FC VI, part 3 of 7
For seven days, I am publishing one part per day of Article VI in the Formula of Concord (Epitome) on the Third Use of the Law. Here is the third affirmative statement:
Although believers are regenerate and renewed in the spirit of their mind, in the present life this regeneration and renewal is not complete. It is only begun. Believers are, by the spirit of their mind, in a constant struggle against the flesh. They struggle constantly against the corrupt nature and character, which cleaves to us until death. This old Adam still dwells in the understanding, the will, and all the powers of humanity. It is necessary that the Law of the Lord always shine before them, so that they may not start evil and self-created forms of worship from human devotion. The Law of the Lord is also necessary so that the old Adam (romans 6:6) may not use his own will, but may be subdued against his will. This happens not only by the warning and threatening of the Law, but also by punishments and blows, so that a person may follow and surrender himself as a captive to the Spirit. (See 1 Corinthians 9:27; Romans 6:12, Galatians 6:14; Psalm 119: Hebrews 13:21; 12:1.)
-From Concordia, the Lutheran Confessions, 1st Ed., p504
Question to ponder: What are the “evil and self-created forms of worship” today?
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