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Augsburg Confession

The Augsburg Confession, also known as the "Augustana" from its Latin name, Confessio Augustana, is the primary confession of faith of the Lutheran Church and one of the most important documents of the Lutheran reformation. It was written in both German and Latin, and was presented by a number of German rulers and free-cities at the Diet of Augsburg on June 25, 1530. The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V had called on the Princes and Free Territories in Germany to explain their religious convictions in an attempt to restore religious and political unity in the Holy Roman Empire, and rally support against the Turkish invasion. Image File history File links Wikisource-logo. ... The original Wikisource logo. ... Latin is an ancient Indo-European language originally spoken in Latium, the region immediately surrounding Rome. ... The Lutheran movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity by the original definition. ... The Protestant Reformation was a movement which began in the 16th century as a series of attempts to reform the Roman Catholic Church, but ended in division and the establishment of new institutions, most importantly Lutheranism, Reformed churches, and Anabaptists. ... Latin was the language originally spoken in the region around Rome called Latium. ... The Diet of Augsburg was an assembly convened by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1530 in Augsburg now in central Germany. ... June 25 is the 176th day of the year (177th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 189 days remaining. ... Events June 25 - Augsburg confession presented to Charles V of Holy Roman Empire. ... The Holy Roman Emperor was, with some variation, the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, the predecessor of modern Germany, during its existence from the 10th century until its collapse in 1806. ... Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Aragon and Castile. ...

Part of the series on Lutheranism
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Beginnings
Christianity Protestant Reformation Roman Catholicism Mr wadawits smells Luthers seal Lutheranism is a Christian tradition based upon the main theological insights of Martin Luther. ... lutheran seal File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The Luther seal The Luther seal is the symbol of the Lutheran church. ... Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centred on Jesus of Nazareth, and on his life and teachings as presented in the New Testament. ... The Protestant Reformation, also referred to as the Protestant Revolution or Protestant Revolt, was a movement in the 16th century to reform the Catholic Church in Western Europe. ... Catholic Church redirects here. ...
People
Martin Luther Philipp Melanchthon Frederick the Wise Martin Chemnitz Henry Melchior Muhlenberg C. F. W. Walther Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk,[1] priest, professor, theologian, and church reformer. ... Portrait of Philipp Melanchthon, by Lucas Cranach the Elder. ... Friedrich III (January 17, 1463 — May 5, 1525), also known as Frederick the Wise, was Elector of Saxony (from the House of Wettin) from 1486 to his death. ... Martin Chemnitz (1522-1586) was an eminent Lutheran theologian, churchman, and confessor, born in Treuenbrietzen, Brandenburg on November 9, 1522, the day before Martin Luther had been born in 1483. ... Henry Melchior Muhlenberg (September 6, 1711, Einbeck, Germany – October 7, 1787, Trappe, Pennsylvania), originally Heinrich Melchior Mühlenberg, was a Lutheran clergyman who is viewed as the founder of the Lutheran Church in the United States. ... Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm (C.F.W.) Walther (October 25, 1811 - May 17, 1887), was the first President of the Lutheran Church _ Missouri Synod. ...
Book of Concord
Augsburg Confession Apology of the Augsburg Confession Luther's Large Catechism Luther's Small Catechism 95 Theses The Book of Concord or Concordia is a compilation of the major theological documents of early Lutheranism. ... The Apology of the Augsburg Confession was formulated by Philip Melanchthon as the response to the Roman Confutation against the Augsburg Confession. ... Luthers Large Catechism was written by Martin Luther and published in April of 1529. ... Luthers Small Catechism was written by Martin Luther and published in 1529 for the training of children. ... The 95 Theses. ...
Theology and Sacraments
Sacramental Union Law and Gospel Sola scriptura Sola gratia Sola fide The Eucharist Holy Baptism Sacramental Union (Latin, unio sacramentalis; German, sacramentlich Einigkeit) is the Lutheran theological view of the Real Presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Christian Eucharist. ... The relationship between Gods Law and the Gospel is a major topic in Lutheran and Reformed theology. ... Sola scriptura (Latin By Scripture alone) is one of five important slogans of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. ... Sola gratia, one of the five solas propounded to summarise the Reformers basic beliefs during the Protestant Reformation, it is a Latin term meaning grace alone. ... Sola fide (by faith alone), also historically known as the justification of faith, is a doctrine that distinguishes Protestant denominations from Catholicism, Eastern Christianity, and Restorationism in Christianity. ... The Eucharist or Communion or The Lords Supper, is the rite that Christians perform in fulfillment of Jesus instruction, recorded in the New Testament,[1] to do in memory of him what he did at his Last Supper. ... Baptism in early Christian art. ...
Liturgy and Worship
Divine Service Lutheran Calendar of Saints Lutheran Book of Worship Lutheran Service Book The Divine Service is the liturgy of the Lutheran Church which is used during the celebration of the Eucharist. ... The Lutheran Calendar of Saints is a listing which details the primary annual festivals and events that are celebrated liturgically by the Lutheran Church. ... Lutheran Book of Worship is a hymnal and prayer book used by several Lutheran denominations in North America. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
Organizations
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Lutheran World Federation Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod International Lutheran Council Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. ... LWF logo The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is a global association of national and regional Lutheran churches headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. ... Official cross symbol of the Missouri Synod The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) is the second-largest Lutheran body in the United States. ... The International Lutheran Council is a worldwide association of confessional Lutheran denominations. ... WELS Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is a United States religious denomination belonging to the Lutheran tradition within Christianity. ... The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) is the successor to the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America except that it is international in scope rather than restricted to North America. ... This box: view • talk • edit

