Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 9
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:11–12
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
In any case, this new invocation in the Church is not the same as the invocation of individuals. Furthermore, our opponents not only require invocation in the veneration of the saints, they also apply the merits of the saints to others, making the saints not only intercessors, but also propitiators. In no way is this to be supported since this completely transfers to the saints the honor that only belongs to Christ. They make them mediators and propitiators, and although they make a distinction between mediators of intercession and mediators of redemption, they nonetheless clearly make the saints mediators of redemption.
Pulling It Together: It is no accident that solus Christus (through Christ alone) was as central a slogan of the Reformation as sola fide (by faith alone). We have bold access to God through Christ alone. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). There is no other intercessor (1 Timothy 2:5) between humanity and God. Christ alone is both mediator and redeemer. This was the confession of the Lutheran Reformers because this is the testimony of Scripture.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the grace you have extended to me through Jesus Christ. 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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