De Cultu Sanctorum
Imitating the Saints in Our Calling
The memory of the saints is set before us to imitate their faith and good works according to our own calling, for each believer is a king.
On the worship of the saints, they teach that the memory of the saints can be set before us, so that we may imitate their faith and good works according to our calling — just as Caesar can follow the example of David waging war to drive the Turks from the homeland. For each one is a king.
Christ Alone as Mediator
Scripture teaches that Christ alone is mediator, atoning sacrifice, high priest, and intercessor, and he is the one to be called upon in all affliction.
But Scripture does not teach us to call upon the saints or to seek help from the saints, because it sets before us Christ alone as mediator, as atoning sacrifice, as high priest, and as intercessor. He is the one to be called upon, and he has promised to hear our prayers; and he especially approves this worship, namely, that he be called upon in all afflictions.
Scripture's Witness to Our Advocate
The chapter closes with a scriptural proof-text affirming that if anyone sins, we have an advocate before God.
1. John 2. If anyone sins, we have an advocate before God, etc.✦
Read the original Latin
De cultu sanctorum docent, quod memoria sanctorum proponi potest, ut imitemur fidem eorum, et bona opera iuxta vocationem, Ut Caesar imitari potest exemplum Davidis in bello gerendo ad depellendos Turcas a patria. Nam uterque rex est. Sed scriptura non docet invocare sanctos, seu petere auxilium a sanctis, Quia unum Christum nobis proponit mediatorem, propitiatorium, Pontificem, et intercessorem. Hic invocandus est, et promisit se exauditurum esse preces nostras, et hunc cultum maxime probat, videlicet, ut invocetur in omnibus afflictionibus. 1. Ioan. 2. Si quis peccat, habemus advocatum apud Deum, etc.
Scripture echoes
- ↩1John.2.1 — My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.
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