Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

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2 Corinthians 12:9–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

For the following teachings are clearly false and foreign not only to Holy Scripture, but also to the Church Fathers:

I. That from the divine covenant we deserve grace from good works done without grace.

Pulling It Together

You cannot reason or work your way into God’s grace. God’s grace is a free gift (Eph 2:8), something that is given by him for you. It is not something that you earn, either by reason of decision or by doing good works. The poor in spirit receive the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:3), not those who are wise and industrious. God does not command us to work for his grace. Instead, he liberally bestows his grace and expects his children to offer themselves totally to him (Rom 12:1). We are to do this, not to be saved or be considered righteous, but so that the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23) will be manifested in our lives through the Holy Spirit, and bring God the glory. His grace is sufficient for us; God does not need our assistance. This frees us to live by the Spirit, content with the righteousness of Christ alone.

Prayer: Thank you, Almighty God, for paying the price for my weakness. Amen. 

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