Article 3 - The Righteousness of Faith
Sinners are justified before God by faith alone, apart from works 10,11. This righteousness consists in the forgiveness of sins and the imputation of Christ's obedience 12. Faith receives Christ and His merits 13. Christian Dogmatics, Volume II emphasizes that this righteousness is alien and external to the believer 27. The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration III, 6 teaches the imputation of Christ's righteousness 42.
Article 4 - Good Works
Good works necessarily follow true faith but do not contribute to justification 14,15. Believers are created in Christ for good works 16. These works are fruits of faith and obedience to God's commands 17. Christian Dogmatics, Volume III explains that good works are evidence of faith, not its cause 28. The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration IV, 6 affirms the necessity of good works while excluding merit 43.
Article 5 - Law and Gospel
The Law reveals sin and condemns [18], while the Gospel promises forgiveness and life through Christ 19. These must be clearly distinguished to preserve the Gospel's comfort 20. The Bondage of the Will warns against turning the Gospel into a new Law 26. The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration V, 3 condemns confusion of Law and Gospel 44.
Article 6 - The Third Use of the Law
The Law serves as a guide for the regenerate, teaching God's will for Christian living 21. Though believers are free from the Law's condemnation, they delight in God's Law 22. Christian Dogmatics, Volume III explains the Law's ongoing instructive role 28. The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VI, 1 affirms the third use of the Law 45.
Article 7 - The Lord's Supper
In the Lord's Supper, Christ's true body and blood are truly present and distributed with the bread and wine 23. This presence rests on Christ's institution and promise 24. Examination of the Council of Trent, Volume II defends the real presence against symbolic interpretations 29. The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VII, 35 confesses the sacramental union 46.
Article 8 - The Person of Christ
Christ is one person in two natures, divine and human,
united without confusion 25. The communication of attributes flows from this
personal union 26. Christian Dogmatics, Volume II explains the genus maiestaticum 27. The Formula of Concord, Solid
Declaration VIII, 7 confesses the personal union 47.
Article 9 - Christ's Descent into Hell
Christ truly descended into hell after His burial, not to
suffer, but to proclaim victory over His enemies 30. Scripture testifies to
this triumphant descent 31. The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration IX,
2 confesses this article without speculative detail 48.
Article 10 - Church Practices (Adiaphora)
Church rites not commanded or forbidden by God are free, but
this freedom must not be surrendered under coercion 32. In times of
confession, even indifferent matters may become matters of witness 33. Examination
of the Council of Trent, Volume II addresses abuses of imposed ceremonies
29. The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration X, 10 explains true
Christian freedom 49.
Article 11 - Election (Predestination)
Election is God's gracious choice in Christ to save sinners
34. It is taught for comfort, not speculation ,35. Scripture locates
election in Christ alone 36. Christian Dogmatics, Volume III
emphasizes election as Gospel 28. The Formula of Concord, Solid
Declaration XI, 28 teaches election unto salvation 50.
Article 12 - Other Heresies and Sects
The Solid Declaration rejects teachings that contradict the
Gospel, including Anabaptist, Schwenckfeldian, and
synergistic errors 37,38. These errors undermine justification and the means
of grace 39. The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration XII, 1 names and rejects these sects for the Church's protection
51.
Summary
The Solid Declaration confesses:
Original Sin
Article I addresses original sin, that is, the
inherited corruption of human nature after the fall. This article is necessary
because:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration I, 1
explains that this article was written to preserve the true doctrine of sin and
grace 23.
Original sin is defined as:
As Christian Dogmatics, Volume II explains, original
sin is not merely a defect or weakness but a deep corruption of human nature
21.
Scripture clearly teaches the reality and extent of original
sin:
Saint Paul teaches that death reigns over all because all
have sinned in Adam 5,10.
Original sin affects every part of the human person:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration I, 11
teaches that original sin is not a slight defect but a deep corruption that
affects the entire person 24.
Article I carefully distinguishes original sin from actual
sins:
Examination of the Council of Trent, Volume I
explains that minimizing original sin leads to a false view of human ability
and grace 25.
Article I rejects errors such as:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration I, 5
rejects all teachings that weaken the seriousness of original sin 27.
The doctrine of original sin magnifies the necessity of
Christ:
As The Bondage of the Will explains, recognizing
original sin excludes all boasting and directs faith to Christ alone 22.
