An early copy of the Augsburg Confession is currently listed for sale at 45,000 Euros (about AUD $73,730). According to the seller, its value comes from its provenance—originally owned by Lazarus Spengler, a close friend and supporter of Luther—its age (printed in 1530), and the fact that it is an authorised early edition (the fourth edition).
Yet the true value of the Augsburg Confession is not found in its price tag, its rarity, or its historical owners. Its real worth lies in what it proclaims: a clear witness that being a Christian is entirely the result of the saving work of Jesus, and that the Church exists to live from and share this Gospel. That is why many Lutheran churches set aside 25 June each year to commemorate the presentation of the Augsburg Confession.
On 25 June 1530, the Lutheran reformers publicly presented the Confession in Augsburg to clarify what it means to be a Biblical, Gospel centred church and Christian. It addresses:
- Who God is (Articles 1–3)
- How God communicates His saving love (Articles 4–6)
- What is essential for Gospel ministry (Article 5)
- How faith and good works relate (Articles 6, 18–20)
- How the Church lives in unity and diversity (Articles 7–15)
- How Christians live in the secular world (Article 16)
- Christ’s return (Article 17)
- The biblical understanding of saints (Article 21)
- Practical issues that needed/needing attention (Articles 22–28)
The purpose of these articles was never to create more rules about God or the Christian life. Instead, they were written to help the Church see more clearly—through Scripture—that Christian faith is about what God is doing for us and through us in Christ.
As Paul writes in Romans 1:16:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
So, commemorate the presentation of the Augsburg Confession, by focussing on Jesus and God’s saving Gospel, because this is why those who compiled and presented the Augsburg Confession
Bishop Richard Schwedes June 2026
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