Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:19–23

Click for larger image

• Image  • Index

Colossians 1:19–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

It is altogether incorrect to imagine that the Levitical sacrifices earned the forgiveness of sins before God, and that by analogy, sacrifices in addition to the death of Christ are required in the New Testament that are effectual for the sins of others. This fiction completely invalidates the merit of Christ’s suffering and the righteousness of faith, and corrupts the teaching of the Old and New Testaments by replacing Christ as our mediator and reconciler with priests and sacrificers who daily hawk their wares in the churches.

Pulling It Together

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, we are made holy and blameless with God. If we continue with faith in Christ, in his sacrifice on our behalf, we who were alienated from God because of sin, are united with him by the blood of the cross—his work, not ours. He alone is our mediator and atonement.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the peace your cross brings to sinners like me. Amen.

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.


Share this post


Click Here For Content Archives