The Apology of the Augsburg Confession — John Shaqi
The Apology of the Augsburg ConfessionMelanchthon, Philipp
Religion
The Apology of the Augsburg Confession
Melanchthon, Philipp
Lutheran Church -- Catechisms
And in such terrors and other afflictions this faith
ought to grow and be strengthened. Wherefore it cannot exist in
those who live according to the flesh, who are delighted by their own
lusts and obey them. Accordingly, Paul says, Rom. 8, 1: There is,
therefore, now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who
walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. So, too, vv. 12. 13:
We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye
live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye, through the Spirit, do
mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Wherefore, the faith
which receives remission of sins in a heart terrified and fleeing
from sin does not remain in those who obey their desires, neither
does it coexist with mortal sin.
From these effects of faith the adversaries select one, namely, love,
and teach that love justifies. Thus it is clearly apparent that they
teach only the Law. They do not teach that remission of sins through
faith is first received. They do not teach of Christ as Mediator,
that for Christ's sake we have a gracious God; but because of our
love. And yet, what the nature of this love is they do not say,
neither can they say. They proclaim that they fulfil the Law,
although this glory belongs properly to Christ; and they set against
the judgment of God confidence in their own works; for they say that
they _merit de condigno_ (according to righteousness) grace and
eternal life. This confidence is absolutely impious and vain. For
in this life we cannot satisfy the Law, because carnal nature does
not cease to bring forth wicked dispositions [evil inclination and
desire], even though the Spirit in us resists them.
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