The Book of Concord is a collection of doctrinal statements and confessions of faith that outlines the beliefs of the Lutheran Church. It was published in 1580 and has since become one of the most important documents in the history of the Lutheran faith. In this article, we will explore the history, purpose, and content of the Book of Concord.
History of the Book of Concord
The Book of Concord was created in response to the religious conflicts that occurred in the sixteenth century. During this time, many different interpretations of Christianity were being taught, leading to confusion and division among the faithful. In 1530, a group of Lutheran theologians met to create a statement of faith that would unify the Lutheran Church and clarify their beliefs.
Over the next several decades, additional confessional documents were added to the collection, including the Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, and the Formula of Concord. In 1580, all of these documents were compiled into a single volume, which became known as the Book of Concord.
Purpose of the Book of Concord
The purpose of the Book of Concord was to provide a clear and consistent statement of the Lutheran faith. It was intended to unify the Lutheran Church and provide a foundation for theological teaching and practice. The Book of Concord also served as a response to the teachings of the Catholic Church, which many Lutherans believed to be in error.
Content of the Book of Concord
The Book of Concord contains a collection of confessional documents that outline the beliefs of the Lutheran Church. Some of the documents included in the Book of Concord are:
The Augsburg Confession: This document was written in 1530 and is considered the primary confession of faith for Lutherans. It contains 28 articles of faith that outline the basic beliefs of the Lutheran Church.
The Apology of the Augsburg Confession: This document was written in 1531 and is a defense of the Augsburg Confession against criticisms from the Catholic Church.
The Smalcald Articles: These articles were written in 1537 and outline the key doctrines of the Lutheran faith, including justification by faith alone and the authority of scripture.
The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope: This document was written in 1537 and argues against the authority of the Pope in matters of religion.
The Formula of Concord: This document was written in 1577 and is a statement of agreement among Lutherans on controversial theological issues, including the nature of the sacraments and the doctrine of predestination.
Conclusion
The Book of Concord is an essential document for understanding the beliefs and history of the Lutheran Church. It provides a clear and consistent statement of faith that has served as a foundation for Lutheran theology and practice for centuries. While the Book of Concord is primarily a historical document, it remains an important resource for Lutherans and anyone interested in the history of Christianity.
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Charles H. Spurgeon Bust 12 inches tall Robinson Leadbeater Parian
$999.99
This is a truly magnificent and historically significant piece: an authentic, 12-inch tall Charles H. Spurgeon Bust, dating back to the height of the “Prince of Preachers'” fame. More than just a portrait, this is a tangible link to 19th-century religious and ceramic history, featuring an impressive array of original maker and copyright inscriptions.
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Rare 1765 1st Ed: The Lives of John Wicliff and His Disciples by William Gilpin
$499.99A Rare 1765 First Edition: The Lives of John Wicliff and His Disciples by William Gilpin
This is a significant and fascinating piece of 18th-century ecclesiastical history: The Lives of John Wicliff; and of the most Eminent of his disciples; Lord Cobham, John Huss, Jerome of Prague, and Zisca, written by William Gilpin, M.A., and printed in London in 1765. This work is a detailed biography of the great English theologian and reformer, John Wycliffe (often spelled Wicliff), and the central figures who carried on his religious and political legacy, often paying the ultimate price.
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Rare 1765 1st Ed: The Lives of John Wicliff and His Disciples by William Gilpin
$499.99
A Rare 1765 First Edition: The Lives of John Wicliff and His Disciples by William Gilpin
This is a significant and fascinating piece of 18th-century ecclesiastical history: The Lives of John Wicliff; and of the most Eminent of his disciples; Lord Cobham, John Huss, Jerome of Prague, and Zisca, written by William Gilpin, M.A., and printed in London in 1765. This work is a detailed biography of the great English theologian and reformer, John Wycliffe (often spelled Wicliff), and the central figures who carried on his religious and political legacy, often paying the ultimate price.
