon himself.

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Concerning Justification, part 49

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:1–6

Forgiveness of sins is received by faith alone because the promise cannot be received except by faith. True faith is that which assents to the promise.

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Concerning Justification, part 48

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–5

Justification is not the result of our love or devotion or fine deeds but is the result of God's grace alone working through faith, for Christ's sake.

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Concerning Justification, part 47

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7b–10

We often think of Paul’s mysterious “thorn” as a physical affliction. However, if we consider it a spiritual thorn, we may find some profit for conscience.

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Concerning Justification, part 46

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:11–14

The world was subject to Christ by the law because, according to the the law, all are indicted, and yet, by the works of the law, no one is justified.

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Concerning Justification, part 45

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:5–11

Dying, Jesus satisfied the law of God and made us righteous. We can add nothing to this mighty act. He has done it all and justified us to God.

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Concerning Justification, part 44

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Habakkuk 2:1–4

By faith in Christ, we are completely reconciled to God and entirely assured of eternal life, so that we begin now to enjoy the peace and joy of heaven.

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Concerning Justification, part 43

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 4:11–12

As salvation does not come by our religious devotion, it also does not happen because we have added works added to his. Christ alone saves.

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Concerning Justification, part 42

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 13:38–39

Justification does not depend upon the person’s merits; it depends upon the judge — in this case, God, who states that the offense is forgiven.

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Concerning Justification, part 41

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 3:16–18

If God expected us to save ourselves, we would be condemned before we began because we are still sinners. It is our nature.

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Concerning Justification, part 40

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 2:15–16

The old law keeper and law enforcer, so impressed by an alien righteousness writes the phrase “faith justifies” many times in his works.

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Concerning Justification, part 39

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:21–28

The key phraseology is “through faith” or “by faith.” Paul mentions it 31 times, James and Peter once each, and the writer of Hebrews 24 times.

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Concerning Justification, part 38

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:30–31

I have nothing to do with my justification. It too is a gift given to me by God. I am saved by God's grace alone, as experience and Scripture testify. 

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Concerning Justification, part 37

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 3:20

To receive forgiveness, only have faith in what Jesus has done for you. There is no need to do anything else about what has already been done.

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Concerning Justification, part 36

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 10:36–43

Not only Lutherans, but the apostles and the prophets also, insist upon justification by faith — faith in the merits of Jesus. They add nothing else.

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Concerning Justification, part 35 - copy

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2Hebrews 4:14–16

Jesus is our great High Priest, mediating for us before God, a thing that we cannot do ourselves with any amount of religion, devotion, or good works.

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Concerning Justification, part 34

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2

Our interest should be in being with God who is our peace and heaven, things which religious devotion and good works can never gain.

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Concerning Justification, part 33

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17–21

Though sin terrifies consciences through the law that reveals the wrath of God, we gain the victory through Christ by faith in his mercy.

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Concerning Justification, part 32

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 32:1–5

We should do all we can to please the Lord but rely upon Christ alone — not what we do but what he did) for the covering of our sins, and for salvation.

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Concerning Justification, part 31

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 4:1–5

Lutherans confess that we are saved by God's grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, not by works of the law or religion or personal piety.

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Concerning Justification, part 30

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:3–5

Faith is not the beginning of salvation, to which more work must be added to the work of Christ. He has done it all. He alone justifies you with God.

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Concerning Justification, part 29

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:3–6

When it comes to religion, we want to trust in the things we do, as though our deeds were some form of spiritual currency that can buy salvation.

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Concerning Justification, part 28

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 10:13–17

Saving faith that reconciles God, comes by what is heard through the Word. One does not earn justifying faith; one receives it by the word of Christ.

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Concerning Justification, part 27

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 24:45–49

Faith is an active trust in God. It is not doing or reciting religious things by those who believe in the history of Christianity but do not believe in Christ.

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Concerning Justification, part 26

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 50:8–15

God is pleased when we keep our obligations and do good works, yet, we must not imagine these things appease God's righteous wrath toward sin.

