Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 2:22

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Jeremiah 2:22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

We do not care about refuting these absurdities of the adversaries in more words. Scripture is obviously speaking of necessary works, of the entire newness of life, and not of observances of works that are not required, of which the adversaries speak. And yet, by these figments they defend monastic orders, the sale of Masses, and incessant observances to make satisfaction for punishment—if not for the guilt.

Pulling It Together: I used to be a printer, working with thick, oily inks day after day. My skin became discolored by cleaning those inks from presses. I tried everything to get my hands clean—not only commercial products, but many that I invented also. Nothing worked. It seemed that my hands were permanently stained. But in fact, my hands were clean, except for the stains.

Scrub and scrub; scour as much as you like. Invent cleansing agents, potions, and rituals. You will still be unclean. The stain of your guilt will remain before the Lord. Nothing removes it—no amount of good works, no love of God, or devotion to religion. Though works, love, and devotion are required of us, they do not cleanse us of our sin. Only Christ can do that for us. He alone has removed the stain of guilt for all who believe.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for taking away my sin and my guilt. Amen. 

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide


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