Art: Altarpiece of the Church of Torslunde, Denmark (A.D. 1561).
Thursday Theology – Article Five of the Augsburg Confession:
“So that we may obtain this faith [that justifies, see Article Four], the ministry of teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted. Through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Spirit is given. He works faith, when and where it pleases God, in those who hear the good news that God justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake. This happens not through our own merits, but for Christ’s sake.”