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Concerning Justification, part 24

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 6:21–24

All we can do — by the power and work of God's Spirit — is thankfully receive what has been freely promised through God's great mercy.

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Concerning Justification, part 23

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 4:15–16

If a promise is made, faith — not work — is required. This is true in human relations and is no less true in our relationship with the divine.

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Concerning Justification, part 22

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1–2

We should offer our whole selves to God, though to imagine that this appeases God's wrath or earns justification and salvation is self-deception.

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Concerning Justification, part 21

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2

Faith is a matter of the heart over the head. Faith trusts that God loves me even when I think that he cannot, so my heart is comforted and peaceful.

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Concerning Justification, part 20

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:8–9

So called personal faith does not rely upon personal works but on the person of Christ, as it is through him that God is reconciled toward us.

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Concerning Justification, part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:4–5

How misleading — and even rude — it would be to invite people to a party and then demand that they serve the guests in order to stay.

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Concerning Justification, part 18

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 4:7–14

As circumcision was a seal of Abraham's faith in God's promise, works are do not earn God's grace but are a sign that one believes God's promise.

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Concerning Justification, part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 3:8–10

We know the law is right, that in ourselves, we have no leg to stand on. The law has us dead to rights. So, how can it make us right with God?

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Concerning Justification, part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 16:6–7

Since God looks at the heart, we ought to concern ourselves primarily with loving him with our whole self. Then the other commandments may be kept.

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Concerning Justification, part 15

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 64:4–6

If it is Jesus who makes us free, how dare we try to make ourselves free through works of the law, as though we must add works to remain free?

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Concerning Justification, part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 2:15–21

We confess that Christians should do good works. Yet, we also confess that these works do not earn God's grace or save them from sin and death.

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Concerning Justification, part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 1:12–15

A person greatly dishonors the Lord when he thinks that he makes himself sinless and holy, when “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

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Concerning Justification, part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 17:5–7

No one is ever able to love God by virtue of his own strength or abilities. Nor is one able to fulfill the rest of God's law by human strength or reason.

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Concerning Justification, part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 51:1–10

We will never stand before God, or be righteous, unless he does it for us. Only God can create clean hearts and make us pure, holy, and righteous.

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Concerning Justification, part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 1:8–9

There is another kind of righteousness that is heavenly, free, and full of grace, not from keeping the commandments but from the very hand of God.

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Concerning Justification, part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:23–26

Something far better than a program of law or education has arrived in Christ Jesus, who through faith, has made us good citizens of his kingdom.

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Concerning Justification, part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 7:25–27

The winds of life will blow and beat against the house of faith, yet it will not fall. Faith continues to stand because Christ is faith's secure foundation.

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Concerning Justification, part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Titus 3:4–7

How do we know if we have acquired any merit with God but by believing his promise in Jesus Christ, who is our only and sufficient merit with God?

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Concerning Justification, part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 139:23–24

Knowing about Jesus provides no disposition to love God; only the the righteousness given by God through faith disposes people to love him.

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Concerning Justification, part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 6:14–16

If Christianity is just another philosophy, then Christ and his cross, his life, death, resurrection, and ascension, offer no distinctive benefit to sinners.

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Concerning Justification, part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 3:18–23 

Lutherans do not teach that righteousness comes through reason or civility or any human work, for we are incapable of loving God on our own.

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Concerning Justification, part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 12:28–31

We do not trust God. A solid proof of this assertion is our seeking to satisfy his righteous law by our own works, instead of depending upon his grace.

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Concerning Justification, part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:21–23 

When considering the Scriptures, grace, faith, and justification must always be considered in contrast to the law and the commandments.

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Concerning Justification

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2 

Justification is the chief article for the Lutherans, touching every other article and doctrine in the Augsburg Confession and its Defense.

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Concerning Christ

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 20:24–28

There was no difference between the positions of the Lutherans and Rome when it comes to the dual nature of Christ, that he is both God and man.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 17

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:14–16

Original sin is a vital matter, for if people do not understand their depraved and damnable nature, how will they understand their need of Christ Jesus?

