Sola Devotions

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 22

Scripture Text: Matthew 24:9–14

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Matthew 24:9–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction

It was your duty, Campegius, in accordance with your wisdom and in regard to matters of such importance, to have taken care that they should write nothing which might seem to diminish respect for the Roman See, either now or in the future. If the Roman See judges it right that all nations should acknowledge her as mistress of the faith, then she ought to take pains that those with learning and integrity investigate religious matters. For what will the world think if the writing of the adversaries is ever brought to light? What will posterity judge concerning these critical judicial investigations?

You see, Campegius, these are the last times, in which Christ predicted that there would be the greatest danger to religion. You, therefore, who ought to sit, as it were, in the watchtower and moderate religious concerns, should in these times employ unusual wisdom and diligence. There are many signs which, unless you heed them, threaten a change to the Roman state.

Pulling It Together: Life is hard enough without those in authority leading people astray. Scripture teaches us to have faith in Christ for forgiveness and justification. So then, when religious leaders say that people have to pay for at least some of their sins, if not the sum of their sins, people can become confused, or even indifferent to the faith. This can happen for many reasons, but it should never happen because church leaders teach that something more than faith in Christ is necessary for salvation. That sort of distortion of the basics of the Christian faith often leads to moral decay and the breakdown of society. This then, is the time for patient endurance (Heb 10:36), steadfast faith, and keeping true to the gospel of our Lord.

Prayer: Keep me in your Name, Lord. Amen. 

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