Origin of the Confession

On January 21, 1530, the Emperor Charles V issued letters from Bologna, inviting the German diet to meet in Augsburg April 8, for the purpose of discussing and deciding various important questions. Although the writ of invitation was couched in very peaceful language, it was received with suspicion by some of the Evangelicals. The far-seeing Landgrave of Hesse hesitated to attend the diet, but the Elector John of Saxony, who received the writ March 11, on March 14 directed Luther, Jonas, Bugenhagen, and Melanchthon to meet in Torgau, where he was, and present a summary of the Lutheran faith, to be laid before the emperor at the diet. January 21 is the 21st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events June 25 - Augsburg confession presented to Charles V of Holy Roman Empire. ... Charles (February 24, 1500 – September 21, 1558) was Holy Roman Emperor (as Charles V) from 1519-1558; he was also King of Spain from 1516-1556, officially as Charles I of Spain, although often referred to as Charles V (Carlos Quinto or Carlos V) in Spain and Latin America. ... Bologna (pronounced , from Latin Bononia, BulÃ¥ggna in the local dialect) is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, in the Pianura Padana, between the Po River and the Apennines, exactly, between Reno River and Sàvena River. ... Augsburg is a city in south-central Germany. ... April 8 is the 98th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (99th in leap years). ... Standard of the Grand Dukes of Hesse from 1870 to 1903. ... John, Elector of Saxony, known as John the Steadfast or John the Constant (born 1468 at Schweinitz Castle - August 16, 1532) was Elector of Saxony from 1525 until 1532 (from the House of Wettin). ... March 11 is the 70th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (71st in Leap year). ... March 14 is the 73rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (74th in leap years) with 292 days remaining in the year. ... Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk,[1] priest, professor, theologian, and church reformer. ... Justus Jonas (5 June 1493 - 9 October 1555) was a German Protestant reformer. ... Johannes Bugenhagen (24 June 1485 in Wollin, Pomerania—20 April 1558 in Wittenberg, Saxony), also called Doktor Pomeranus, introduced the Protestant Reformation in Pomerania and Denmark in the 16th century. ... Portrait of Philipp Melanchthon, by Lucas Cranach the Elder. ... Torgau is a town on the banks of the Elbe in northwestern Saxony, Germany. ...

This summary has received the name of the "Torgau Articles". On April 3 the elector and reformers started from Torgau and reached Coburg on April 23. There Luther was left behind. The rest reached Augsburg May 2. On the journey Melanchthon worked on an "apology", using the Torgau articles, and sent his draft to Luther at Coburg on May 11, who approved it. Several alterations were suggested to Melanchthon in his conferences with Jonas, the Saxon chancellor Bruck, the conciliatory bishop Stadion of Augsburg, and the imperial secretary Alfonso Valdez. April 3 is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 272 days remaining. ... Coburg is a city located on the Itz River in Bavaria, Germany. ... April 23 is the 113th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (114th in leap years). ... May 2 is the 122nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (123rd in leap years). ... May 11 is the 131st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (132nd in leap years). ... Bruck, meaning bridge, is common name for towns and villages in German-speaking countries, including the following: In Austria Bruck am Ziller, in the district of Schwaz in Tyrol Bruck an der Mur in Styria Bruck an der Leitha in Lower Austria Bruck an der Glocknerstraße in the state...

