Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 7:27–28
Hebrews 7:27–28
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Concerning the Mass
Therefore, if anyone insists that a priest is required to make an offering for sins in the New Testament, this must be granted only to Christ. The entire Epistle to the Hebrews confirms this interpretation. If we were to seek any other satisfaction in addition to the death of Christ that is effectual for the sins of others and that reconciles God, this would be nothing more than appointing other mediators besides Christ.
Pulling It Together
Either Christ is the full and final atonement for the sins of the world, or he is not. In the latter case, two things are true. First, new and daily sacrifices would need to continue on behalf of sinners everywhere. Second, Christ would no longer be our Savior. He is either Savior, or he is not. If he has saved us, then sacrifices are no longer necessary. If he has not saved us, then bring on the priests. A system of works demands a priestly system, while faith insists it has no need for priests and sacrifices because it has a Savior.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for appointing us a Savior. Amen.
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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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