The Lutheran Confessions unanimously teach:
These confessions preserve both the seriousness of sin and
the comfort of the Gospel 22.
Pastors are called to:
This teaching prepares consciences to receive the Gospel
with humility and faith 22.
Article I teaches that:
Article I emphasizes:
Free Will
Article II addresses free will, specifically the
human will's ability or inability in spiritual matters. This article is
necessary because:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration II, 1
teaches that this article was necessary to correct false teachings about human
ability in conversion 23.
After the fall into sin, human free will is defined as:
As Christian Dogmatics, Volume II explains, fallen
human will is bound in spiritual matters and cannot
cooperate in conversion 21.
Scripture clearly teaches humanity's spiritual inability:
Saint Paul teaches that sinners are dead in trespasses and
sins, not merely weakened 2,10.
Scripture teaches that conversion is entirely God's work:
The Bondage of the Will explains that salvation
depends solely on God's gracious action, not human decision or effort 22.
After conversion:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration II, 65
teaches that the regenerate will cooperates in good
works, but not in the act of conversion 24.
Article II rejects errors including:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration II, 89
rejects synergism as contrary to Scripture and the Gospel 27.
This doctrine provides comfort because:
Christian Dogmatics, Volume II explains that
certainty of salvation flows from God's promise, not human will 21.
The Lutheran Confessions consistently teach:
These confessions safeguard both God's grace and the comfort
of consciences 22.
Pastors are called to:
Examination of the Council of Trent, Volume I warns
that attributing conversion to human will undermines assurance and the Gospel
28.
Article II teaches that:
Article II emphasizes:
The Righteousness of Faith
Article III addresses the righteousness of faith,
namely how a sinner is righteous before God. This article is necessary because:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration III, 1
teaches that this doctrine is central to the Gospel and the Church 23.
The righteousness of faith is defined as:
As Christian Dogmatics, Volume II explains, this
righteousness is entirely alien to the believer and comes solely from Christ
21.
Scripture teaches clearly that:
Saint Paul explicitly excludes works from justification so
that faith rests entirely on grace 1,11.
The righteousness of faith rests on Christ alone:
Examination of the Council of Trent, Volume I
demonstrates that Christ's obedience, not human renewal, is the basis of
justification 24.
Faith justifies not because of its worth, but because:
As The Bondage of the Will explains, faith itself is
God's gift, not a human contribution 22.
Article III rejects errors such as:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration III, 9
rejects all forms of merit theology that obscure Christ's righteousness 25.
This doctrine provides true comfort because:
Christian Dogmatics, Volume II explains that
assurance flows from the object of faith, not from self-examination 21.
The Lutheran Confessions unanimously teach:
These confessions safeguard the Gospel and the comfort of
consciences 22.
Pastors are called to:
Examination of the Council of Trent, Volume I warns
that confusing justification with renewal destroys assurance 24.
Article III teaches that:
Article III emphasizes:
Good Works
Article IV addresses good works, specifically their
place in the Christian life and their relationship to justification. This
article is necessary because:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration IV, 1
explains that this article was written to clarify how good works relate to
faith without corrupting the Gospel 22.
Good works are defined as:
As Christian Dogmatics, Volume III explains, good
works are the fruit and evidence of faith, not its cause 21.
Scripture clearly teaches:
Saint Paul emphasizes that justification precedes good
works, so that all boasting is excluded 10.
Good works must be carefully
distinguished from justification:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration IV, 6
teaches that good works are necessary, not for earning salvation, but because
God has commanded them 23.
Scripture teaches that good works are necessary:
As The Bondage of the Will explains, good works are
the result of God's renewing work, not human free will contributing to
salvation 24.
Article IV rejects several errors:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration IV, 10
condemns all teachings that confuse faith and works in
justification 25.
In the life of the Christian:
Examination of the Council of Trent, Volume II
explains that even the best works of believers remain tainted by sin and cannot
justify 26.
Pastors are called to:
This pastoral balance preserves both the seriousness of
God's commands and the comfort of the Gospel 19.
The Lutheran Confessions clearly teach:
These confessions preserve justification by faith while
affirming a life of obedience 11.