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Concerning Original Sin, part 16

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 3:14–19  

Scripture shows that because of the original sin of Adam's and Eve's disobedience, humanity is enslaved to sin, death, and the devil.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 15

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 3:5–10

If people believe that their natural inclination toward evil is not in itself sin, and a matter of no concern, then why should they trust in God's grace?

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Concerning Original Sin, part 14

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:27–30

The Lutheran reformers were careful to note that original sin deals not only with what people do, but with the human nature that causes them to sin.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ezekiel 36:25–27

God now gives us right desires and the strength to overcome — even if that strong desire is to ask his forgiveness when we fall in the fight. 

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Concerning Original Sin, part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 116:12–13

Original sin should be taught so that our people might truly know their need of, and have a desire for Christ, and the grace that the gospel offers.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 2:14–16

We too often consider sin something as simply that we do. It is more than what we do; sin is the reason we do the things we know to be sinful.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 6:25–33

Original sin is an inability to seek God and his righteousness, so that what we are left with is the inordinate ability to seek after the things of the flesh.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:20–24

Our original nature or self must be drowned in baptism, and as we are so comfortable in our old clothing, we must daily put off of that old self.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 3:5–10

Due to the fall, humanity now lacks the original image of God given them in creation, and without it, any innate righteousness or ability to achieve it.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 1:26–27

Lutherans, as well as the Church Fathers, define original sin as the complete lack of the righteousness that was originally given humanity.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 14:1–3

Without the doctrine of original sin, God must be considered rather foolish for sending his Son to redeem those are capable of redeeming themselves.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 1:1–2

Our symptoms point to something pernicious, as does Scripture. And the Word of God — not human reason — is always to be our final authority.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:1–5

Being rich in mercy, and loving the whole world, God sent his Son to save us from our sinful birth, from the sin that originates within each of us.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 3:18–21

A proper understanding of original sin, will rely upon “sola Scriptura” as the final word, as it is in all things for those are truly Lutheran Christians.

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Concerning Original Sin, part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 3:2–6

Original sin is not the doing of unlawful things but is the depraved condition, the diseased state of the natural person, that is itself sin.

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Concerning Original Sin

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 51:3–5

Original sin is not the doing of unlawful things but is the depraved condition, the diseased state of the natural person, that is itself sin.

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Concerning God

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 28:17–20

There is one divine essence, undivided, etc., yet three distinct persons, of the same divine essence, and coeternal: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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The Preface to the Defense

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:1–7

The church in Rome would not have the Augsburg Confession but the reformers clung more tightly to their articles of faith and defended them.

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Concerning the Power of Bishops, part 13

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 5:27–29

As it is obvious that some ordinances were the wrong idea, it would be fitting to correct them, since this would not disturb the unity of the church.

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Concerning the Power of Bishops, Part 12

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:23–30

Minutia like hair, dress, jewelry, food, drink, and ceremony can become the focus for some, but for Christians, Christ and his gospel must be the focus.

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Concerning the Power of Bishops, Part 11

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 1:16–17

Ceremonial laws are Jewish, not Christian, and so often entrap consciences, which Jesus came to liberate and give peace and certainty of forgiveness.

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Concerning the Power of Bishops, Part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:19-25

We gather together on the Lord's day, yet no day is any better than another in terms of salvation, for days do not save; the Lord of day is the Savior.

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Concerning the Power of Bishops, Part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 11:1–6

Bishops or pastors may make ordinances so that there is order in the church but these may not be said to merit grace or make satisfaction for sins.

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Concerning the Power of Bishops, Part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 11:25–30

The gospel prohibits making ordinances necessary for meriting grace, so it follows that it is not lawful for any bishop to institute such things.

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Concerning the Power of Bishops, Part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 15:10–20

Bishops have no right to burden the church with obligations of false righteousness, for these do not help us trust in the merit of Christ alone.

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Concerning the Power of Bishops, Part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:16–19

There is one thing that settles the matter of sin, or our righteousness before God, and that one thing is faith in the saving work of Christ Jesus alone.

