Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:1

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2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

VIII. That canonical satisfactions are necessary for redeeming the punishment of purgatory, or that they profit as a payment to blot out guilt. Uninformed people understand it in this way.

Pulling It Together

The uneducated persons mentioned in this eighth statement in the list of false teachings are the very ones teaching those doctrines. Melancthon referred to them as “uninformed” since they relegated believers to a purgatory. Because it was taught in the schools that satisfactions are made to apply only to the punishment—instead of Christ being the satisfaction for sin—there had to be a place in the schoolmen’s minds where believers went when they died but had not yet paid the entire debt of their sins.

The Lutherans however, confessed that everything hinges on Christ. He bore our sin on the cross (1 Pet 2:24) so that we would be made “the righteousness of God.” This free gift of God (Rom 6:23) does not depend upon our righteousness or our satisfactions for sins. Our devotion and good works are not the point. Righteousness and salvation are not about our love, but instead, rest completely in God having loved the world so much that he sent his Son to be the propitiation for sin (1 John 4:10). God in Christ has reconciled us to himself. Do not receive his grace vainly by now trying to make satisfactions for your sins.

Prayer: Dear Lord and Savior of the world, move me to know your great love and be at peace in you. Amen. 

Dwell In My Love! - Word of Life Series (Unit 3) is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

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