On June 23 the final form of the text was adopted in the presence of the Elector John of Saxony, the Landgrave Philip of Hesse, the Margrave George of Brandenburg, the Dukes Ernest and Francis of Luneburg, the representatives of Nuremberg and Reutlingen, and other counselors, besides twelve theologians. After the reading the confession was signed by the Elector John of Saxony, Margrave George of Brandenburg, Duke Ernest of Luneburg, the Landgrave Philip of Hesse, the Prince Wolfgang of Anhalt, the representatives of Nuremberg and Reutlingen, and probably also by the electoral prince John Frederick and Duke Francis of Luneburg. June 23 is the 174th day of the year (175 th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 191 days remaining. ... Philipp I of Hesse Philipp I, Landgraf von Hessen, the Magnanimous (13 November 1504 - 31 March 1567), was a leading champion of the Reformation and one of the most important German rulers of the Renaissance. ... Georg Hohenzollern Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach was born in 1484 and died 1543. ... Nuremberg (German: Nürnberg) is a city in the German state of Bavaria, in the administrative region of Middle Franconia. ... Reutlingen is a city in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. ...

During the diet the cities of Weissenburg, Heilbronn, Kempten, and Windesheim also expressed their concurrence with the confession. The emperor had ordered the confession to be presented to him at the next session, June 24; but when the evangelical princes asked that it be read in public, their petition was refused, and efforts were made to prevent the public reading of the document altogether. The evangelical princes, however, declared that they would not part with the confession until its reading should be allowed. The 25th was then fixed for the day of its presentation. In order to exclude the people, the little chapel of the episcopal palace was appointed in place of the spacious city hall, where the meetings of the diet were held. The two Saxon chancellors Bruck and Beyer, the one with the Latin copy, the other with the German, stepped into the middle of the assembly, and against the wish of the emperor the German text was read. The reading lasted two hours and was so distinct that every word could be heard outside. The reading being over, the copies were handed to the emperor. The German he gave to the imperial chancellor, the Elector of Mainz, the Latin he took away. Neither of the copies is now extant. Wissembourg (German: Weißenburg) is a small town and commune situated on the border between France and Germany, in the Alsace région, approximately 60 km north of Strasbourg. ... Heilbronn is a city in northern Baden-Württemberg, Germany, near Stuttgart. ... Kempten can refer to: A town in Bavaria, Germany, Kempten im Allgäu. ... The name Windesheim may refer to: a place in the Netherlands, near Zwolle the Christelijke Hogeschool Windesheim, a Christian institution of higher education there the Augustianian abbey there, which gave its name to the Congregation of Windesheim Category: ... June 24 is the 175th day of the year (176th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 190 days remaining. ...

The first official publication (Editio princeps) was edited by Philipp Melanchthon, a professor at the University of Wittenberg and close friend of Martin Luther. The resulting document, the Augsburg Confession was presented to the Emperor on June 25, 1530. In classical scholarship, editio princeps is a term of art. ... Portrait of Philipp Melanchthon, by Lucas Cranach the Elder. ... The Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg is located in the German cities of Halle, Saxony-Anhalt and Wittenberg. ... Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk,[1] priest, professor, theologian, and church reformer. ...

In 1540, Melanchthon produced a revised edition, the Variata, which was signed by John Calvin. Many Lutheran churches specify in their official documents that they subscribe to the "Unaltered Augsburg Confession", as opposed to the Variata. Events January 6 - King Henry VIII of England marries Anne of Cleves, his fourth Queen consort. ... John Calvin (July 10, 1509 – May 27, 1564) was an important French Christian theologian during the Protestant Reformation and is the namesake of the system of Christian theology called Calvinism. ...

The Unaltered Augsburg Confession is the primary confessional document of the Lutheran faith and is part of The Book of Concord. The Book of Concord was published in 1580 and is a compilation of Lutheran beliefs. ...

Contents

Preface

A plea for Christian unity, and a promise that the Lutherans "are neglecting nothing that may serve the cause of Christian unity."

Articles of Faith

I. Concerning God — a brief explanation of the Trinity, which was not a point of controversy. However, various opponents claimed that Luther did not accept such a doctrine, so its inclusion is understandable. For other uses, see Trinity (disambiguation). ...

II. Concerning Original Sin — a brief explanation of Original Sin, which was not a point of controversy either. Michelangelos painting of the sin of Adam and Eve (the Fall) According to Christian tradition, Original sin is the general and non-personal condition of sinfulness (lack of holiness) into which human beings are born. ...

III. Concerning the Son of God — a standard, short explanation of the dual nature of Jesus. Not a point of controversy. A son is a male offspring; a boy, man, or male animal in relation to his parents. ... Jesus (8–2 BC/BCE to 29–36 AD/CE),[1] also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is the central figure of Christianity. ...

