Sola Devotions

Concerning the Mass – part 45

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:19–23

Click above for larger graphic.  • Original image  • Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

Colossians 1:19–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

It is altogether incorrect to imagine that the Levitical sacrifices earned the forgiveness of sins before God, and that by analogy, sacrifices in addition to the death of Christ are required in the New Testament that are effectual for the sins of others. This fiction completely invalidates the merit of Christ’s suffering and the righteousness of faith, and corrupts the teaching of the Old and New Testaments by replacing Christ as our mediator and reconciler with priests and sacrificers who daily hawk their wares in the churches.

Pulling It Together

Paul tells us all that is required to be reconciled to God. All things in heaven and earth are brought peace and consolation through the blood of Christ alone. Through faith, we are made holy and blameless with God. If we continue with faith in Christ, in his sacrifice on our behalf, we who were alienated from God because of sin, are united with him by the blood of the cross—his work, not ours. He alone is our mediator and atonement.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the peace your cross brings to sinners like me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

Author

Mark Ryman

Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.