Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 3
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 1:12–14
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
The second honor is the strengthening of our faith. When we see Peter forgiven for his denial, we are encouraged to believe even more that grace truly prevails over sin (Romans 5:20).
Pulling It Together: Who could be considered more guilty of sin toward Christ and his Church than Saul of Tarsus, who would become better know as the Apostle Paul? Because of his persecution of Christians, Paul eventually considered himself to be the greatest of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Peter too, was a great sinner, three times denying that he was a disciple or that he even knew Jesus, and doing so when Jesus needed loyal love the most.
People like Paul and Peter are precisely the reason the Father sent his Son to earth. God knew in a time before time that those sinners would need a Savior. He also knew that you and I would need a Savior, for we too are great sinners like all the apostles were. So let us honor these sinners who were saved by grace. Let us also honor the sainted sinners in our own churches. Give them the truest honor of thanking God for the mercy that caused the grace of the Lord to overflow for them. For because we have a Savior who is greater than all sinners, where there is great sin, grace is greater still (Romans 5:20).
Prayer: Thank you, God, for your mercy and grace. Amen
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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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