The Smalcald Articles – part 95
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:3b–6
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
So, later he sent his delegates into the countries until all churches and houses were overflowing with the Golden Year. Eventually, he also made a way to the dead in purgatory, first, by instituting masses and vigils (for the dead), afterwards, by indulgences and the Golden Year for them. After a while, souls became so cheap that he released one for the smallest coin.
Pulling It Together: The highest price was paid for souls because, in fact, they are not cheap. The ransom price for sinners is life. Either we pay for our sin, or God does. Either we die or he dies. No one else can ransom us. Because God desires all people be saved from this death, he sent his Son to be the required ransom for the world, each soul a captive to sin and death, but ransomed by the life of God’s Son.
Prayer: Give me such grace, Lord, that I may grow in faith and truth. Amen
Share this post
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.
Click Here For Content Archives