IV. Concerning Justification — the doctrine of Justification by Faith. This was the primary difference between Lutherans and Roman Catholics at the time. This article appeals to Paul's epistle to the Romans. Sola fide (by faith alone), also historically known as the justification of faith, is a doctrine held by some Protestant denominations of Christianity, which asserts that it is on the basis of their faith that believers are forgiven their transgressions of the Law of God, rather than on the basis... The Lutheran movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity by the original definition. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... Paul of Tarsus, also known as Paul the Apostle or Saint Paul (AD 3–14 — 62–69),[1] is widely considered to be central to the early development and spread of Christianity, particularly westward from Jerusalem. ... The Epistle to the Romans is one of the epistles, or letters, included in the New Testament canon of the Christian Bible. ...

V. Concerning the Office of Preaching — a brief statement on the preaching. Not a point of controversy, though the Anabaptists are condemned for teaching that the Holy Spirit does not come to humans without their "preparations and works". Anabaptists (re-baptizers, from Greek ana and baptizo; in German: Wiedertäufer) are Christians of the so-called radical wing of the Protestant Reformation. ... This article or section may be confusing or unclear for some readers, and should be edited to rectify this. ...

VI. Concerning New Obedience — a statement saying that works are good, but have no merit before God. This is opposed to the Roman Catholic doctrine of justification. God is the deity believed by monotheists to be the supreme reality. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... In Christian theology, justification is Gods act of making or declaring a sinner righteous before God. ...

VII. Concerning the Church — a statement on the belief in one Christian Church. Not a point of controversy.

VIII. What is the Church? — a statement on the acceptance of all believers into the aforementioned church. The Donatists are condemned for obvious reasons. The Donatists (founded by the Berber christian Donatus) were followers of a belief considered a heresy by the Roman Catholic Church. ...

IX. Concerning Baptism — a statement on the belief in infant baptism and a condemnation of the Anabaptists for preaching otherwise. Not a point of controversy for the Diet. Baptism in early Christian art. ... An infant is held over a baptismal font as holy water is poured over the head at a Catholic Church in the United States in 2004 In Christian religious practice, infant baptism is the baptism of young children or infants. ... Anabaptists (re-baptizers, from Greek ana and baptizo; in German: Wiedertäufer) are Christians of the so-called radical wing of the Protestant Reformation. ...

X. Concerning the Lord's Supper — a statement on the Lutheran view of the real presence in the Eucharist. All other views are condemned. The Eucharist or Communion or The Lords Supper, is the rite that Christians perform in fulfillment of Jesus instruction, recorded in the New Testament,[1] to do in memory of him what he did at his Last Supper. ...

XI. Concerning Confession — a statement supporting the practice of confession, although it is stated that not all sins are capable of being confessed. Confession of sins is an integral part of the Christian faith and practice. ...

XII. Concerning Repentence — a statement on the belief that repentence is to feel sorrow for one's sins. It is no longer considered to have sacramental status. Anabaptists who teach that to be baptized is to be free of sin are condemned. Penance (via Old French penance from the Latin Poenitentia, the same root as penitence, which in English means repentance, the desire to be forgiven, see contrition; in many languages only one single word is derived) is, strictly, repentance of sins as well as the actual name of the Catholic Sacrament... Anabaptists (re-baptizers, from Greek ana and baptizo; in German: Wiedertäufer) are Christians of the so-called radical wing of the Protestant Reformation. ...

XIII. Concerning the Use of Sacraments — a standard statement on the use of sacraments, which was not a point of controversy. Those who say that one is justified by use of sacraments are condemned. A sacrament is a Christian rite that mediates divine grace. ...

XIV. Concerning Church Government — a standard statement on the belief that one must be called to be a minister. Not a point of controversy.

XV. Concerning Church Regulations — a statement about how festivals not commanded in the Bible will have no bearing on justification and are contrary to the gospel. For other uses, see Bible (disambiguation). ...

XVI. Concerning Public Order and Secular Government — a statement in support of secular government. Anabaptists are condemned for teaching otherwise, along a condemnation of those who do good for fear of the government and not God. Not a point of controversy. Anabaptists (re-baptizers, from Greek ana and baptizo; in German: Wiedertäufer) are Christians of the so-called radical wing of the Protestant Reformation. ... God is the deity believed by monotheists to be the supreme reality. ...

