The Apology of the Augsburg ConfessionMelanchthon, Philipp
Religion
The Apology of the Augsburg Confession
Melanchthon, Philipp
Lutheran Church -- Catechisms
We therefore add as the second part of repentance, Of Faith in Christ,
that in these terrors the Gospel concerning Christ ought to be set
forth to consciences, in which Gospel the remission of sins is freely
promised concerning Christ. Therefore, they ought to believe that
for Christ's sake sins are freely remitted to them. This faith
cheers, sustains, and quickens the contrite, according to Rom. 5, 1:
Being justified by faith, we have peace with God. This faith obtains
the remission of sins. This faith justifies before God, as the same
passage testifies: Being justified by faith. This faith shows the
distinction between the contrition of Judas and Peter, of Saul and of
David. The contrition of Judas or Saul is of no avail, for the
reason that to this there is not added this faith which apprehends
the remission of sins, bestowed as a gift for Christ's sake.
Accordingly, the contrition of David or Peter avails because to it
there is added faith, which apprehends the remission of sins granted
for Christ's sake. Neither is love present before reconciliation has
been made by faith. For without Christ the Law [God's Law or the
First Commandment] is not performed, according to [Eph. 2, 18; 3,12]
Rom. 5, 2: By Christ we have access to God. And this faith grows
gradually and throughout the entire life, struggles with sin [is
tested by various temptations] in order to overcome sin and death.
But love follows faith, as we have said above. And thus filial fear
can be clearly defined as such anxiety as has been connected with
faith, i.e., where faith consoles and sustains the anxious heart. It
is servile fear when faith does not sustain the anxious heart [fear
without faith, where there is nothing but wrath and doubt].
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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