Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Isaiah 40:28–31
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Isaiah 40:28–31
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Concerning Repentance – part 54
Our adversaries cry out that they are the Church and are following the consensus of the Church. Yet Peter cites here that the consensus of the Church is in favor of our position: “To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). Surely the consensus of the prophets should be judged as the consensus of the whole Church. We do not concede to the pope or to the church the power to make decrees against this consensus of the prophets.
Pulling It Together: Isaiah tells us that “whoever believes will not be in haste (Isa 28:16). Those who believe will wait upon the Lord for righteousness. Therefore, they will “not be put to shame” (Isa 49:23). Isaiah and all the prophets teach us what the apostles also proclaim. We are saved, forgiven, and made righteous through faith in God’s Christ. There is no other way (John 14:6); there is no shortcut. It does not sway us that some denomination or popular pastor says otherwise. Their opinions can not alter our confession that righteousness and eternal life come through faith in Jesus Christ alone, since the prophets and the apostles, with united voice, declare the same.
Prayer: Everlasting God, strengthen me so that I may not faint in faith. Amen.
Learning About Confession teaches the meaning of Confession and Forgiveness according Luther's guidance in the Small Catechism. It is recommended for the Sixth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. With a healthy balance of Law and Gospel, lessons emphasize the connection between repentance and forgiveness, and how the promise of God’s forgiveness changes our lives.
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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