Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Revelation 1:17–18
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Revelation 1:17–18
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Concerning the Invocation of Saints
Some of us have seen a certain theologian, a monk, brought to console a dying doctor of theology, who pressed on the dying man nothing but this prayer: “Mother of grace, protect us from the enemy; receive us in the hour of death.”
Pulling It Together
It is The Living One who makes us live. 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 (John 5:28) when some will be resurrected to eternal life, while others are resurrected to judgment. We confess that it is God alone, the one who holds the keys to death, who is the only one whom we may call upon to provide escape from the grave. Therefore, we have no fear of either death or the devil, for the right hand of the Lord is upon us, giving peace through the assurance of his word and resurrection. Only the great I AM who is “the first and the last” and “the living one,” gives life and salvation to all who call upon his name (Joel 2:32; Rom 10:12).
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for unlocking the door of death and giving me eternal life with you. Amen.
Portraits of Jesus is a nine-session Bible study that explores the "I AM" statements given to us by Jesus himself. In comparing Jesus' words with related Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments, the study provides a well-rounded look at the center of our faith in Christ.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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