Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 25:31–46

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Matthew 25:31–46

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Christ’s Return to Judgment

Our opponents accept the Seventeenth Article without exception. We confess there that Christ will appear at the consummation of the world, and will raise up all the dead, giving eternal life and eternal joys to the godly, but will condemn the ungodly to eternal punishment with the devil.

Pulling It Together: 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 (1 Thes 4:14) to be with him forever (1 Thes 4:17). These are comforting words for those who believe (1 Thes 4:18). We also confess that those who do not believe, will have no share in this glorious inheritance. Like a shepherd, Christ Jesus will separate people from people, the believing from the unbelieving, the sheep from the goats. The blessed believers will be brought into God’s eternal company, while those without faith in him will be sent away to eternal punishment.

Prayer: Help me to serve you, Lord, by serving others in your name. Amen.

John is the fourth book in the "Old Places, New Faces" series. Twelve studies explore the profound metaphors of the Gospel of John. This study guide will make the story of Christ alive and relevant for today's readers.


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