Book of Concord

Glossary

Brief reading-aid definitions for common confessional terms.

These brief definitions are reading aids, not replacements for the Book of Concord text or pastoral/theological instruction.

Justification

God's gracious declaration that sinners are righteous for Christ's sake through faith, not by their own merits or works.

God's command that shows what is right, exposes sin, and orders human life according to God's will.

God's promise and gift of forgiveness, life, and salvation in Christ crucified and risen.

The church's faithful speaking of what it believes, teaches, and confesses from Scripture.

The spoken forgiveness of sins in Christ's name, given to repentant sinners for comfort and faith.

A means instituted by Christ in which He gives His promised gifts through visible elements joined to His Word.

The Word and Sacraments through which God gives forgiveness, creates faith, and sustains His people.

The assembly of believers gathered around the Gospel and Sacraments, where Christ gives His gifts.

The public office of teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments according to Christ's institution.

Matters neither commanded nor forbidden by God, especially church rites and practices, handled with care and confession.

The inherited corruption of human nature after the fall, from which all people need God's mercy in Christ.

Works commanded by God that follow faith as fruit, but do not earn forgiveness or justification.