Article IV teaches that:
Article IV emphasizes:
Law and Gospel
Article V addresses the distinction between Law and
Gospel, which is essential for maintaining the Gospel's clarity and
comfort. Misunderstandings arise when:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration V, 3
explains that proper distinction preserves the comfort of the Gospel while
maintaining God's Law 24.
Christian Dogmatics, Volume III emphasizes that the
Law's purpose is to drive sinners to Christ, not to justify them 26.
Scripture distinguishes Law and Gospel clearly:
Saint Paul repeatedly emphasizes that the Gospel alone
delivers righteousness to the sinner 10,14.
The Law has three primary uses:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration V, 3
stresses that confusion of these uses leads to spiritual harm 24.
The Bondage of the Will clarifies that the Gospel
does not command works for salvation but elicits grateful obedience from the
regenerate 26.
Article V rejects:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration V, 3
condemns these errors as threats to true faith 24.
The Lutheran Confessions affirm:
These confessions preserve the proper use of the Law and
Gospel for teaching, preaching, and Christian comfort 26,27.
Pastors are instructed to:
Proper teaching ensures that believers are rightly
convicted, comforted, and guided in the Christian life 26,27.
The article teaches that:
Article V emphasizes:
The Third Use of the Law
The third use of the Law addresses how the Law functions for
believers after conversion. This article is necessary because:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VI, 1
clarifies the need for instruction on the Law's guiding function for the
regenerate 24.
The third use of the Law is the use by which the Law:
It differs from the first use (convicting sinners) and the
second use (restraining evil in society) 1,4. Christian Dogmatics, Volume
III emphasizes the Law s ongoing instructive role for those already
justified 26.
Scripture teaches that the Law remains a guide for
believers:
Saint Paul teaches that the
regenerate delights in the Law in their inner being, though the flesh resists
12,13.
The third use of the Law benefits believers by:
While believers are not under the Law to earn salvation, the
Law remains a spiritual guide 18,19.
The third use does not:
Rather, it:
The Bondage of the Will teaches that human effort in
following the Law is only possible by the Spirit s work, not independent
ability 26.
Article VI rejects errors such as:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VI, 1 condemns
these errors to preserve the Law s instructive use 24.
The Lutheran Confessions consistently affirm:
These confessions safeguard both the freedom of the Gospel
and the guidance of the Law 26.
Pastors are instructed to:
This approach strengthens sanctification while preserving
comfort in the Gospel 26,27.
The third use of the Law teaches that:
Article VI emphasizes:
The Lord's Supper
Article VII concerns the Lord's Supper, in which
Christ gives His true body and blood under the bread and wine. This article is
necessary in order to:
The Supper is Christ's testament and gift, not a
human ordinance 5.
The doctrine of the Supper rests entirely on Christ's
institution:
As Examination of the Council of Trent, Volume II
explains, the Church is bound to Christ's words and may neither subtract nor
reinterpret them 22. The Augsburg Confession X, 1 likewise confesses
that the body and blood of Christ are truly present according to Christ's words
28.
The Solid Declaration confesses the true, real, and
substantial presence of Christ in the Supper:
Christian Dogmatics, Volume III emphasizes that the
presence is objective and grounded in Christ's institution, not in the faith of
the recipient 23. The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VII, 6
explicitly rejects symbolic interpretations that deny this presence 29.
Scripture teaches that:
The Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VII, 23
teaches that oral eating occurs for all communicants, whether believing or
unbelieving 30. This guards the Church against subjectivizing the Sacrament.
Christ instituted the Supper for specific purposes:
As The Babylonian Captivity of the Church explains,
the Supper delivers the Gospel in visible form for the comfort of troubled
consciences 21. This pastoral purpose is echoed in Formula of Concord,
Solid Declaration VII, 33 31.
Article VII rejects false doctrines, including:
The Confessions reject all rationalistic explanations that
subject Christ's words to human reason 31.
The doctrine of the Supper depends on the person of
Christ:
Examination of the Council of Trent, Volume II
demonstrates that sacramental errors arise from a defective Christology 22.
Thus, the Supper is a confession of Christ Himself 27.
The Lutheran Confessions testify with one voice:
These confessions bind the Church to Christ's words alone
and exclude all reinterpretation 31.
Pastors are commanded to:
This pastoral use accords with Scripture and the Confessions
and serves the salvation of souls 18.
