Augsburg Confession, Articles Six through Ten


This week we look at Articles VI through X (6 through 10 if you aren’t up on your Roman numerals).

Article VI: Of New Obedience.

1] Also they teach that this faith is bound to bring forth good fruits, and that it is necessary to do good works commanded by God, because of God's will, but that we should not rely on those works to merit justification 2] before God. For remission of sins and justification is apprehended by faith, as also the voice of Christ attests: When ye shall have done all these things, say: We are unprofitable servants. Luke 17, 10. The same is also taught by 3] the Fathers. For Ambrose says: It is ordained of God that he who believes in Christ is saved, freely receiving remission of sins, without works, by faith alone.

Again, in a “new obedience,” the stress should be on God’s grace and God working to create a new life in us.

In Paul’s letters, Paul always stressed God’s grace first, then from faith comes fruits of faith. But foremost in Paul’s letters is grace.

Good works do not effect salvation. We are saved by grace alone. But our salvation does effect good works, because good works are a fruit of faith. Just as an apple tree is expected to produce apples, so a Christian produces fruits of faith. Taking this analogy further, when you plant a new apple tree (or any fruit tree), you don’t get fruit right away. In fact, it may be several years before the tree bears fruit. Then those first bearing years, well, if you get a few before the birds get the fruit it’s a victory. Soon the tree bears enough fruit for you to eat as well as the birds (yes, God takes care of the birds).

Some trees go barren some years as they rest up to bear even more fruit the next year.

It can be dangerous to judge a Christian by his or her fruits. Only God can judge the heart. What may appear to be “fruitless Christians” could be new Christians, or Christians new in the faith and their “good works (fruits)” seem insignificant in contrast to other areas of his or her life. Or you may be witnessing a Christian in difficult times, but will be stronger and more fruitful because of the ordeal.

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Article VII: Of the Church.

1] Also they teach that one holy Church is to continue forever. The Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered.
The copyright of the article Augsburg Confession, Articles Six through Ten in Lutheranism is owned by John L. Hoh, Jr.. Permission to republish Augsburg Confession, Articles Six through Ten in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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