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Formula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 1
1. We believe, teach, and confess that the sole rule and standard according to which all dogmas together with [all] teachers should be estimated and judged are the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures of the Old and of the New Testament alone, as it is written Ps. 119:105: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 2
Other writings, however, of ancient or modern teachers, whatever name they bear, must not be regarded as equal to the Holy Scriptures, but all of them together be subjected to them, and should not be received otherwise or further than as witnesses, [which are to show] in what manner after the time of the apostles, and
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 3
2. And because directly after the times of the apostles, and even while they were still living, false teachers and heretics arose, and symbols, i. e., brief, succinct [categorical] confessions, were composed against them in the early Church, which were regarded as the unanimous, universal Christian faith and confession
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 4
3. As to the schisms in matters of faith, however, which have occurred in our time, we regard as the unanimous consensus and declaration of our Christian faith and confession, especially against the Papacy and its false worship, idolatry, superstition, and against other sects, as the symbol of our time, the First, Unal
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 5
And because such matters concern also the laity and the salvation of their souls, we also confess the Small and Large Catechisms of Dr. Luther, as they are included in Luther’s works, as the Bible of the laity, wherein everything is comprised which is treated at greater length in Holy Scripture, and is necessary for a
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 6
To this direction, as above announced, all doctrines are to be conformed, and what is, contrary thereto is to be rejected and condemned, as opposed to the unanimous declaration of our faith.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 7
In this way the distinction between the Holy Scriptures of the Old and of the New Testament and all other writings is preserved, and the Holy Scriptures alone remain the only judge, rule, and standard, according to which, as the only teststone, all dogmas shall and must be discerned and judged, as to whether they are g
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 8
But the other symbols and writings cited are not judges, as are the Holy Scriptures, but only a testimony and declaration of the faith, as to how at any time the Holy Scriptures have been understood and explained in the articles in controversy in the Church of God by those then living, and how the opposite dogma was re
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 2
The Anabaptists are divided among themselves into many factions, as one contends for more, another for less errors; however, they all in common propound [profess] such doctrine as is to be tolerated or allowed neither in the Church, nor in the commonwealth and secular government, nor in domestic life. Articles that Can
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 3
1. That Christ did not assume His body and blood from the Virgin Mary, but brought them with Him from heaven.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 4
2. That Christ is not true God, but only [is superior to other saints, because He] has more gifts of the Holy Ghost than any other holy man.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 5
3. That our righteousness before God consists not in the sole merit of Christ alone, but in renewal, and hence in our own godliness [uprightness] in which we walk. This is based in great part upon one’s own special, self-chosen [and humanly devised] spirituality [holiness], and in fact is nothing else than a new sort o
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 6
4. That children who are not baptized are not sinners before God, but righteous and innocent, who in their innocency, because they have not yet attained their reason [the use of reason], are saved without Baptism (which, according to their assertion, they do not need). Therefore they reject the entire doctrine concerni
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 7
5. That children are not to be baptized until they have attained their reason [the use of reason], and can themselves confess their faith.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 8
6. That the children of Christians, because they have been born of Christian and believing parents, are holy and children of God even without and before Baptism; and for this reason they neither attach much importance to the baptism of children nor encourage it, contrary to the express words of God’s promise which pert
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 9
7. That that is no true Christian congregation [church] in which sinners are still found.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 10
8. That no sermon is to be heard nor attended in those churches in which formerly papal masses have been celebrated and said.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 11
9. That one [a godly man] must not have anything to do with the ministers of the Church who preach the Gospel according to the Augsburg Confession, and rebuke the sermons and errors of the Anabaptists; also that he is neither to serve nor in any way to labor for them, but to flee from and shun them as perverters of God
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 12
1. That under the New Testament the magistracy is not an estate pleasing to God.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 13
2. That a Christian cannot with a good, inviolate conscience hold or discharge the office of magistrate.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 14
3. That a Christian cannot without injury to conscience use the office of the magistracy against the wicked in matters as they occur [matters so requiring], nor that subjects may invoke for their protection and defense the power which the magistrates possess and have received from God.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 15
4. That a Christian cannot with a good conscience take an oath, nor with an oath do homage [promise fidelity] to the hereditary prince of his country or sovereign.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 16
5. That under the New Testament magistrates cannot, without injury to conscience, inflict capital punishment upon malefactors. Articles that Cannot be Tolerated in Domestic Life.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 17
1. That a Christian cannot with a good conscience hold or possess property, but is in duty bound to devote it to the common treasury.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 18
