The Smalcald Articles – part 101
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:57
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
This repentance is not little by little and incomplete, like that which does penance for individual sins, nor is it uncertain like that. It does not debate what is or is not sin, but amasses it all on a heap, and confesses: Everything in us is nothing but sin. Of what use is lengthy investigation, discerning, or deciding? For this reason, too, such contrition is not unsure, as there is nothing left that we can imagine to be good enough to pay for sin. There is only certain despair concerning all that we are, think, speak, or do.
Pulling It Together: Over the years, I have become even more certain of one thing: I am forgiven of all my sins for Christ’s sake. If I am left to the resources of my behavior — either my sinful thoughts, words, and deeds, or my contrition, acts of penance, and other religious services — I am altogether ruined and hopeless. But thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ for his victory over my sin, and the sins of the world. He is my only hope; of that I am certain.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for Christ’s victory over sin and death. Amen
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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