Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 3:12–17

Click for larger image

• Index

  Click for a recording of today's lesson. 

Colossians 3:12–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

We have briefly stated these things about the Mass so that all good people in all parts of the world may be able to understand that we zealously maintain the dignity of the Mass, that we demonstrate its true use, and that we have the most just reasons for dissenting from our opponents. We would have all good people warned to not aid these adversaries in profaning the Mass, lest they burden themselves with other people’s sin. This is a great cause and a great issue, no less than the ministry of the prophet Elijah who condemned the worship of Baal. We have presented such an important case with the greatest moderation, and now reply without casting any rebuke. But if our opponents require us to compile all kinds of abuses of the Mass, the case will not be treated with such good nature.

Pulling It Together

It is a tightrope. We are taught to be patient and gentle, loving one another with humility and forgiveness. At the same time, we are to admonish one another from the Scripture. Often the two seem at odds, impossible to harmonize. Yet that is the task before us, as it was the labor of the Lutheran Reformers. How does one reform an errant church without people being offended? Nonetheless, that is precisely what we are to always do, as another saying of the Reformation states: semper reformanda, always reforming. The trick is to do so gently, patiently, humbly, and lovingly.

Prayer: Give me wisdom, Lord, to be faithful to your Word, and loving to all people. Amen.

Where does the Bible come from? Who decided what should be included in it? How do we know it is reliable? Why should we even care what it says? And even if we do care, how can we make sense of of such a big and confusing book? Author and pastor Tom Hilpert takes readers on a journey of discovery through the world's best-selling and most-printed book. Written in clear, understandable language, Who Cares About the Bible? tackles the most important questions concerning this unique book. It is an excellent primer for anyone interested in what the Bible is, how to properly understand it, and how to deal with the vast amount of misleading information that has been spread about it.


Share this post


Click Here For Content Archives