2. That a Christian cannot with a good conscience be an innkeeper, merchant, or cutler [maker of arms].
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 19
3. That the married may be divorced on account of [diverse] faith, and the one may abandon the other and be married to another person who is of his faith.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 20
1. That all those have no true knowledge of Christ as reigning King of heaven who regard Christ according to the flesh as a creature.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 21
2. That the flesh of Christ by His exaltation has assumed all divine properties in such a manner that Christ as man is in might, power, majesty, and glory altogether, as regards degree and position of essence equal to the Father and to the Word, so that now there is only one essence, property, will, and glory of both n
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 22
3. That the ministry of the Church [ministry of the Word], the Word preached and heard, is not a means whereby God the Holy Ghost teaches men, and works in them the saving knowledge of Christ, conversion, repentance, faith, and new obedience.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 23
4. That the water of Baptism is not a means whereby God the Lord seals the adoption of sons and works regeneration.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 24
5. That bread and wine in the Holy Supper are not means through and by which Christ distributes His body and blood.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 25
6. That a Christian who is truly regenerated by God’s Spirit can perfectly observe and fulfil the Law of God in this life.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 26
7. That it is not a true Christian congregation [church] in which no public excommunication [some formal mode of excommunication] or no regular process of the ban [as it is commonly called] is observed.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 27
8. That the minister of the church who is not on his part truly renewed, regenerate, righteous, and godly cannot teach other men with profit or distribute genuine, true Sacraments.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 29
This is an entirely new sect, not heard of before in Christendom, [composed of those] who believe, teach, and confess that there is not one only, eternal, divine essence of the Father Son, and Holy Ghost, but as God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three distinct persons, so each person has its essence distinct and
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 30
These and similar articles, one and all, with whatever other errors depend upon and follow from them, we reject and condemn as wrong, false, heretical, contrary to the Word of God, the three Creeds, the Augsburg Confession and Apology, the Smalcald Articles, and Luther’s Catechisms, against which all godly Christians o
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 31
That this is the doctrine, faith, and confession of us all, for which we will answer at the last day before the just Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ, and will neither secretly nor publicly speak or write anything against it, but that we intend by the grace of God to persevere therein, we have after mature deliberation tes
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 28
That Christ is not true, essential, natural God, of one eternal, divine essence with God the Father and the Holy Ghost, but is only adorned with divine majesty inferior to and alongside of God the Father [is so adorned with divine majesty, with the Father, that He is inferior to the Father].
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 1
Whether original sin is properly and without any distinction man’s corrupt nature, substance, and essence, or at any rate the principal and best part of his essence [substance], namely, the rational soul itself in its highest state and powers; or whether, even after the Fall, there is a distinction between man’s substa
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 2
1. We believe, teach, and confess that there is a distinction between man’s nature, not only as he was originally created by God pure and holy and without sin, but also as we have it [that nature] now after the Fall, namely, between the nature [itself], which even after the Fall is and remains a creature of God, and or
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 3
2. We believe, teach, and confess also that this distinction should be maintained with the greatest care, because this doctrine, that no distinction is to be made between our corrupt human nature and original sin, conflicts with the chief articles of our Christian faith concerning creation, redemption, sanctification,
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 4
For God created not only the body and soul of Adam and Eve before the Fall, but also our bodies and souls after the Fall, notwithstanding that they are corrupt, which God also still acknowledges as His work, as it is written Job 10:8: Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about. Deut. 32:18; Is. 45:9
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 5
Moreover, the Son of God has assumed this human nature, however, without sin, and therefore not a foreign, but our own flesh, into the unity of His person, and according to it is become our true Brother. Heb. 2:14: Forasmuch, then, as the children were partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 6
In like manner Christ has also redeemed it as His work, sanctifies it as His work, raises it from the dead, and gloriously adorns it as His work. But original sin He has not created, assumed, redeemed, sanctified; nor will He raise it, will neither adorn nor save it in the elect, but in the [blessed] resurrection it wi
