Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:27–31

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1 Corinthians 1:27–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Secondly, they apply the merits of the saints to others, just like the merits of Christ. They tell us to trust in the merits of the saints as though we were accounted righteous on because of their merits in the same way that we are accounted righteous by the merits of Christ. We are not inventing these charges.

Pulling It Together

Everything that we have comes from God. Both our physical and spiritual lives are gifts. Since all comes from God, why would we think righteousness and eternal life come from another source? Why would we think ourselves or anyone else able to give such great gifts? Now we might make much of ourselves, of our religious devotion, our prayers to saints, our offerings and other sacrifices. Or we might make much of a saint’s life, and depend upon that saint to answer our prayers. We would do so because we recognize that our own lives are insufficient to earn such favor. So at least we would have understood that our own standing before God is affected because of the righteousness of someone else. But that someone—the only one—who can assign his own righteousness to us is Christ. We are made righteous because of his merits, not because of the saintly lives of any others. Our boast is not in ourselves or saints but in the Lord alone. He is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Prayer: All praise belongs to you alone, Lord, who has accomplished our salvation. Amen.

The Adventures of Martin Luther is a simple musical drama was written for youth to tell the story of Martin Luther's adventures, including his testimony before the Emperor at the Diet of Worms and what was happening in Wittenberg during Luther's exile at Wartburg Castle. Released by Sola Publishing as part of the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, the drama serves as a fun and interesting way for young people to enter into the story of Martin Luther, acting out some key moments in his life. The script allows for many participants, using accessible language and easy-to-learn songs based on familiar hymn tunes. Costume and prop notes are included, to help those in charge of the production.


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