For by Grace you have been saved

As we worked our way to Augsburg we stopped to see the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle. How sad to think that this beautiful castle was only lived in for 172 days by one person, King Ludwig II.

It reminds us as we worshiped this morning in St. Anna Ev Lutheran Church that “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

St Anna Lutheran Church in Augsburg Germany

St. Anna Ev Lutheran Church is the place where the Augsburg Confession was presented in 1830. Martin Luther could not be present because of the threat on his life.

Ephesians 2:8-9 was the scriptural basis for Article IV on justification of the Confession. The people of the reformation stated it was not scriptural to earn your salvation. It is by grace alone that we are saved. We serve a mighty God who loved us so much He gave each of us this gift through the sacrifice of His dear Son.

Here is Duane with his new friend by the Christmas Store.

Duane meets a new friend