The Augsburg Confession, 465th Anniversary Edition | Page 5

the Valentinians, Arians, Eunomians, Mohammedans, and all
such. They condemn also the Samosatenes, old and new, who,
contending that there is but one Person, sophistically and impiously
argue that the Word and the Holy Ghost are not distinct Persons, but
that "Word" signifies a spoken word, and "Spirit" signifies motion
created in things.

Article II: Of Original Sin.
Also they teach that since the fall of Adam all men begotten in the
natural way are born with sin, that is, without the fear of God, without
trust in God, and with concupiscence; and that this disease, or vice of
origin, is truly sin, even now condemning and bringing eternal death
upon those not born again through Baptism and the Holy Ghost.
They Condemn the Pelagians and others who deny that original
depravity is sin, and who, to obscure the glory of Christ's merit and
benefits, argue that man can be justified before God by his own
strength and reason.
Article III: Of the Son of God.
Also they teach that the Word, that is, the Son of God, did assume the
human nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, so that there are
two natures, the divine and the human, inseparably enjoined in one
Person, one Christ, true God and true man, who was born of the Virgin
Mary, truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, that He might
reconcile the Father unto us, and be a sacrifice, not only for original
guilt, but also for all actual sins of men
He also descended into hell, and truly rose again the third day;
afterward He ascended into heaven that He might sit on the right hand
of the Father, and forever reign and have dominion over all creatures,
and sanctify them that believe in Him, by sending the Holy Ghost into
their hearts, to rule, comfort, and quicken them, and to defend them
against the devil and the power of sin.

The same Christ shall openly come again to judge the quick and the
dead, etc., according to the Apostles' Creed.

Article IV: Of Justification.
Also they teach that men cannot be justified before God by their own
strength, merits, or works, but are freely justified for Christ's sake,
through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor, and
that their sins are forgiven for Christ's sake, who, by His death, has
made satisfaction for our sins. This faith God imputes for righteousness
in His sight. Rom. 3 and 4.
Article V: Of the Ministry.
That we may obtain this faith, the Ministry of Teaching the Gospel and
administering the Sacraments was instituted. For through the Word and
Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Ghost is given, who
works faith; where and when it pleases God, in them that hear the
Gospel, to wit, that God, not for our own merits, but for Christ's sake,
justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ's
sake.
They condemn the Anabaptists and others who think that the Holy
Ghost comes to men without the external Word, through their own
preparations and works.
Article VI: Of New Obedience.
Also they teach that this faith is bound to bring forth good fruits, and
that it is necessary to do good works commanded by God, because of
God's will, but that we should not rely on those works to merit
justification before God. For remission of sins and justification is
apprehended by faith, as also the voice of Christ attests: When ye shall
have done all these things, say: We are unprofitable servants. Luke 17,
10. The same is also taught by the Fathers. For Ambrose says: It is
ordained of God that he who believes in Christ is saved, freely
receiving remission of sins, without works, by faith alone.
Article VII: Of the Church.
Also they teach that one holy Church is to continue forever. The
Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly
taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered.
And to the true unity of the Church it is enough to agree concerning the
doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. Nor is

it necessary that human traditions, that is, rites or ceremonies, instituted
by men, should be everywhere alike. As Paul says: One faith, one
Baptism, one God and Father of all, etc. Eph. 4, 5. 6.
Article VIII: What the Church Is.
Although the Church properly is the congregation of saints and true
believers, nevertheless, since in this life many hypocrites and evil
persons are mingled therewith, it is lawful to use Sacraments
administered by evil men, according to the saying of Christ: The
Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat, etc. Matt. 23, 2. Both the
Sacraments and Word are effectual by reason of