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Concerning the Power of Bishops, Part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:1–3

It is against Scripture to establish or require any tradition, if the observance is to make satisfaction for sins, or to earn grace and righteousness.

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Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 10

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 1:1–4

Once monastic vows are understood to be human inventions, they are null and void; one is freed to live a normal life as God has commanded.

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Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 9

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 4:1–5

Anyone in any calling of life, may be a servant of Christ, without taking special orders in the church, for all vocations are holy orders when done for God.

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Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:1–6

To say that one may do something — anything at all — that could earn God's grace is an insult to the gospel of our Lord and to Christ himself.

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Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 8:1–4

The Lutherans believed that marriages could not be annulled by monastic vows, the opposite being the case: marriage vows annul monastic obligations.

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Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 19:10–12

Lutherans teach that vows of celibacy are not sacramental, nor are they binding in cases where one did not understand what was being promised.

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Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1–7

Some promises must be broken, for example, when God's Word and order are at stake, promises should be reconsidered in the light of God's love.

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Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:1–5

Because of the temptation to immorality, the commandment of God is that each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

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Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:12–21

Paul admits that he is not perfect, but struggling against his flesh, he presses on toward the goal of completeness, in spite of his imperfect state.

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Concerning Monastic Vows, Part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:33–37

Lutherans do not believe that "holy orders" such as monastic vows are sacraments, means of receiving grace, let alone earning God's grace.

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Concerning the Distinction of Meats - Part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24–27

Discipline your body, yes, with exercise and diet, and spiritual disciplines also like fasting and vigils, but not think these are the things that save you.

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Concerning Confession - Part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 19:12–13

Praise God for his mercy instead of worrying that you have forgotten some other sin for which an imaginary, angry god would hold you accountable.

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Concerning Confession - Part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 20:21-23

Lutheran churches carefully teach about faith in the absolution, reminding Christians of the great consolation it brings to anxious consciences.

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Concerning the Mass - Part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:33-34

Holy Communion is not a potluck that feeds the belly. It is a means of grace in which people are assured that they receive the forgiveness of sins.

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Concerning the Mass - Part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 22:14-20

As was the apostolic practice and that of the Fathers, Holy Communion belongs to the whole church, not just to those who can afford it.

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Concerning the Mass - Part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:8-14

As was the apostolic practice and that of the Fathers, Holy Communion belongs to the whole church, not just to those who can afford it.

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Concerning the Mass - Part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 8:18-23

Since the beginning of the world, nothing that God ever ordained seems to have been so abused for the sake of generating revenue as the Mass.

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Concerning the Mass - Part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:4-7

It was taught that one could purchase a Mass to be said for himself or a dead relative as a way of earning merit with God, reducing time in Purgatory.

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Concerning the Mass - Part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

It is God's will that we receive his grace through the means of Holy Communion, and do so often, as we sinners need his grace very much.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 2:18, 21-24

Enforced celibacy is man's answer to a human problem with sin; it is not God's answer. The Lord's answer, his intention and institution, is marriage.

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Sacrament

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 26:26-28

When we change the plain meaning of God's Word or remove verses that offend us, we offend God and are condemned by the very words we omit.

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Corrected Abuses

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Corruptions had begun to creep into the church, and reform was badly needed so that people's hearts could again be comforted by the mercy of God.

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Conclusion of Part One

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

The emphasis of the Confession remains upon Christ rather than tradition, in the authority of God instead of human invention, practices, and teachings.

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Concerning the Worship of Saints

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 8:31-34

Lutherans aim to imitate the lives of the saints but not venerate them, as to pray to them for help or expect such aid from any but God in Christ's Spirit.

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Concerning Good Works - Part 8

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 15:1-5

Doing good works as conditional to salvation is impossible since one cannot begin to love God or do good works until filled with the Holy Spirit.

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Concerning Good Works - Part 7

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 2:14-22

Lutherans confess that it is necessary to do good works because it is the will of God, these works contributing nothing to salvation but being evidence of it.

