The Marburg Articles

First, we—both parties—unanimously believe and hold that there is one, true, and natural God, Creator of heaven and earth and of all creatures; and that this same God, one in essence and nature, is threefold in person; that is to say, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, as was declared in the Nicene Council and as all the Christian Church professes.

Secondly, we believe that neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit, but the Son of God the Father, who is by nature God, became man through the working of the Holy Spirit and without the benefit of the seed of man was born of the Virgin Mary; that He had body and soul as other men have, but was without sin.

Thirdly, we believe that this same Son of God and of Mary, Jesus Christ, undivided in person, was crucified for us, died, was buried, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, is Lord over all creatures, and will come for the purpose of judging the living and the dead.

Fourthly, we believe that original sin is received and inherited by us from Adam and is capable of damning all men. And had not Christ helped us with His life and death, we would of a necessity have perished eternally and would not be permitted to enter God's kingdom of bliss.

Fifthly, we believe that we were saved not only from the power of that (original) sin as well as from the power of all other sins, but also from eternal death by our faith in God's Son, Jesus Christ, who died for us. Beyond that faith good works and position avail nothing in freeing one from the power of sin.

Sixthly, we believe that such faith is a gift of God which we cannot obtain by previous good works, service, or by our own strength; rather, the Holy Spirit—at will—gives to and creates in our hearts this faith, if we hear the Gospel or Christ's words.

Seventhly, we believe that this faith is our righteousness before God, on account of which God declares us to be righteous, pious, and holy. It defends us from sin, death, and hell; it receives us into grace and makes us blessed. By this faith we are made partakers of the Son's righteousness, life, and gifts. Therefore ascetic living and holy vows, when they are reckoned as aids to salvation, are accursed.

Eighthly, we believe that the Holy Spirit never works or creates this faith in the heart of any man unless he first hears preaching, the spoken Word, or the Gospel of Christ. By those means the Holy Spirit creates faith in whom and when He will. (Rom. 10:17).

Ninthly, we believe that Holy Baptism is a Sacrament which has been instituted by God as an aid to such faith. And, because God's command — "Ite, baptisate," Matt. 28:19 — and God's promise — "Qui crediderit," etc., Mark 16:16 — are contained in Baptism, it is not an empty symbol or watchword among Christians; but it is a sign and work of God which creates faith and by which we are born again.

Tenthly, we believe that this faith, which is created by the Holy Spirit and by which we are declared righteous, moves us to do good works, namely, to love our neighbor, to pray to God, and to suffer all persecution.

Eleventhly, we believe that confession or conference with one's pastor or neighbor should not be mandatory but voluntary. However, it is helpful to those who are brokenhearted, oppressed, cumbered by sin, or fallen into error. Of special importance is the comfort of absolution which they receive from the Gospel, which is the only correct absolution.

Twelfthly, we believe that government, temporal law, courts, and regulations are to be respected wherever they may be; they are not to be condemned as some Papists and Anabaptists teach and hold. Moreover, we believe that a Christian, occupying a governmental position either by birth or by profession, can be saved by faith in Christ just as one who occupies the position of father or mother, husband or wife, is saved.

Thirteenthly, we believe that tradition and human ordinances — spiritual or ecclesiastical — when they are not contrary to the plain Word of God, may or may not be observed. In these matters the wishes of our people should be observed in order to prevent unnecessary offense and in order to preserve peace. We also believe that the doctrine forbidding the marriage of priests is a doctrine of the devil. (1 Tim. 4:1, 2).

Fourteenthly, we all believe with regard to the Lord's Supper that it ought to be celebrated in both kinds, according to its institution; that the Mass is not a work by which a Christian obtains pardon for another man, whether dead or alive; that the Sacrament of the Altar, too, is the Sacrament of the very body and blood of Jesus Christ; and that the spiritual manducation of this body and blood is highly necessary to every Christian. In like manner, as to the use of the Sacrament, we are agreed that, like the Word, it was ordained by Almighty God in order that weak consciences might be moved by the Holy Spirit to faith and to charity. Although at present we are not agreed on the question whether the true body and blood of Christ are bodily present in the bread and wine, yet each party should show Christian charity for the other, so far as conscience permits, and both parties earnestly implore Almighty God to confirm us by His Spirit in the sound doctrine. Amen.

Signed by:

Martinus Luther

Stephanus Agricola

Philippus Melanchthon

Johannes Oecolampadius

Justus Jonas

Ulricus Zwinglius

Andreas Osiander

Martinus Bucerus

Johannes Brentius

Caspar Hedio