"On Preaching" from the Confessions (#2)

"In the last chapter of Luke (24:47) Christ commands that penitence and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name. The Gospel declares that all men are under sin and are worthy of eternal wrath and death. For Christ’s sake it offers forgiveness of sins and justification, which are received by faith. By its accusations, the preaching of penitence terrifies our consciences with real and serious fears. For these, our hearts must again receive consolation. This happens if they believe Christ’s promise that for his sake we have the forgiveness of sins. Amid such fears this faith brings peace of mind, consoles us, receives the forgiveness of sins, justifies and quickens us. For this consolation is a new and spiritual life. This is plain and clear, the faithful can grasp it, and it has the testimony of the church." (Tappert, The Book of Concord. Fortress Press: Philadelphia, 1959, p.115; Apology IV:62f.)