#9 Art. VII. “The Sacraments and Their Proper use” Apology of the Augsburg Confession.

Paul, (Rom. 4:9–11,) denies that Abraham was justified through circumcision, and asserts that it was a sign appointed to exercise and strengthen faith. We therefore say, that the proper use of the Sacraments requires faith, to believe the divine promises, and receive the promised grace, which is offered through the Sacraments and the Word. Now this is the obvious and proper use of the holy Sacraments, upon which our hearts and our minds can firmly rely. For the divine promises can be accepted through faith alone. Now, as the Sacraments are external signs and seals of the promises, their proper use requires faith ; for when we receive the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, Christ clearly says: “This cup is the new testament,” Luke 22:20. We should firmly believe then, that the grace and remission of sins, promised in the New Testament, are imparted to us. Now we should receive this in faith, and thereby console our alarmed, timid hearts, and rest assured, that the Word and promises of God cannot fail, but are as sure, nay, more so, than a new divine voice, or a new miracle from heaven, promising grace to us. But what would miracles benefit us, if they were not believed ? Here we are speaking of special faith, namely, the belief that our own sins are surely forgiven, and not of general faith, believing that there is a God. This proper use of the Sacraments really consoles and refreshes the heart. (pages 266-267)