The Smalcald Articles – part 104
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Jonah 3:10–4:3
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
The pope, the theologians, the jurists, and everyone else know nothing of this doctrine. It is revealed from heaven through the gospel, yet called heresy by the godless saints.
Pulling It Together: Human reason simply does not comprehend the great love of God. It cannot. Natural thought goes along this line: I must have to do something. So startling is the doctrine of God’s love so freely given, that it can even make us angry — especially when his love is expressed to those we refuse to love. Nonetheless, God’s love is so large that he desires all people of all lands to repent, be saved, and know what is true (Acts 17:30; 1 Timothy 2:4). But repentance, salvation, and truth do not come by our own struggle, work, and reason. They come to us only by the grace of God. Without his grace, we concoct our own truths, comfortable doctrines that suit us until they leave us complaining in the shade of self-pity.
Prayer: Help my unbelief, 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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