Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 5:6–7

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2 Corinthians 5:6–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Many arguments can also be collected to show that these passages of Scripture do not pertain in any way to scholastic satisfactions. These men imagine that satisfactions are works that are not due; but Scripture, in these passages, requires works that are due. For this word of Christ, “repent,” is a word of command.

Pulling It Together: Good works are mandatory. But they do not appease the wrath of God against sin. Repentance is required, as it is commanded by Christ (Matt 4:17). Yet again, this requirement does not make one righteous, justify a person to God, or save to eternal life. Likewise, we are mandated to keep the Ten Commandments but keeping the commandments, even if we could perfectly do so, can not, do not, and will never satisfy God. We can make no satisfaction through repentance, good works, or acts of devotion that will atone for our sins. Only Christ can satisfy or atone for sin; and he has done so for the sins of the world. So, while works are required, we must constantly remember that they do not satisfy. This is an edge that is difficult for many to walk—because it means walking in faith alone.

Prayer: Dear Lord God, help me to trust in Christ alone. Amen. 

The biblical focus in this five session VBS series, Rebekah & Her Family, comes from the Book of Genesis. God's hand is seen at work throughout the story — from Rebekah’s being chosen as a bride for Isaac, through the birth and lives of their twin sons, Esau and Jacob.  The story illustrates how God remains faithful to his promise, despite our sin, and that God's power can actually change our lives!

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series


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