Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Article 3: Repentance, Part 1

Repentance has two parts: first, contrition—sorrow for sin—and second, faith in the Gospel. The Lord delivers His Law as a thunderbolt and hammer, striking the heart and stirring it toward newness of life. True contrition is not merely sorrow for sin but the realization that we deserve death because of it. In faith, we repent, knowing that there is One who will save us from this body of death. The goal of repentance is always forgiveness and hope in Christ. God calls us to repentance, daring us to believe that He will give exactly what He promises: forgiveness, life, and salvation in Christ. Rev. David Buchs, pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study repentance in the Smalcald. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected].