Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:21–23

Galatians 3:21–23 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

All Scripture ought to be divided into these two main topics: the law and the promises. In some places Scriptures present the Law, while in others the promise concerning Christ, either when it promises that Christ will come and for his sake offers the remission of sins, justification, and eternal life, or in the gospel, after he appeared, Christ himself promises the remission of sins, justification, and eternal life. Furthermore, in this discussion, by “law” we designate the Ten Commandments, wherever they are found in the Scriptures. At present, we will not say anything about the ceremonial and judicial laws of Moses.

Pulling It Together: The defense of the doctrine of justification begins with a definition of terms. The revelation of God is understood easily by seeing it in its simplest functions. The Old Testament presents God's commandments. Further refining the definitions, the present discourse will be dealing with the law in terms of the root of all scriptural law: the ten commandments. The New Testament, on the other hand, though it does deal with law just as the Old Testament shows God's grace, more generally handles God's promises or grace that answers the law. Without acknowledging these definitions, it is unlikely that one will readily understand that people are imprisoned under the law of God and liberated by the grace of Christ. Grace, faith, and justification must always be considered in contrast to the law and the commandments.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for setting me free from sin and death. Amen. 

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide


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