Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:16

“Well, I don’t know what art is but I like pink.” That opinion may be fine for my granddaughter but it will not fly at the Guggenheim. It does not work in Christian faith either.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 3:21–22

The office that Melancthon refers to is that Christ is our Propitiator and Mediator. Christ alone has atoned for our sin and it is he who stands between sinners and God.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

The Scripture is not some pulp fiction, read for shallow thrills on an idle evening. Rather, the word permeates our whole lives, penetrating and informing us who we are before God.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:17

The “Apostolic Fathers” inform us that Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John, and “the angel of the church in Smyrna.” Irenaeus was his disciple and tells of the bishop’s faithful life, teaching, stand against heresy, and martyrdom.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:1–6

Great value was placed on...what the early theologians and bishops called the Church Fathers taught about the Christian faith from the time of the apostles through the seven ecumenical councils of the Church.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 91:1–4

The Lord himself is our sure defense. We need cry out to no other, for no one other than the Almighty is able or inclined to save us. This is what the Scriptures teach us.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:4–6

All Christians are priests before God. The Church, a “holy priesthood” of believers prays to God through Jesus Christ. God does not require other intercessors who are in his presence.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 3:16

We cannot stand on our own two feet, let alone lend our works or merits to other people. This is the purview of Christ alone. Christ Jesus imputes his righteousness to us, but we do not ascribe our righteousness to anyone.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:15

Because of his sacrificial death for us, Christ alone has satisfied the just requirement of God’s law, something which we nor the saints could ever do. Scripture therefore, calls only Christ our Mediator.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 1:1-3

“It is written.” This was a favorite saying of the prophets, the evangelists, the apostles, and Jesus. Sometimes it is phrased as a questions: “What is written?”

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

External is not eternal. These outward things will never secure everlasting life. Furthermore, they will never give us peace. The heart must be changed by God for these things to be ours.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 19:16–27

All of Jesus' ministry looks toward the crucifixion. He tells his disciples over and over that this is why he came to earth. Sometimes it is a veiled announcement...

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:55–58

Scripture does not tell us that Mary is the victory over sin and death, not does it even hint at such things. Christ conquered death for Mary and for us all.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 1:17–18

The one who died but lives again causes us to live forevermore through faith in him. Jesus tells us that it is his voice that the dead will one day hear when some will be resurrected to eternal life.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:25–27

No saints are named by Paul (or any other writer in the New Testament) as responsible for the act of cleansing the church. Christ alone has made the church holy.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 7:23–25

No one draws near to a king unless he is commanded to do so. Therefore, if you wish to have the king’s ear, it must be done through one who is already in the king’s presence—and to whom the king will listen.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:35–40

Jesus said that whoever comes to him would never again hunger or thirst (John 6:35). Now that is satisfaction: to never be hungry or thirsty—and to never worry about being filled.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:27–31

Everything that we have comes from God. Both our physical and spiritual lives are gifts. Since all comes from God, why would we think righteousness and eternal life come from another source?

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:13–14

It pleases God to answer our prayers when we pray according to his will. So, just as we are careful to ask that his “will be done” in heaven, we should be as concerned that God’s “will be done on earth.”


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