Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9

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1 Peter 1:3-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

That faith which does not manifest itself in confession is not firm. Thus other good works please God because of faith, as the prayers of the Church ask that all things may be accepted for Christ’s sake. They likewise ask all things for Christ’s sake. It is obvious that the close of all prayers adds this clause: “through Christ our Lord.” Accordingly, we conclude that we are justified before God, reconciled to him, and reborn by faith that in repentance apprehends the promise of grace, truly enlivens the frightened mind, and is convinced that God is reconciled and propitious to us for Christ’s sake. Through this faith, Peter says that we are are “guarded...for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet 1:5).

Pulling It Together: Justification, righteousness, and salvation are not only received by faith, these things are preserved for us to the end of time. It is faith that vindicates us in this life and gives us hope of the life to come. “The salvation of our souls” is believed because of faith in Christ. We even trust God for all good things in this life by virtue of Christ alone. This is why we always pray, “in Christ’s name.” These promises of God’s grace cannot be trusted to our good works. Yet, through faith in Christ and his work, we hope, believe, and endure all things (1 Cor 13:7).

Prayer: Almighty God, keep me in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

We Still Believe is a Bible study resource reflecting on key themes in biblical Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style by Pastor Steven King, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

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