What does it mean to be a Lutheran? The Lutheran Reformation was founded on the “Three Solas” (Latin for “alone”) “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone”.

In 1517, Martin Luther’s 95 Theses were headed in that direction. His 1529 Small Catechism condenses those biblical truths into a text book for instruction. In 1521, he was called to Worms and told to “sit down and shut up” by withdrawing all his writings and declaring them to be false. Luther stood up instead and kept proclaiming the truth. By 1530, it was time to set the record straight - against false accusations hurled against them and confusion that was spread as to what Lutherans believed. So the process began to draft the Augsburg Confession. It was a clear and concise summary of the teachings of Scripture, a bold declaration of what the Scriptures say and what they do not. It was a statement of biblical truth and a refutation of unbiblical error. It was a demonstration that the Lutheran faith is the Christian faith and the orthodox teachings that the church has held too since the time of Christ.

So on June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was boldly, confidently and loudly read. Charles V and anyone else within earshot heard a systematic presentation of the Bible’s truth. They heard an incredible answer to the question "What does it mean to be a Lutheran?” All who read its 28 articles today hear that answer as well.

What a blessing to generations of Lutheran Christians those men and their courage, conviction, and confession have been! June 25, 1530 was truly a turning point in the life of the Lutheran Church. Blessings have been coming our way as a result ever since. And now as you join in our discussion, those blessings are sure to come your way as well!

The Augsburg Confession is included in the Book of Concord. You can find a free version online here. Grab your printed copy off the shelf or get your own copy here.

If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org. If you’d like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.

Augsburg Confession - Article 21 - Worship of the Saints