Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 31
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 3:16–18
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Thirdly, indulgences remit these satisfactions, as taught in the chapter, “Penitence and Remission,” beginning with the words, “Since from this...” But indulgences do not free us from commands like, “Repent” and, “Bear fruit that befits repentance.” Therefore it is obvious that these passages of Scripture have been wickedly distorted to apply to canonical satisfactions.
Pulling It Together: If one may buy off the need for the satisfaction, what then really, is the point — that if we have enough money, we may buy God’s remission of temporal punishments? Even if that were true (and it is not), obeying God’s commands would still be required. So, all of these passages, such as Jesus’ own word: “repent,” have been twisted to maintain a religion that weakens the relationship with God. Weakened, because it dashes our hopes. If we have no hope in the Father to forgive, the Son to justify, and the Spirit to give life, then we certainly will have no hope in ourselves — in our good works and devotion. We know better. We know we are poor and wretched sinners. All hope is lost unless we take Christ at his word. “Whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Prayer: Help me to keep turning to your grace, Lord. 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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