Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:47

Online jigsaw

• Image  • Index

  Click for a recording of today's lesson.

John 6:47

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

But we spoke of this entire matter above. Let the reader find evidence there. For the dishonorable treatment of the subject has forced from us the present complaint, rather than a discussion. They are on record as disapproving of our article: that we obtain forgiveness of sins by faith and freely on account of Christ, not because of our works.

Pulling It Together: We confess that for salvation, nothing else needs to be added to faith in Christ, or what is also called belief. Much is said in the record of Scripture about doing good works but never so that one would be justified with God by doing those works. We have said time after time—and will never grow weary of saying it yet one more time—that we cannot earn or merit forgiveness and salvation. These are gifts that God gives to those who believe, not because they paid the price for their sins but because Christ paid the price.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Electronic Resource (SOWeR) includes a database of hundreds of hymns and songs for use in worship. Search for titles, themes, or categories; then open individual pages that feature author data, plain-text lyrics, full-score hymn inserts, and simplified lead sheets for accompanists. Hymn numbers are provided for LBW/WOV and ReClaim hymnals. The database also includes original lyrics written by Sola authors, that may be sung to familiar hymn tunes.

SOWER is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 


Share this post


Click Here For Content Archives