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The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the LSB, C series, Gospel, Luke 12:13-21 for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 5, 2007. It is from Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article V, paragraphs 228, 230-233, page 162. If we are to be free from the desires for earthly blessings we must see clearly the outcome or our faith, the eternal salvation of our souls. Click here for the reading formatted for the back of a standard CPH bulletin. Pastor Doug May
We are regenerated and receive the Holy Spirit for the very reason that the new life may produce new works, new dispositions, the fear and love of God, hatred of lustful desires (concupiscence), and so on. We are "renewed," as Paul says, "in knowledge after the image of its creator" (Colossians 3:10) and, "Beholding the glory of the Lord, [we] are being transformed into the same image" (2 Corinthians 3:18). In other words, we receive the true knowledge of God, so that we truly fear Him, we truly trust that we are cared for by Him, and that we are heard by Him. This regeneration is the beginning of eternal life as Paul says, "If Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10). And "Longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked" (2 Corinthians 5:2-3). The honest reader can judge from these statements that we certainly require good works, since we teach that faith arises in repentance and is bound to increase in repentance. The godly can understand this better than the adversaries' teaching about contemplation or perfection. However, just as justification applies to faith, so also eternal life applies to faith. Paul say, "Obtaining the outcome [or fruit] of your faith, the salvation of your souls"(1 Peter 1:9). (paragraphs 228, 230-233)
These are excerpts from the Book of Concord.
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