Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 21
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Revelation 1:17–18
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Some of us have seen a certain theologian, a monk, brought to console a dying doctor of theology, who pressed on the dying man nothing but this prayer: “Mother of grace, protect us from the enemy; receive us in the hour of death.”
Pulling It Together
It is The Living One who makes us live. The one who died but lives again causes us to live forevermore through faith in him. Jesus tells us that it is his voice that the dead will one day hear (John 5:28) when some will be resurrected to eternal life, while others are resurrected to judgment. We confess that it is God alone, the one who holds the keys to death, who is the only one whom we may call upon to provide escape from the grave. Therefore, we have no fear of either death or the devil, for the right hand of the Lord is upon us, giving peace through the assurance of his word and resurrection. Only the great I AM who is “the first and the last” and “the living one,” gives life and salvation to all who call upon his name (Joel 2:32; Romans 10:12).
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for unlocking the door of death and giving me eternal life with you. 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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