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 7
Hence the distinction between the corrupt nature and the corruption which infects the nature and by which the nature became corrupt, can easily be discerned.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 8
3. But, on the other hand, we believe, teach, and confess that original sin is not a slight, but so deep a corruption of human nature that nothing healthy or uncorrupt has remained in man’s body or soul, in his inner or outward powers, but, as the Church sings: Through Adam’s fall is all corrupt, Nature and essence hum
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 9
This damage is unspeakable, and cannot be discerned by reason, but only from God’s Word.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 10
And [we affirm] that no one but God alone can separate from one another the nature and this corruption of the nature, which will fully come to pass through death, in the [blessed] resurrection, where our nature which we now bear will rise and live eternally without original sin and separated and sundered from it, as it
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 11
1. Therefore we reject and condemn the teaching that original sin is only a reatus or debt on account of what has been committed by another [diverted to us] without any corruption of our nature.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 12
2. Also, that evil lusts are not sin, but con-created, essential properties of the nature, or, as though the above-mentioned defect and damage were not truly sin, because of which man without Christ [not ingrafted into Christ] would be a child of wrath.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 13
3. We likewise reject the Pelagian error, by which it is alleged that man’s nature even after the Fall is incorrupt, and especially with respect to spiritual things has remained entirely good and pure in naturalibus, i. e., in its natural powers.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 14
4. Also, that original sin is only a slight, insignificant spot on the outside, dashed upon the nature, or a blemish that has been blown upon it, beneath which [nevertheless] the nature has retained its good powers even in spiritual things.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 15
5. Also, that original sin is only an external impediment to the good spiritual powers, and not a despoliation or want of the same, as when a magnet is smeared with garlic-juice, its natural power is not thereby removed, but only impeded; or that this stain can be easily wiped away like a spot from the face or pigment
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 16
6. Also, that in man the human nature and essence are not entirely corrupt, but that man still has something good in him, even in spiritual things, namely, capacity, skill, aptness, or ability in spiritual things to begin, to work, or to help working for something [good].
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 17
7. On the other hand, we also reject the false dogma of the Manicheans, when it is taught that original sin, as something essential and self-subsisting, has been infused by Satan into the nature, and intermingled with it, as poison and wine are mixed.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 18
8. Also, that not the natural man, but something else and extraneous to man, sins, on account of which not the nature, but only original sin in the nature, is accused.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 19
9. We reject and condemn also as a Manichean error the doctrine that original sin is properly and without any distinction the substance, nature, and essence itself of the corrupt man, so that a distinction between the corrupt nature, as such, after the Fall and original sin should not even be conceived of, nor that the
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 20
10. Now, this original sin is called by Dr. Luther nature-sin, person-sin, essential sin, not because the nature, person, or essence of man is, without any distinction, itself original sin, but in order to indicate by such words the distinction between original sin, which inheres in human nature, and other sins, which
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 21
11. For original sin is not a sin which is committed, but it inheres in the nature, substance, and essence of man, so that, though no wicked thought ever should arise in the heart of corrupt man, no idle word were spoken, no wicked deed were done, yet the nature is nevertheless corrupted through original sin, which is
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 22
12. Thus there is also to be noted well the diverse signification of the word nature, whereby the Manicheans cover their error and lead astray many simple men. For sometimes it means the essence [the very substance] of man, as when it is said: God created human nature. But at other times it means the disposition and th
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 23
13. But as to the Latin terms substantia and accidens, because they are not words of Holy Scripture, and besides unknown to the ordinary man, they should not be used in sermons before ordinary, uninstructed people, but simple people should be spared them.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 24
But in the schools, among the learned, these words are rightly retained in disputations concerning original sin, because they are well known and used without any misunderstanding, to distinguish exactly between the essence of a thing and what attaches to it in an accidental way.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 25
