The Smalcald Articles – part 90
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 2:1–2
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
Satisfaction was by far the most perplexing part of all, for no one could know how much to render for a single sin, not to say how much for all. Here they have resorted to the method of imposing a small satisfaction, which could certainly be rendered, such as five Our Fathers, a day’s fast, etc. They were directed to purgatory for what remained lacking in their repentance.
Pulling It Together: We know exactly how much is to be rendered for a single sin and for all sin. Christ Jesus is the sum. He is the only means by which we may be reconciled to God. We were never meant to imagine that we have something else to do, some religious act that fills in the balance of Christ’s atonement for us. There is nothing lacking in his sacrifice for our sins. So, when you sin, have faith that Jesus has done everything necessary to satisfy God’s justice.
Prayer: Help me keep your commands, Lord God, especially the command to believe. 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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