Concerning the Church – part 19

Concerning the Church – part 19

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 16:15-16

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

  Click for a recording of today’s lesson.

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

We have spoken with sufficient clearness about this matter in the Confession, where we condemn the Donatists and Wyclifites, who thought that men sinned when they received the Sacraments from the unworthy in the Church. That seemed to be sufficient at the time for our description of the Church. Neither do we see how it should be described otherwise than we have described it when the Church, properly termed, is called the body of Christ. For it is unmistakable that the wicked belong to the kingdom and body of the devil, who impels and holds them captive. These things are clearer than the light of noonday. However, if our adversaries continue to pervert them, we will not hesitate to reply at greater length.

Pulling It Together

The effectiveness of the Sacraments depends upon Christ. Were you baptized in a stream or at a font, at the hands of a priest or a pastor, by a saint or a sinner? These things do not make a baptism valid. The quantity or flow of water does not make the difference. Nor does the moral character of the minister make the difference. Christ makes the difference. What matters is the promise of Christ that attends the water. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

The same is true of Holy Communion. The moral character of the person distributing the bread and wine is not what makes the elements Christ’s body and blood. This grace is afforded us by the word of Christ, not the moral fiber of the minister. “This is my body.” Did the minister say those words? No; Christ said them, as well as these: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” No matter who the minister belongs to, Christ or the devil, the Sacraments belong to Christ, for it is his word that makes them effective means of grace in the church.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your promises. Amen

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