Article VII teaches that:
Article VII emphasizes:
The Person of Christ
Article VIII addresses the person of Christ,
affirming that He is truly God and truly man in one person.
Understanding this is necessary to:
The person of Christ is central to faith, salvation, and
proper worship 5.
Christ possesses two complete natures in one person:
This union is the hypostatic union, crucial for
redemption 9.
Scripture attests to Christ's person:
The dual nature ensures Christ's ability to mediate
between God and man 15.
Christ's person is essential for atonement:
The union safeguards the efficacy of the cross and
resurrection 19,38.
Historical heresies misrepresented Christ's person:
Scripture and confessions teach that Christ is one person
in two natures, undivided 23,39,40.
Christ's person is intimately connected to His offices:
These offices are possible because of His dual nature
27.
Pastors and teachers are called to:
Proper understanding leads to assurance, worship, and
spiritual growth 31.
The Confessions provide guidance:
Thus, believers confess Christ fully God, fully man, for
salvation s sake 36.
Article VIII teaches:
Article VIII emphasizes:
Christ s Descent into Hell
Article IX addresses Christ s descent into hell after
His crucifixion and before His resurrection. Understanding this is necessary
to:
The descent underscores the completeness of Christ s work
of salvation 5.
Christ s descent is understood as:
It demonstrates that salvation is fully accomplished
in His death and resurrection 9.
Scripture confirms Christ's descent into hell:
The descent illustrates Christ's solidarity with the dead
and His victory over death 14.
The descent is part of the full atonement:
Thus, the descent is essential to redemption
18,38.
False teachings regarding Christ's descent include:
Scripture and confessions clearly refute these errors
22,39,40.
Christ s descent sets the stage for His resurrection:
Descent and resurrection together demonstrate Christ s
complete victory 26.
Believers and pastors are called to:
This strengthens faith and hope in Christ s work
30.
The Confessions clarify the doctrine:
The descent is a source of comfort, not fear [35].
Article IX teaches:
Article IX emphasizes:
Church Practices (Adiaphora)
Article X addresses church practices and adiaphora - those
things that are neither commanded nor forbidden by Scripture. Understanding
adiaphora is necessary to:
Proper discernment ensures that non-essential practices
neither divide nor endanger faith 5.
Adiaphora are matters that Scripture does not bind as law
or forbid. Characteristics include:
The Church must distinguish between necessary doctrine
and optional practices 9.
Scripture instructs believers to act in matters of adiaphora
with love, unity, and conscience:
Paul emphasizes that Christ is the focus, not outward
forms 16.
Adiaphora may include:
These practices may be used freely in the Church 21,38,39.
Believers are called to:
The goal is love, edification, and the preservation of
unity 25.
The Church has the responsibility to:
This maintains discipline without violating Christian
liberty 29,44.
Church history demonstrates conflicts over adiaphora:
These examples warn that non-essential practices can
become a snare when imposed 33.
The Lutheran Confessions clarify the use of adiaphora:
Thus, faithful liberty in Christ should guide church
practices 37.
Pastors are called to:
The goal is a Church that honors Christ while exercising
liberty responsibly 42,43.
Article X teaches:
Unity in essentials and liberty in non-essentials preserves
both truth and fellowship.
Article X emphasizes:
Election (Predestination)
Article XI addresses the doctrine of election or
predestination, clarifying that God, from eternity, has chosen some for
salvation and passed over others according to His divine will 1. This
doctrine:
Understanding election is necessary for assurance of
faith and proper theological balance 5,38,39.
Election is God's eternal choice of some to salvation [6].
It is:
Election is mysterious but revealed in Scripture to comfort
believers and glorify God 11,38.
Scripture clearly teaches predestination and election:
Election shows that salvation is entirely God's work and
humans cannot claim merit 17,38,41.
The Solid Declaration rejects errors that compromise divine
election:
These errors obscure the comfort of assurance and diminish
God's glory 21,38.
Faith is the means through which the elect receive
salvation, not the cause of election 22,23. God grants:
Election produces humility, gratitude, and reliance on God
rather than human effort 26,41.
Understanding election serves pastoral purposes:
Pastors are to teach election without
causing arrogance or despair.
The Lutheran Confessions explain and defend predestination:
Confessional teaching ensures that the Church proclaims
God's sovereignty and human dependence.