For the distinction between God’s work and that of the devil is thereby designated in the clearest way, because the devil can create no substance, but can only, in an accidental way, by the providence of God [God permitting], corrupt the substance created by God.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 1
Since the will of man is found in four unlike states, namely: 1. before the Fall; 2. since the Fall; 3. after regeneration; 4. after the resurrection of the body, the chief question is only concerning the will and ability of man in the second state, namely, what powers in spiritual things he has of himself after the fa
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 2
1. Concerning this subject, our doctrine, faith, and confession is, that in spiritual things the understanding and reason of man are [altogether] blind, and by their own powers understand nothing, as it is written 1 Cor. 2:14: The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to hi
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 3
2. Likewise we believe, teach, and confess that the unregenerate will of man is not only turned away from God, but also has become an enemy of God, so that it only has an inclination and desire for that which is evil and contrary to God, as it is written Gen. 8:21: The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 4
3. God the Holy Ghost, however, does not effect conversion without means, but uses for this purpose the preaching and hearing of God’s Word, as it is written Rom. 1:16: The Gospel is the power of God
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 5
unto salvation to every one that believeth. Also Rom. 10:17: Faith cometh by hearing of the Word of God. And it is God’s will that His Word should be heard, and that man’s ears should not be closed. Ps. 95:8. With this Word the Holy Ghost is present, and opens hearts, so that they, as Lydia in Acts 16:14, are attentive
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 6
work alone the conversion of man is. For without His grace, and if He do not grant the increase, our willing and running, our planting, sowing, and watering, all are nothing, as Christ says John 15:5: Without Me ye can do nothing. With these brief words He denies to the free will its powers, and ascribes everything to
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 7
Accordingly, we reject and condemn all the following errors as contrary to the standard of God’s Word:
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 8
1. The delirium [insane dogma] of philosophers who are called Stoics, as also of the Manicheans, who taught that everything that happens must so happen, and cannot happen otherwise, and that everything that man does, even in outward things, he does by compulsion, and that he is coerced to evil works and deeds, as incha
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 9
2. We reject also the error of the gross Pelagians, who taught that man by his own powers, without the grace of the Holy Ghost, can turn himself to God, believe the Gospel, be obedient from the heart to God’s Law, and thus merit the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 10
3. We reject also the error of the Semi-Pelagians, who teach that man by his own powers can make a beginning of his conversion, but without the grace of the Holy Ghost cannot complete it.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 11
4. Also, when it is taught that, although man by his free will before regeneration is too weak to make a beginning, and by his own powers to turn himself to God, and from the heart to be obedient to God, yet, if the Holy Ghost by the preaching of the Word has made a beginning, and therein offered His grace, then the wi
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 12
5. Also, that man, after he has been born again, can perfectly observe and completely fulfil God’s Law, and that this fulfilling is our righteousness before God, by which we merit eternal life.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 13
6. Also, we reject and condemn the error of the Enthusiasts, who imagine that God without means, without the hearing of God’s Word, also without the use of the holy Sacraments, draws men to Himself, and enlightens, justifies, and saves them. (Enthusiasts we call those who expect the heavenly illumination of the Spirit
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 14
7. Also, that in conversion and regeneration God entirely exterminates the substance and essence of the old Adam, and especially the rational soul, and in conversion and regeneration creates a new essence of the soul out of nothing.
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 15
8. Also, when the following expressions are employed without explanation, namely, that the will of man before, in, and after conversion resists the Holy Ghost, and that the Holy Ghost is given to those who resist Him intentionally and persistently; for, as Augustine says, in conversion God makes willing persons out of
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 16
As to the expressions of ancient and modern teachers of the Church, when it is said: Deus trahit, sed volentem trahit, i. e., God draws, but He draws the willing; likewise, Hominis voluntas in conversione non est otiosa, sed agit aliquid, i. e., In conversion the will of man is not idle, but also effects something, we
Open source textFormula of Concord, Epitome | paragraph 17
But, on the other hand, it is correctly said that in conversion God, through the drawing of the Holy Ghost, makes out of stubborn and unwilling men willing ones, and that after such conversion in the daily exercise of repentance the regenerate will of man is not idle, but also cooperates in all the works of the Holy Gh
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