This coming Sunday, June 25th, is the 493rd anniversary of the original reading of the Augsburg Confession—to this day still the primary statement of the theology of the Lutheran Church, and one of the most important documents of the Protestant Reformation.

In 1530, Emperor Charles V called a meeting in the German city of Augsburg meant to settle the religious debate between the Roman Catholic church and the Reformers.

The Lutheran princes presented their understanding of Scripture in this document. It is comprised of 21 articles defending the Lutherans against misrepresentation by stating their theology in harmony with the traditional theology of the ancient church and 7 more articles discussing abuses that had crept into the medieval church.

Still today, through faith in Jesus Christ, we will publicly confess this true biblical doctrine no matter any negative social, political, or personal consequences. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Read the Augsburg Confession here.