Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:1–2

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1 Peter 1:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Before we come to the defense of our position, we must first say that all good men of every rank, including theologians, undoubtedly confess that the doctrine of repentance was very confused before the writings of Luther appeared. The commentaries on the Sentences are available as example of the endless questions which the theologians were never able to explain satisfactorily. The people were unable to comprehend the sum of the matter, or what things were required in repentance, or where to seek peace of conscience.

Pulling It Together

Peace is only found in the grace of God. This is why Peter says, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” Who does this math? We are entirely unable to extend God’s grace to ourselves, let alone multiply his grace. We cannot create a lasting peace of mind; nor can we cause it to increase in ourselves. But God can and does. So Peter says, “May [it] be...” This is something done to us, or for us; it is not something we do for ourselves, or even in cooperation with God. God alone is the author of grace and peace. If we are looking for peace anywhere other than in the grace of God, we are looking in the wrong place.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for choosing, redeeming, and sanctifying me. Amen.

Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord is a Lenten Sermon Series booklet that provides the background and thematic resources to allow a preacher to put together a five-week sermon series for Lent. The booklet uses a unique approach called the "Telemetry Method" for preaching that helps to visualize each sermon, including the launching point for the sermon, two nodal points along the trajectory of the message, the place where the good news touches the human heart by connecting believers to the heart of Christ, and then the landing place, which represents the sermon's conclusion. Also provided are "thoughts to ponder," theological reflection, as well as sample bulletins and hymn suggestions, making it easy to plan an entire Lenten series.


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