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The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the LSB series A Old Testament, Jeremiah 28:5-9 for the Pentecost 2, Proper 8, series A, June 26, 2011. It is from Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXVII, pages 241-242. Every generation has its false prophets who proclaim their own ideas, but claim they come from God. Be on guard and check their message with God's word. Click here for the reading formatted for the back of a standard CPH bulletin. Pastor Doug May
God's kingdom is righteousness and life in hearts (Romans 14:17), perfection is growth in the fear of God, growth in confidence in the mercy promised in Christ, and growth in devotion to one's calling. Paul also describes perfection this way, "[We] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). He does not say, "We are continually receiving another hood or other sandals or other girdles." It is regrettable that such pharisaic, indeed, Muslim, expressions should be read and heard in the Church. For they say the perfection of the Gospel and Christ's kingdom (which is eternal life) should be wed along with these foolish observances about vestments and similar trifles. They say: It has been clearly declared in the Holy Scriptures that the monastic life merits eternal life if maintained by a due observance, which by the grace of God any monk can maintain. Where do the Holy Scriptures speak of a monastic life? Besides, they dishonor Christ when they say that men merit eternal life by monasticism…for Christ's sake, through mercy, eternal life is granted to those who through faith receive forgiveness and do not apply their own merits against God's judgment... (paragraphs 27-30, 32)
These are excerpts from the Book of Concord.
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