Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 16:1–2

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Psalm 16:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

However, since we do not merit the forgiveness of sins or eternal life because of works of the divine law, but must seek the mercy promised in Christ, far less do monastic observances deserve this honor of meriting the forgiveness of sins or eternal life, since they are mere human traditions.

Pulling It Together: Where is your confidence, your trust? Is it your bank account or perhaps, your pension? Maybe it is the government, its promise to protect you while lowering taxes and providing new jobs. Of course, those things do us no good once we return to the earth. But there is a good so great that it benefits us even after physical death. Indeed, even those other goods are no good at all apart from the greatest good who is God. Apart from him, from he who created all good (1 Tim 4:4), even good is no good. Goodness and greatness become a trap, something we place our hopes in but, apart from God, will fail us. But if God is our refuge, instead of government and the things money can buy, then he is our good, our security, our hope and delight—in this life and the next.

Prayer: Lord, give me the strength and courage to trust in you alone. Amen.

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