Wednesdays are for Bits and Pieces
4/11/18
Kolb, Robert. The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000.
Augsburg Confession XXI, “Concerning the Cult of the Saints.” p. 58
Apology to the Augsburg Confession XXI, “The Invocation of the Saints.” pp. 238-244
Article 21 of the Augsburg Confession observes that the saints are remembered as examples of godly people. We do not “call upon the saints or seek help from them” (Kolb 2000, 58), adducing 1 Timothy 2:5 and Romans 8:34, as well as 1 John 2:1. The Apology recognizes that the Roman opponents condemned the article with extensive argument that the saints should be honored and those “living should pray for one another” (Ibid., 238). Yet honoring the saints does not equate invoking them. We give thanks to God for others and our faith is strengthened as we consider their example We imitate good qualities (Ibid., 238). Even if saints do pray for us, Scripture does not call for us to invoke them. Departed saints are never found in Scripture as mediators for the living (Ibid., 239). It is only the living who Scripture says would call out to God (Ibid., 240). The Apology goes on to reject not only the invocation of most saints but also of Mary (Ibid., 241). Trust is rightly placed in Christ, not in any of his servants.
4/11/18
Kolb, Robert. The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000.
Augsburg Confession XXI, “Concerning the Cult of the Saints.” p. 58
Apology to the Augsburg Confession XXI, “The Invocation of the Saints.” pp. 238-244
Article 21 of the Augsburg Confession observes that the saints are remembered as examples of godly people. We do not “call upon the saints or seek help from them” (Kolb 2000, 58), adducing 1 Timothy 2:5 and Romans 8:34, as well as 1 John 2:1. The Apology recognizes that the Roman opponents condemned the article with extensive argument that the saints should be honored and those “living should pray for one another” (Ibid., 238). Yet honoring the saints does not equate invoking them. We give thanks to God for others and our faith is strengthened as we consider their example We imitate good qualities (Ibid., 238). Even if saints do pray for us, Scripture does not call for us to invoke them. Departed saints are never found in Scripture as mediators for the living (Ibid., 239). It is only the living who Scripture says would call out to God (Ibid., 240). The Apology goes on to reject not only the invocation of most saints but also of Mary (Ibid., 241). Trust is rightly placed in Christ, not in any of his servants.
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