The Holy Spirit applies election to the believer:
Election is ultimately both God's eternal work and the
Spirit's ongoing application.
Article XI teaches that:
The Solid Declaration exhorts believers to trust God's
mercy and sovereignty in salvation 38,43,44.
Article XI emphasizes:
Other Heresies and Sects
Article XII addresses heretical teachings and sects that
corrupt the Gospel and mislead believers. Understanding these is necessary to:
Heresies obscure salvation by twisting God's Word and
doctrine 5.
A heresy is any teaching contrary to the Word of God,
while sects are groups organized around such errors 6. Characteristics
include:
The Church must identify, refute, and correct these
errors in love 10.
Scripture warns repeatedly against false teaching:
Such warnings show that heresy threatens both faith and
fellowship 17.
The Solid Declaration identifies and rejects contemporary
errors:
These teachings endanger souls and contradict Scripture
21,38,39.
Heresies demand proper pastoral and ecclesiastical
response:
Discipline protects the Church's purity without destroying
charity 25,41.
The Lutheran Confessions guide the Church in opposing
heresy:
They serve as a standard for discernment and teaching
in the Church.
Pastors and teachers are called to:
The goal is edification, protection, and comfort for
believers in Christ.
The Spirit protects the Church from heresy by:
The Spirit works through Word and sacrament,
sustaining the faithful against deception 39.
Article XII teaches that:
The Church is called to maintain purity of doctrine and
faithfulness to Christ.
Article XII emphasizes:
- Conceived and born in sin - By nature children of wrath - Sin through one man - Dead in trespasses - Justification through Christ - Hostility to God - Inability in spiritual matters - Drawn by the Father - Faith by hearing - Justified by faith - Not by works - Obedience of one - Receiving Christ - Faith produces works - Not by works - Created for good works - Good works glorify God - Law reveals sin - Gospel saves - Falling from grace - Law as guide - Delight in the Law - Institution of the Supper - Participation in Christ - Word became flesh - Fullness of deity - Proclamation to spirits - Triumph over powers - Matters of indifference - Truth of the Gospel preserved - Chosen in Christ - God's elect - Grace given in Christ - False teachers - False gospels - Human traditions
- Human inability and grace - Christology and justification - Law, Gospel, election - Sacraments and ceremonies
- Depth of original sin - Rejection of synergism - Imputed righteousness - Necessity of good works - Law and Gospel distinction - Third use of the Law - Sacramental union - Personal union - Descent into hell - Christian freedom - Election in Christ - Rejection of sectsII. Solid Declaration - Article I
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. Definition of Original Sin
3. Biblical Foundation
4. Extent and Effects of Original Sin
5. Original Sin and Actual Sin
6. Rejection of Errors
7. Original Sin and the Need for Christ
8. Confessional Witness
9. Pastoral Use
10. Conclusion
11. Summary
- Conceived and born in sin - By nature children of wrath - The fall into sin - Justification through Christ alone - Sin entered through one man - Created upright but fallen - Mind hostile to God - In Adam all die - Inclination of the heart toward evil - Death reigns through Adam - Darkened understanding - The deceitful heart - Dead in trespasses - Sin flows from desire - Wages of sin is death - Christ conceived without sin - The Lord lays sin on Christ - Christ destroys the power of death - Original sin as total corruption - Human inability and need for grace - Errors concerning original sin - Definition of original sin - Extent and depth of original sin - Rejection of human goodness after the fall - Rejection of Pelagian errorsIII. Solid Declaration - Article II
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. Definition of Free Will After the Fall
3. Biblical Foundation
4. Conversion as God's Work Alone
5. Human Cooperation After Conversion
6. Rejection of Errors
7. Assurance and Comfort
8. Confessional Witness
9. Pastoral Use
10. Conclusion
11. Summary
- The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God - Dead in trespasses and sins - Human inclination toward evil - Salvation belongs to the Lord - Outward civil righteousness - Natural person does not accept the Spirit - No one comes unless drawn - Cannot please God - Faith given by the Father - Dead made alive - Faith comes by hearing - Born of water and Spirit - Spirit convicts the world - God works in believers - Fruit of the Spirit - Grace excludes works - God completes His work - God's saving order - Bondage of the will and conversion - Human inability and divine grace - Conversion and human will - Definition of the free will controversy - Cooperation after conversion - Rejection of human preparation - Condemnation of synergismIV. Solid Declaration - Article III