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Concerning Good Works - Part 6

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 3:16-17

True faith is that which trusts in the only God as a Father who loves and forgives, giving comfort and support where once there was worry and fear.

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Concerning Good Works - Part 5

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:1-11

The conscience is plagued with guilt when one relies on good works for righteousness with God, instead of relying on Christ alone through faith.

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Concerning Good Works - Part 4

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 15:8-13

The doctrine of justification by faith alone brings the greatest consolation to the conscience since good works depends on us but faith depends on Christ.

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Concerning Good Works - Part 3

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 15:5-11

The Lutherans, in teaching justification by faith, were not introducing a novel doctrine, as it had been taught by the Apostles and the Church Fathers.

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Concerning Good Works - Part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:1-6

Our works cannot appease God or earn forgiveness of sins, grace, and justification. We obtain this only by believing we are favored only for Christ's sake.

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Concerning Good Works - Part 1

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:14-16

Though Lutherans confess that God's grace alone justifies a person without adding a single virtuous act, they believe that good works flow from faith.

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The Cause of Sin

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 1:18-25

God did not create evil but he did create humans with the ability to be disobedient to his good will, to sin, and we call this disobedience evil.

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Free Will

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

Lutherans confess that that they are unable to attain to the righteousness of God, and are entirely dependent upon God's grace from start to finish,.

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Concerning Christ's Return for Judgment

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

Jesus Christ is returning to earth on the last day of time to judge the living and the dead, sorting out believers to heaven and unbelievers to hell.

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Civic Government

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 13:1-7

Lutherans teach that the sanctification of Christians does not come from doing or not doing things, but with what Christ has done for us on the cross.

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Church Traditions

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 4:8-11

The human heart must be constantly reminded that Christ is the end of the law but that there are “profitable” things we still do — yet not as obligation.

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About Ecclesiastical Order

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:11-16

God puts great responsibility and privilege upon a relative few in his church so that all of his people may grow in the Word and the grace of Jesus Christ.

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The Use of the Sacraments

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

The gift of Christ's Body and Blood is God working through his Supper to enliven and establish our faith through continued grace, only received by faith.

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About Repentance

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:9-14

Lutherans hold that the only way to perfectly overcome sin is to be forgiven for Christ's sake, not through any merit or satisfactions of our own.

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About Confession

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 5:13-20

Because one cannot enumerate all sins, Lutherans practice public confession and absolution, while encouraging private confession too.

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About the Lord's Supper

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:50–59

Lutherans profess with the Scripture, that "this is," Christ's real body and blood, that he is truly present, and not just a grateful memory of him.

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About Baptism

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:18–22

Lutherans profess that baptism is necessary for salvation, not just for adults but for children too, that God's grace, like Christ's touch, is available to the them.

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What the Church Is

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 23:1–10

The Christian is that person who no longer seeks his salvation, his deliverance, his justification in himself, his virtues, but in Jesus Christ alone.

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Concerning the Church

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:25–27

The Church of Christ is that congregation of saints in which the gospel is correctly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered.

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New Obedience

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:18–25

One who walks by the Spirit operates under a new obedience, doing even more than the law requires. These fruits of the Spirit do not save but flow from faith.

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Of the Ministry

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 10:5–17

The Holy Spirit, through the Word and Sacraments, works faith in them that hear the gospel, justifying those who believe that they are received by grace for Christ's sake.

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Of Justification

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:21-31

Romans 3:28 sounds like a sixteenth century Lutheran wrote the words but they were penned by Paul and inspired by the Holy Spirit in the first century.

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Of the Son of God

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 20:30-31

Eternal God then born human also, Jesus has a dual nature, a shared existence or incarnation. He is God and man at once — God in the flesh.

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Of Original Sin

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:21-27

We all need a Savior because we are all sinners from birth. Even those "innocent" little babies need the Savior. Do not hinder them coming to Jesus.

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Of God

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Lutherans confessed at Augsburg that they believed what the Scriptures say about God, regardless of whether they could reason their way to the doctrine.

