Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 2

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 2

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 8:43–45

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Although we thought that our opponents would defend human traditions on other grounds, we did not think that they would condemn the teaching that we do not merit the grace or forgiveness of sins by the observance of human traditions. Since this article has been condemned, we have an easy and plain case. The adversaries are now openly Judaizing, suppressing the gospel with the “doctrines of demons.” When it is taught that religious rites are useful in meriting the remission of sins and grace, Scripture calls such traditions “doctrines of demons.” For this conceals the gospel, the benefit of Christ, and the righteousness of faith.

Pulling It Together: We love a lie, especially when it seems like it just might be true. That kind of untruth seems to be especially attractive. The vast quantity of falsehoods that are shared in social media would be astounding, were it not for an understanding of our weak nature’s inclination to believe a lie. Someone will post an untrue story on the internet, and the next thing you know, that story is popping up in many more people’s accounts. They do not check to see if the article is true or even real; they just post it, seemingly without thinking, or worse, maliciously.

The devil has posted a lie. And people are too eager to believe it because it seems religious. So, it must be right. Right? Wrong. A lie is still a lie, even if it seems like the truth. Indeed, that sort of lie might be more insidious.

Satan wants us to believe in ourselves. Just work harder; pray more; confess more often; read the Bible; go to church; serve on another committee; do works of penance; tithe. Now, of course, all of these are fine things to do. That’s the trick of the lie. Make it sound religious. But if he can just get you to believe that these things earn favor with God, that doing them makes you worthy of his grace, then you have fallen for the ultimate lie. You have become a believer in yourself instead of in God.

This is the lie that was spread in the garden and is still being shared today. Basically the lie states: Do not believe what God said; believe in what you can accomplish. You can be good on your own. Grab that fruit and take a bite!

But Jesus has told us the truth. He is the truth (John 14:6). Christ came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), not to tell them to save themselves. Hear his word. Believe.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to not fall for the lie but instead, to hear your word and believe. Amen

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