Augsburg Confession XX, Faith and Good Works (a)

9 We begin by teaching that our works cannot reconcile us with God or obtain grace for us, for this happens only through faith, that is, when we believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, who alone is the mediator who reconciles the Father. 10 Whoever imagines that he can accomplish this by works, or that he can merit grace, despises Christ and seeks his own way to God, contrary to the Gospel.

11 This teaching about faith is plainly and clearly treated by Paul in many passages, especially in Eph. 2:8, 9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God — not because of works, lest any man should boast,” etc.

12 That no new interpretation is here introduced can be demonstrated from Augustine, 13 who discusses this question thoroughly and teaches the same thing, namely, that we obtain grace and are justified before God through faith in Christ and not through works. His whole book, De spiritu et litera, proves this.

Tappert, T. G. (2000, c1959). The book of concord : The confessions of the evangelical Lutheran church (The Confession of Faith: 2, XX, 9-13). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.