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A Preface Toward Unity

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:13-17

Christians ought to hope for unity, beginning to do so by considering how they agree on matters of the faith, for we are called to fellowship in Jesus.

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Standing On Your Own Feet

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 20:11–15

In the end, at the coming of Christ, “every one must stand on his own feet; his own personal faith is demanded, he will give an account for himself...”

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Likewise

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:1–6

The Small Catechism teaches us that the ascended Christ is “true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary.”

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One Christ

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1–6

He is not two beings, a god and a man somehow in a kind of symbiosis, or a compound or complex organism, two beings, but no longer quite human or divine.

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Equal and Subordinate

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:8–15

When you were dead in your sins, God made you alive with him by canceling the debt that stood against you, nailing it to the cross.

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Addressing Heresies

Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18–21

"Now, that sounds believable," said no one ever about the Trinity — unless the Spirit of God is at work in her through the proclaimed Word.

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Compulsion

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 11:33–36

We have been a great gift from God: the revelation of himself. Otherwise we could not comprehend the Mystery who is God, nor believe in him.

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Trinity in Unity

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:6–13

Now this is the catholic faith: we worship one God in trinity and the Trinity in unity, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the divine being.

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Whole and Inviolable

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 20:24–29

The latest theological craze attracts the spiritually distracted like deer to headlights. The more glaring and wilder, the better.

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The Athanasian Creed

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 24:44–45

The whole three Persons are coeternal together, and coequal, so that in all things, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshiped.

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The World to Come

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 5:10–13

We may hope to see a departed family member in heaven, but for the true believer, there is no greater longing than to be with God on earth as in heaven.

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Looking Forward to It

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12–19

In the creeds, we confess that Jesus really died but was also resurrected from the dead. And so, we confess that we too will be raised as he was.

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One Baptism

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1–6

We’re you baptized into a stream, a pond, a river, a baptistery, a font? Or were you baptized into Christ. If the latter, your sins have been removed.

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One Church

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 6:11–18

We confess a Church united in its apostolic doctrines and practices, one that is orthodox, rightly teaching the Word and observing the sacraments.

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Who Spake

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 23:1–4

We only know about God because he has revealed himself to us. The Nicene Creed speaks specifically here of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, "who spake."

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Together

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 1:26–28

The Creed helps the uncomprehending to confess and believe the Scriptures so that they may come to understand the incomprehensible.

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Proceeds

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 15:26–27

There is a plurality in God, yet an inseparable unity in the undivided essence whom we refer to in the Scriptures.

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Lord and Giver of Life

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:12–18

The Holy Spirit is too often thought of as impersonal, a power, rather that the relational third person of the Trinity who is God.

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The Never-ending Kingdom

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 9:2–7 

If you are in Christ who is eternal from the Father, then you are eternal from and in Christ, a citizen of his eternal, never-ending kingdom.

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For Us

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16–21

We confess in the Nicene Creed that Christ Jesus came down from heaven accomplished his Father's will "for us."

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For Our Benefit

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 10:34–39

Christ Jesus came to save us — not to make us feel better but to bring us into a corrected and eternal relationship with God.

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Begotten

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:15–20

In the Nicene Creed, we confess a straightforward denial of the Arian heresy: Jesus is “not made.” The Son is begotten, not created.

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Very God of Very God

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 5:15-18

There is no other God to be truer than, so “true God of true God” simply emphasizes the doctrine that Jesus is not a created being but is truly God.

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Light of Light

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 21:22–25

The light that is God is generated by his glory. As he is by definition, “God of God,” he is by description, “Light of Light.”

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God from God

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 2:5–11

Jesus has always been God with the Father and Holy Spirit. Together, they are one God and Jesus is God of this Triune God.

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Begotten of the Father Before All Worlds

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 1:1–4, 14–18

Christ was in the beginning as the creating Word. He was with God. And he was God. Christ Jesus is God, with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

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Things Visible and Invisible

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 8:4–6

We confess that the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever one God, is the creator of all things, whether visible or unseen.