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. Definition of the Righteousness of Faith
3. Biblical Foundation
4. Christ's Obedience and Merit
5. Faith as the Instrument
6. Rejection of Errors
7. Assurance and Comfort
8. Confessional Witness
9. Pastoral Use
10. Conclusion
11. Summary
- Justification by faith apart from works - Not justified by works of the Law - Seeking righteousness apart from Christ - Peace with God through justification - Forgiveness of sins - God justifies the ungodly - Righteousness credited apart from works - God just and justifier - Righteousness not from the Law - Faith receives Christ - No boasting before God - Christ fulfills the Law - Christ bears sin - Christ made sin for us - Obedience of one makes many righteous - Receiving Christ by faith - Faith comes by hearing - Faith not a human work - Full assurance of faith - Faith for life in Christ - Imputed righteousness and assurance - Faith as God's gift - Christ's obedience as the basis of justification - Definition of justification by faith - Rejection of merit and renewal as causes - Imputation of Christ's righteousnessV. Solid Declaration - Article IV
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. Definition of Good Works
3. Biblical Foundation
4. Relation of Good Works to Justification
5. Necessity of Good Works
6. Rejection of Errors
7. Good Works and the Christian Life
8. Pastoral Teaching and Comfort
9. Confessional Witness
10. Conclusion
11. Summary
- Justification by faith apart from works - Not justified by works of the Law - Faith produces works - Created for good works - Devotion to good works - Good works glorify God - Faith working through love - Do not invent works apart from God's command - Serving the neighbor - No boasting before God - Justification of the ungodly - Righteous deeds as filthy rags - Walking in a manner pleasing to God - Salvation not by human effort - Bearing fruit by abiding in Christ - Ongoing struggle with sin - No one righteous before God - Restore gently - Serve God with reverence - Good works as fruit of faith - Works follow God's regenerating action - Imperfection of good works - Purpose of the article on good works - Necessity of good works - Rejection of merit theologyVI. Solid Declaration - Article V
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. Definition of Law and Gospel
3. Biblical Foundation
4. Functions of the Law
5. Functions of the Gospel
6. Rejection of Errors
7. Confessional Witness
8. Pastoral Application
9. Conclusion
10. Summary
- Law reveals sin - False gospels - Justification not by Law - Law reveals sin - Gospel saves - Faith in Christ - Not by works - Law is holy, just, and good - Justified by faith - Law instructs - Love fulfills Law - Freed from condemnation - Christ's righteousness imputed - Civil use - Delight in the Law - Worked by grace - Work out faith - Law and Gospel distinction - Law cannot save - Law and Gospel distinctions - Proper use of Law and Gospel - Functions of the Law - Gospel elicits obedience - Law and sanctification - Gospel as comfort - Rejection of legalism and antinomianism - Distinction of Law and Gospel - Law reveals sin; Gospel offers grace - Rejection of legalism and antinomianismVII. Solid Declaration - Article VI
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. Definition of the Third Use
3. Biblical Foundation
4. Function and Benefit
5. Relationship to Grace and Faith
6. Rejection of Errors
7. Confessional Witness
8. Pastoral Application
9. Conclusion
10. Summary
- Law reveals sin - Freedom from the Law - Law as guide - Law is holy, just, and good - Law as guide in daily living - Law teaches, guides, and rejoices - Love fulfills the Law - Delight in the Law - Love and obedience - Heart and soul obedience - Love for the Law - Law spiritual, but flesh weak - Walk by the Spirit - Everything for God s glory - In word and deed - Work out faith - Grow in virtue - Not under Law for salvation - Not justified by Law - Grace excludes works - Third use of the Law explained - Freedom and obedience by grace - Law as guide for believers - Guarding Law and Gospel - Distinction of Law uses - Law cannot justify, but guides - Cooperation of faith and Law - Sanctification and Law - Confirms instructive Law - Necessity and definition of third use - Distinction from first and second uses - Rejection of errors undermining Law for believersVIII. Solid Declaration - Article VII
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. Institution and Words of Christ
3. The Real Presence
4. Reception of the Sacrament
5. Purpose and Benefits of the Supper
6. Rejection of False Teachings
7. Christology and the Lord's Supper
8. Confessional Witness
9. Pastoral Use and Practice
10. Conclusion
11. Summary