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1 in stock
1595 Geneva Breeches Bible printed by Christopher Barker, Theo. Beza
$2,999.99This 1595 Geneva Bible, printed by the deputies of Christopher Barker, is a quarto edition of the Geneva Bible, an important and influential version of the scriptures for late 16th-century Protestants. This 1595 version is a significant historical artifact that provides insight into the era’s religious, cultural, and publishing landscape.
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1595 Geneva Breeches Bible printed by Christopher Barker, Theo. Beza
$2,999.99
This 1595 Geneva Bible, printed by the deputies of Christopher Barker, is a quarto edition of the Geneva Bible, an important and influential version of the scriptures for late 16th-century Protestants. This 1595 version is a significant historical artifact that provides insight into the era’s religious, cultural, and publishing landscape.
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1 in stock
1654 pocket Bible OT imprinted by Evan Tyler for a Society of Stationers with brass clasps and red ruling
$999.99This 1654 pocket Bible imprinted by Evan Tyler, for a Society of Stationers, with brass clasps and red ruling, is highly significant. The red ruling, in particular, points to the book’s high-quality and premium nature, underscoring the owner’s status and the personal value they placed on this object of daily devotion.
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1654 pocket Bible OT imprinted by Evan Tyler for a Society of Stationers with brass clasps and red ruling
$999.99
This 1654 pocket Bible imprinted by Evan Tyler, for a Society of Stationers, with brass clasps and red ruling, is highly significant. The red ruling, in particular, points to the book’s high-quality and premium nature, underscoring the owner’s status and the personal value they placed on this object of daily devotion.
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1659 LARGE Folio KJV FIELD BIBLE celebration of the Restoration of Charles II, RED RULED
$2,499.99[THE HOLY BIBLE] Cambridge: John Field, 1659. Folio, 17.25″ x 11.25″. Wanting the engraved general title and coat of arms, and blank y4, else collates complete (see ESTC R36589.) Bound in full period marbled calf.
RED RULED – For a small percentage of Bibles, the borders and important parts of the text would be marked using a straightedge and red ink. Each page would be outlined by a scribe after printing, which was a very detail oriented and time-consuming practice. Red-ruling makes the text stand out, easier to read, and was a practice used by the very wealthy of the time.
The 1659 Field Bible, issued in celebration of the Restoration of Charles II, is a significant historical artifact. Although it is missing the engraved general title and coat of arms, as well as blank y4, it is otherwise complete and intact. This particular edition was published by John Field in Cambridge, 1659.
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1659 LARGE Folio KJV FIELD BIBLE celebration of the Restoration of Charles II, RED RULED
$2,499.99
[THE HOLY BIBLE] Cambridge: John Field, 1659. Folio, 17.25″ x 11.25″. Wanting the engraved general title and coat of arms, and blank y4, else collates complete (see ESTC R36589.) Bound in full period marbled calf.
RED RULED – For a small percentage of Bibles, the borders and important parts of the text would be marked using a straightedge and red ink. Each page would be outlined by a scribe after printing, which was a very detail oriented and time-consuming practice. Red-ruling makes the text stand out, easier to read, and was a practice used by the very wealthy of the time.
The 1659 Field Bible, issued in celebration of the Restoration of Charles II, is a significant historical artifact. Although it is missing the engraved general title and coat of arms, as well as blank y4, it is otherwise complete and intact. This particular edition was published by John Field in Cambridge, 1659.
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1 in stock
1839 Presbyterian Church Case by Samuel Miller, Jr
$59.991839 Presbyterian Church Case by Samuel Miller, Jr
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, At the suggestion of James Todd and others, vs. Ashbel Green and others. Philadelphia: William S. Martien, 1839. First Edition.
Leather, approx. 9 1/4 x 6 inches.
Inscription on inside cover. 596 pp., foxing, binding tight. Good condition.
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1839 Presbyterian Church Case by Samuel Miller, Jr
$59.99
1839 Presbyterian Church Case by Samuel Miller, Jr
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, At the suggestion of James Todd and others, vs. Ashbel Green and others. Philadelphia: William S. Martien, 1839. First Edition.
Leather, approx. 9 1/4 x 6 inches.
Inscription on inside cover. 596 pp., foxing, binding tight. Good condition.
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1 in stock