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The Nicene Creed

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:8–11

The Nicene Creed originated from a need to confront a false teaching by concisely and correctly teaching what the Scripture says about Jesus Christ.

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The Life Everlasting

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:1–4

"Are we there yet?" You have heard this childlike question many times. We too, should be like little children, eager to be at our eternal home with God.

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The Life Everlasting

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:1–4

"Are we there yet?" You have heard this childlike question many times. We too, should be like little children, eager to be at our eternal home with God.

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Resurrection of the Body

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

Resurrection is a mystery but we confess our belief that in the flash of an instant, we will be changed. We will be made otherwise, altered, glorified.

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Forgiveness of Sins

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 1:5–10

Do not run for the bushes. Do not deny. Confess! For we have been given a Savior and so, we believe in the forgiveness of sins.

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The Communion of Saints

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:1–12:2

Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

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The Holy Catholic Church

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 16:13–20

In the creed, we confess a catholic Church, meaning the entire communion of believers throughout time who hold to orthodox or correct doctrine.

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The Holy Catholic Church

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 16:13–20

In the creed, we confess a catholic Church, meaning the entire communion of believers throughout time who hold to orthodox or correct doctrine.

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I Believe in the Holy Spirit

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:1–14

Christians believe that the Lord our God is one God yet three persons, or the Trinity, whom we name as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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He Will Come Again

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 4:1–7

The Christian should be careful to live faithfully, yet not trust in her own righteousness but in Jesus who is coming soon to judge all who have lived.

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He Ascended

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

We need not be concerned over our future. It is secure in Christ, so we are freed and empowered to live the risen and ascended life now.

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He Ascended - copy

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

We need not be concerned over our future. It is secure in Christ, so we are freed and empowered to live the risen and ascended life now.

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He Rose Again

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 45:25–28

Like Jacob, who simply believed the report of his son being still alive, we confess that on the third day Christ Jesus rose from the dead and lives.

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He Descended into Hell

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1–10

We celebrate the Ascension; we should observe the “Descension” too. Jesus Christ did descend into hell but it could not hold him.

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Jesus Died

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 19:38–42

Jesus really died. He is not dead, but he once died, crucified on a Roman cross. This was no trickery or vision; the incarnate God physically died.

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Died

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 19:28–37

Jesus did not sleep, as we say, but truly died a real, physical death so that those who believe may be raised from death to a real and bodily life.

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Was Crucified

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 19:16–27

Jesus suffered in our place a literally excruciating death in order to redeem the world from its lost condition, again literally justifying humanity to God.

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Suffered Under Pontius Pilate

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 27:11–23

Jesus did not have to suffer under Pilate's authority but for the will of his Father, he suffered that the sins of the world be covered by his sacrifice.

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The Incarnate God

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18–25

In becoming man, while also fully God, Jesus paid the price for our sin, restoring our favor with God by the blood of his sacrifice.

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Conceived by the Holy Spirit

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:54–63

Even in the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary, we see that human works had no play. Mary did nothing. Joseph surely did nothing. God did it all.

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Our Lord

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:14–17

We confess God to be a gracious Lord who loves us so greatly that he promised to save us and through his own sacrifice, brings us everlasting comfort and the hope of redemption.

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His Only Son

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 4:9–15

The Scriptures alone teach the incarnation, so we should believe it as an article handed over and shown to us by God himself.

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In Jesus Christ

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 10:22–39

In the creed, we profess that it is God himself who saves us from sin and death. Our confession is that Jesus is this saving God. 

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Maker of Heaven and Earth

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Genesis 1:1–31

In these few, opening words of the creed, we see the Trinity expressed even before God is named as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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The Father Almighty

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 7:7-11

In both law and gospel he has given good gifts to his children. As the Almighty, he commands; as our Father, he gives us his grace.

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Hear

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 6:4

When we say that we “believe in one God,” as the Apostles' Creed plainly outlines, we name the one God as Father, Son, and Spirit.

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I Believe

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 9:24

We confess what the Scripture teaches, and with the father of the boy with the unclean spirit, say, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

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