Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:6–8

Having been moved to faith, the Spirit of God begins to transform us through the Word, worship, and testing. He gives each believer a gift or gifts of the Spirit that should be used in service for God.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 13:15

Do good but do not depend upon your good works. Depend upon God, upon his word and his promises. Though they please him if done from the heart, God does not require your sacrifices.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 4:23–24

In the New Testament, there is no offering or service or work that merits God’s favor ex opere operato—on account of the work that has been done or the service rendered.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1–2

We are to offer sacrifices but the Lutheran Reformers wanted to be clear, not only what those sacrifices are but, what they accomplish. There is no sacrifice that we can offer or that can be offered for us.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 5:6–10

There is only one work that saves, reconciles, justifies, atones, provides forgiveness of sin. That one work or sacrifice is not something that any human being can do.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:4–6

After the true sacrifice had been accomplished, all analogous and ceremonial sacrifices should cease. What they pointed toward had already been accomplished in Christ’s cross.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:16–19

You may sacrifice this thing or another, hoping that God will be appeased and forgive your sins. Or you might do some good work or act of penance, again, hoping that God will remove your guilt.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 6:2-4

Baptism “brings about forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare” (The Small Catechism).

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 2:2

Our concern is what a propitiatory or atoning sacrifice is for Christians. For that matter, what is an atoning sacrifice for anyone during this Christian era? There is just one...


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