Concerning Christ
Scripture Text: John 20:24–28
John 20:24–28
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Concerning Christ
Our adversaries approve of the Third Article, in which we confess that there are two natures in Christ, that the Word assumed a human nature into the unity of his person; and that this same Christ suffered and died to reconcile the Father to us; and that he was raised again to reign, and to justify and sanctify believers, and so forth, as stated in the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed.
Pulling It Together: Even a doubter like Thomas understood that Jesus is both God and man. Jesus Christ is God incarnate, or in the flesh. Thomas said that he would not believe Jesus was raised from the dead unless he saw him in the flesh. Knowing he had been crucified, had died, and was buried, Thomas said he would never believe unless he verified it was the same man by seeing the nail marks in his hands and by placing his hand in the spear wound in Jesus' side. Eight days later, Jesus gave Thomas the opportunity to touch his wounds. It is not clear whether Thomas actually touched Jesus' hands and side but we know Thomas' response was, “My Lord and my God!” The resurrected body of Christ caused the famous doubter to believe in divine flesh. Those who opposed the Lutherans also believed in the dual nature of Christ. There was no disagreement between the scholastics in the church and the Reformers concerning this article. However, there was much difference on the further matters of justification and sanctification through Christ. These matters are defended in the next Article.
Prayer: Help me believe, Lord, what is written of you in the volume of the book. Amen.
Who is Jesus? An Introductory Bible Study
It is only in God’s Word that we find what God has to say about himself, and what he has chosen to reveal to us in Jesus Christ. This five-session study, written by the Rev. Roy Beutel, is meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ — who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord. The study would work well for introducing people to Bible Study, for those new to the Christian faith, or for those who want a refresher on the basics of our faith in Christ.
• Student Workbook • Leader's Guide
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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