Chapter 24: Article XXIV: Of the Mass
Section 1. Falsely are our churches accused of abolishing the Mass; for the Mass is retained among us, and celebrated with the highest reverence. Nearly all the usual ceremonies are also preserved, save that the parts sung in Latin are interspersed here and there with German hymns, which have been added to teach the people. For ceremonies are needed to this end alone that the unlearned be taught [what they need to know of Christ]. Moreover, the people are accustomed to partake of the Sacrament together, if any be fit for it, and this also increases the reverence and devotion of public worship. For none are admitted except they be first examined. The people are also advised concerning the dignity and use of the Sacrament, how great consolation it brings to anxious consciences, that they may learn to believe God, and to expect and ask of Him all that is good. Thus the worship is not abolished; it is rather approved; but this abuse is corrected that the Mass should not be used as a work which, when offered for others, merits remission of sins for them. For this is what is attributed to the Mass when it is said that it is a sacrifice of propitiation for the living and the dead, which profits ex opere operato. Some have not only taught that it is a sacrifice, but also that the repetition of the sacrifice is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. From this doctrine came innumerable Masses. But the Scripture teaches that we are justified before God through faith in Christ, not through works or the merit of the Mass. Against these errors our teachers have taught the following: The one sacrifice of Christ, his death upon the cross, has made satisfaction for all our sins, as it is written, Heb. 10:12: Christ, having offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God. It is a monstrous thing that men have dared to invent new ways of justification and new works for the forgiveness of sins, and to sell these in the churches. However, it is plain that the Mass was instituted in the Church not merely to be a sacrament but also to be a commemoration and a giving of thanks to God. Therefore, we retain the Mass and observe it with all reverence. We add German hymns that the people may be taught. We have not abolished the canonical Hours, but we preach and teach the Word, and administer the Sacraments in a manner pleasing to God. We preach the passion of Christ, not merely as an example, but as the sacrifice by which sin is atoned, by which justification and eternal life are given to us. We reject the private masses in which the priest alone communicated and which were not celebrated for the instruction and edification of the congregation, since this kind of private mass is contrary to the institution of Christ.