- Christ institutes the Supper - This is My body and blood - Participation in Christ's body and blood - The Supper as Christ's testament - Institution received from the Lord - This is My blood - For the forgiveness of sins - God's Word accomplishes what it says - Christ's words give life - God does not lie - All who eat and drink - Eating and drinking judgment - Consequences of unworthy reception - God's faithfulness independent of man - Forgiveness through Christ - Faith strengthened - One bread, one body - Christ's bodily ascension - Bodily exaltation of Christ - Fullness of deity bodily - Christ fills all things - Christological confession - Christ remains the same - Stewards of the mysteries - Examination before communion - Defense of the real presence and sacramental gift - Sacramental union and Christology - Objective presence in the Supper - True body and blood present - Real presence confessed - Oral reception taught - Rejection of rationalistic explanationsIX. Solid Declaration - Article VIII
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. The Dual Nature of Christ
3. Biblical Evidence
4. Relation to Redemption
5. Confutation of Heresies
6. Relation to the Offices of Christ
7. Pastoral Implications
8. Confessional Guidance
9. Conclusion
10. Summary
- The Word became flesh, fully God and man - Christ humbled Himself in humanity - Fullness of deity dwells bodily in Christ - Shared in humanity to redeem it - One mediator between God and men - Unity of the Son with the Father - Born of the Virgin Mary, truly human - Tempted in all things yet without sin - God sending His own Son in likeness of sinful flesh - Immanuel, God with us - Purchased the Church with His own blood - Thomas confesses Christ as Lord and God - Acknowledge Jesus Christ come in the flesh - God manifested in the flesh - One person, two natures undivided - Christ became sin for us - Learned obedience, redeemer of mankind - Redemption through Christ's blood - Obedience of one brings righteousness to many - Heresy of denying Christ's divinity (Arianism) - Nestorianism addressed - Refutation of Monophysitism - Christ's one person, two natures undivided - Christ as Prophet - Christ as Priest - Christ as King - Christ's reign as King - Preach full divinity and humanity - Trust in Christ's work - Guard against weakening either nature - Assurance of salvation - Confirms Christ is truly God and man - Christ's person and natures - Doctrine of Christ's dual nature - Hypostatic union and redemptive work - Christ s two natures and their unity - Historical and doctrinal confirmation - Christ s divinity and humanity defended - Christ truly God and man - Confession of Christ's divinity and humanity - Defense against heresies - Hypostatic union clarified - Guidance for preaching and teaching Christ's personX. Solid Declaration - Article IX
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. Meaning of Christ's Descent
3. Biblical Evidence
4. Relation to His Atoning Work
5. Refutation of Heresies
6. Relation to the Resurrection
7. Pastoral Implications
8. Confessional Guidance
9. Conclusion
10. Summary
- Sign of Jonah, Christ in the heart of the earth - Christ commends His spirit to the Father - Christ defeats death and the devil - Death could not hold Him - Christ died for our sins and rose - Christ suffers the full punishment for sin - Triumphant over spiritual powers - No abandonment to Hades - Christ as ransom for all - Foretelling resurrection and victory over Hades - Christ preached to the spirits in prison - Proclaimed victory to the spirits in prison - Foretelling Messiah's resurrection - Finished work of salvation - Christ became sin for us - Righteous delivered through Christ - Redemption for all generations - Redemption through the precious blood of Christ - Predicts suffering and death, including hell - Christ lays down life voluntarily - Humility and obedience unto death - Christ intercedes after descending - Confirms Christ's descent and triumph over hell - Christ's descent as part of redemption - Doctrine of Christ's death and descent - Christ's victory over sin and death - Christ's suffering, descent, and atonement - Historical and doctrinal confirmation - Affirms Christ s descent into hell - Christ's victory over hell and the devil - Pastoral and theological guidance - Confirms the completeness of Christ s atonement - Instruction for preaching and faith assuranceXI. Solid Declaration - Article X
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. Definition of Adiaphora
3. Biblical Principles
4. Examples of Church Practices
5. The Role of Conscience
6. Church Authority and Order
7. Historical Controversies
8. Confessional Guidance
9. Pastoral Application
10. Conclusion
11. Summary