XVII. Concerning the Return of Christ to Judgement — a standard statement about the End of Days, which states that the Jesus will judge the living and the dead, the elect will go to heaven and the "ungodly" will go to Hell. Condemned are Universalism and the belief that the elect will have a secular government. Not a point of controversy. This page is about the title or the Divine Person. For the Christian figure, see Jesus. ... End of Days is a 1999 action/horror film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by Peter Hyams. ... Jesus (8–2 BC/BCE to 29–36 AD/CE),[1] also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is the central figure of Christianity. ... Heaven is an afterlife concept found in many religions or spiritual philosophies. ... Medieval illustration of Hell in the Hortus deliciarum manuscript of Herrad of Landsberg (about 1180) Hell, according to many religious beliefs, is a place or a state of pain and suffering. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Universality (philosophy). ...

XVIII. Concerning Free Will — a statement about the belief in man's inclination to sin, and the need for external help from the Holy Spirit to please God. Those who teach that man can keep the commandments without the Holy Spirit are condemned. This is only a controversy inasfar as the scholastics who taught that man does have some say in whether or not he/she may please God. Free will is the philosophical doctrine that holds that our choices are ultimately up to ourselves. ... This article or section may be confusing or unclear for some readers, and should be edited to rectify this. ...

XIX. Concerning the Cause of Sin — a statement on the inclination of evil and "ungodly" people to sin. This was not a point of controversy.

XX. Concerning Faith and Good Works — a statement about good works being good, but not assisting in salvation and standing before God. This is followed by an explanation and defense of the doctrine of Justification by Faith. God is the deity believed by monotheists to be the supreme reality. ... In Christian theology, justification is Gods act of making or declaring a sinner righteous before God. ...

XXI. Concerning the Cult of the Saints — a statement about the nature of saints: helpful to assisting in one's personal faith, but of no post-mortem metaphysical use.

Disputed Articles, Listing Abuses That Have Been Corrected

This deals with the some of the wrongs that had been "righted" by the Evangelicals and explaining their reasons for such changes. At other points, arguments are made about necessary changes.

XXII. Concerning Both Kinds of the Sacrament — a statement explaining scriptural and historical grounds for distributing both elements of the Eucharist to laity, who had only been permitted to receive the bread. A sacrament is a Christian rite that mediates divine grace. ... The Eucharist or Communion or The Lords Supper, is the rite that Christians perform in fulfillment of Jesus instruction, recorded in the New Testament,[1] to do in memory of him what he did at his Last Supper. ...

XXVIII. Concerning the Marriage of Priests — a lengthy argument that there is Scriptural basis for allowing priests to marry. Marriage is a relationship that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ...

XXIV. Concerning the Mass — another lengthy argument, this time as to the nature of mass. It is argued that all sins were rebuked by the "satisfaction" of Jesus' death. Roman Catholics held that the death of Jesus only rebuked the Original Sin and that other ones were rebuked by Mass. Mass is a property of a physical object that quantifies the amount of matter and energy it is equivalent to. ... Jesus (8–2 BC/BCE to 29–36 AD/CE),[1] also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is the central figure of Christianity. ... Michelangelos painting of the sin of Adam and Eve (the Fall) According to Christian tradition, Original sin is the general and non-personal condition of sinfulness (lack of holiness) into which human beings are born. ...

XXV. Concerning Confession — reiteration of the view that private absolution is no better than general absolution. While the Evangelical Church still practiced private absolution, it was maintained that it was Christ, not the pastor, who forgave the sins. Confession of sins is an integral part of the Christian faith and practice. ... This page is about the title or the Divine Person. For the Christian figure, see Jesus. ...

XXVI. Concerning the Distinction among Foods — a statement that scheduled fasting, ceremonies, etc. were not necessary under Justification by Faith. In Christian theology, justification is Gods act of making or declaring a sinner righteous before God. ...

XXVII. Concerning Monastic Vows — a statement is made that monasticism was once a desirable (i.e. voluntary) lifestyle, but had since been corrupted. The vows of monks are also rejected.

XXVIII. Concerning the Power of Bishops — a lengthy statement calling for the separation of political and theological power.

Conclusion — signatures of several secular leaders in Saxony.

See also

• Apology of the Augsburg Confession

The Apology of the Augsburg Confession was formulated by Philip Melanchthon as the response to the Roman Confutation against the Augsburg Confession. ...

References

• This article includes content derived from the public domain Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, 1914.

The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ... The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge is a 1914 religious encyclopedia, published in thirteen volumes. ...

External links

• The Augsburg Confession (Concordia Theological Seminary HTML version)
• The Augsburg Confession (1530) in HTML
• The Augsburg Confession in PDF - Digital Books LOGIA
• bookofconcord.org version