This edition of the Book of Concord is relatively new to me. I purchased a copy of it at a store across the street from the church where Martin Luther was a member in Wittenberg, Germany, when I was there last summer. The copy of the book that I had used for many years needed to be retired, and I decided that it would be fitting to replace this book of collected Lutheran writings with a copy purchased in the city where Lutheranism was born. ​​Admittedly, there was an element of nostalgia included in the purchase. It is also true that the Book of Concord is often seen as having only nostalgic value and that it does not really have any purpose in twenty-first-century Christianity.  Nothing could be further from the truth! Five hundred years after the start of the Reformation, the scriptural beliefs on which the Reformers stood remain. Those beliefs remain, because the Word of God remains forever. The writings found in the Book of Concord clearly explain what Lutherans believe the Bible teaches.

Among these writings, you will find the familiar Small Catechism that Martin Luther wrote, as well as his Large Catechism, which further explains the biblical truths found in the Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments. The Augsburg Confession, the document that the first reformers wrote to clarify their position, is included, as well as its Apology (explanation). Many other valuable documents are also found in the Book of Concord, that clearly and positively describe what we believe, teach, and confess.

One of the unique and valuable characteristics of this edition of the Book of Concord is that it was assembled for all people to use, pastors and laypeople. There are introductions for each document, timelines in Reformation history, visual aids, a useful glossary, and several indexes that make it easy to find anything that you may be looking for.

I already mentioned one misunderstanding regarding the Book of Concord, in that it is perceived by some as having only nostalgic and historic value. Another misunderstanding is that this is a book only for pastors. However, most of the documents included in the book were written by laypeople, many who sacrificed greatly, some of them with their lives, for the sake of these biblical truths. This is a book for all Lutherans! This edition is easy to read, and it’s laid out in a format that is conducive to personal and family devotions and as a wonderful Bible study aide. I highly recommend this reader’s edition of the Book of Concord to be included in the personal library of any and every Lutheran home!

Pr. Micah Hjermstad
St. Paul’s Free Lutheran Church​
Fargo, ND

Also available in a paperback pocket-sized edition.

Order your copy here: Ambassador Publications Online Store