- Disputable matters should be received in faith - Avoid causing others to stumble in matters of liberty - Do not judge in food or festival practices - All things done to glorify God - Freedom should serve others in love - Beware of being bound to non-essential rules - Differentiates God-ordained from human-imposed practices - Conscience and personal conviction in matters of liberty - Unity through humility and patience - Flexibility for the sake of others - Pursue what builds up the Church - Avoid favoritism in practice - All done in Christ's name - Freedom used responsibly - Heart and faith matter more than external rituals - Worship in spirit and truth - Ceremonial elements for worship - Musical expressions in worship - Vestments and garments for priests - Festival observances - Worship in heart, not form - Discusses adiaphora and non-essential practices - On church ceremonies and liberty - Discusses Christian liberty in external practices - Adiaphora and pastoral instruction - On liberty and adiaphora in worship - Regulatory principles for church ceremonies - Theological foundation for non-essential practices - Preserves true teaching, allows freedom in adiaphora - Optional practices are neither sinful nor obligatory - Pastoral guidance for non-essential practices - Maintaining unity in liberty - Distinction between essentials and adiaphora - Promoting edification and peace in the ChurchXII. Solid Declaration - Article XI
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. The Nature of Election
3. Biblical Proof of Election
4. Rejection of Arminian and Semi-Pelagian Errors
5. The Relationship Between Election and Faith
6. Pastoral Application
7. Role of the Confessions
8. Role of the Holy Spirit
9. Conclusion
10. Summary
- God chose us before the foundation of the world - God chooses Jacob over Esau before birth - Salvation is by grace, not works - God's wisdom excludes human boasting - God saved us according to His purpose and grace - No one comes to Christ except drawn by the Father - God's mercy is not conditioned on human desire - Salvation comes by God's mercy, not human deeds - God chose individuals for salvation - Election originates in God's love - Predestination according to God's purpose - Jacob and Esau chosen for God's plan - Salvation by grace through faith, not works - Predestined to be conformed to Christ's image - Chosen according to God's foreknowledge - God preserves the elect - God completes the work He begins - Faith without works is dead, but works are not the cause - Election not based on foreseen merit - God wills all to be saved, but not all are saved - God shows mercy according to His sovereign will - Good works follow, but do not cause election - God works faith in us - Regeneration by the Spirit - Elect are guarded by God's power - All is from God, through God, to God - Spirit bears witness to our election - Grace works in believers' lives - Guard against unbelief - Preach and fulfill God's calling for the elect - Preserves clear teaching of election - Election is unconditional and by grace - Faith is a gift, not a cause of election - Opposes errors compromising election - Spirit guides into all truth - No one confesses Christ without the Spirit - God preserves the elect to completion - Explains human inability and God's sovereign election - Defines election and predestination - Election is not based on foreseen faith - Faith is a gift, not a cause of election - Rejects errors of free-will election and universalism - Election provides comfort and assurance - Pastoral application of electionXIII. Solid Declaration - Article XII
1. Statement of the Question and Its Necessity
2. The Nature of Heresy and Sectarianism
3. Biblical Examples of Heresy
4. Rejection of Contemporary Heresies
5. Relation of Heresy to Church Discipline
6. Role of Confessions
7. Pastoral and Ecclesial Application
8. The Role of the Holy Spirit
9. Conclusion
10. Summary
- Warning against distortion of the Gospel - False teachers bring destructive heresies - Correct and refute false teachers - Discernment of spirits and false teaching - Contend for the faith against intruders - False apostles and deceitful workers - Philosophy and human traditions can deceive - Salvation is by faith, not works - Christ's true humanity and divinity - Protect the flock from wolves - Judaizers mislead by requiring the law - Denial of Christ's humanity is heretical - People will turn to false teachings - Oppose speculations and myths - Grow in truth to avoid deception - Avoid those who cause divisions - God allows deception for judgment - Works cannot justify; rejecting Pelagianism - Freedom in Christ, not lawless behavior - Christ's divinity and incarnation against Socinianism - False Christs and deception - Refutes radical sects and heresies - Explains errors of contemporary heresies - Discussion of false teachings and Church discipline - Addresses heresy, error, and pastoral care - Treatment of sectarian errors - Explains dangers of heresies and sects - Clarifies proper Church discipline and correction - Pastoral guidance against false teachers - Maintaining doctrinal integrity in the Church