However, it is very certain that even though all the gates of hell contradict us, the forgiveness of sins cannot be received except by faith alone. This faith believes that sins are pardoned for Christ's sake, according to Romans 3:25, "whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith." Likewise, "Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace" (Romans 5:2). For a terrified conscience cannot set our works or our love against God's wrath. It is eventually quieted when it takes hold of Christ as Mediator and believes the promises for his sake. For those who imagine that hearts become quieted without faith in Christ do not understand what the forgiveness of sins is or how it comes to us. So 1 Peter 2:6 cites from Isaiah 49:23 and 28:16, "Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame." It is necessary, therefore, that hypocrites be puzzled. They are confident that they receive the forgiveness of sins because of their own works, and not because of Christ. Peter also says, "To Him all prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins" (Acts 10:43). What he says, through His name, could not be expressed more clearly. He adds, "everyone who believes in Him." So we receive the forgiveness of sins only through Christ's sake, and not for the sake of any merits and works of our own. This happens when we believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ's sake. - Apology of the Augsburg Confession XII: 63-65.
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions. 1st edition. St. Louis: Concordia, 2005
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