Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:39–11:2

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Hebrews 10:39–11:2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Therefore, we add faith in Christ as the second part of repentance so that during these terrors, the gospel of Christ is presented to consciences. For in his gospel the forgiveness of sins is freely promised through Christ. Therefore, they ought to believe that their sins are freely forgiven for Christ’s sake.

Pulling It Together

If repentance is only a matter of sorrow for sin, then human nature tries to appease God. But we cannot appease God by any means. We cannot do enough good works to appease God. Nor are we able to love God sufficiently or in a manner that might appease him. At any rate, appeasement is not our business, since none of this has anything to do with our love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and because of his great love, sent his Son to be the propitiation or the appeasement for our sins (1 John 4:10). Appeasement is God’s business—not ours.

So, yes, we must be sorry for our sin but then, we must turn to God in faith that he forgives us because Christ Jesus is the sacrifice for our sins. Thus, we confess that we are forgiven for Christ’s sake. God has taken care of our sins. Have a little faith. 

Prayer: Give me faith, O Lord, that I may be confident of my hope in you. Amen. 

Psalms in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is 12 studies that make Bible stories come alive for today's Christian by Rev. Kent Groethe. This small group Bible study looks at the old places from the Old Testament stories and gives relevant and faith-stimulating messages for new faces — today's believers.


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