Hutter's Compend of Lutheran Theology

Article XXIII: Of Offences

Translated by Henry Eyster Jacobs in 1868

Of two kinds — Rules to be observed in reference to them

1. What is offence?

Offence is a word or deed, by which some one becomes worse, either because he is confirmed in an error, or because he imitates a bad example, or also because he is filled with greater hatred against the Gospel.

2. How many kinds of offences are there?

Two.

(1.) The Pharisaic or taken offence; that is, when unbelievers are angry at the true doctrine of the Gospel, or at honest and necessary deeds; if they will not suffer the true doctrine to be promulgated, error to be rebuked, and idolatry to be abolished.

(2.) The given offence. This is either false doctrine or evil example, bringing injury to others, either because it confirms them in their lawlessness, or tempts them to imitation, or frightens them from the Gospel and gives them occasion to revile Christ and the Gospel, or because it is the seed of other sins.

3. What rules must be observed in regard to offence?

Two in particular. 1. In reference to the given offence, that believers should avoid it with the greatest care and watchfulness, according to the admonition of Christ. Matt. 18:7. “Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh.”

4. What is the second rule?

This refers to the taken offence. They should not so avoid it as to cause themselves to omit whatever is pious, of good report, or necessary; on the contrary, they ought not to yield to hypocrites and the enemies of the truth for a moment, but rather bravely and undauntedly stand fast in the liberty to which they have been called through Christ, as has been clearly demonstrated in the 18th Article, “Concerning Christian Liberty.”

5. Can the given offence not be prevented?

It can indeed be prevented, if namely:

The doctrine of the Gospel be purely, clearly and distinctly set forth, so that conflicting errors are thoroughly and correctly refuted on the ground of holy Scripture.
If the customs introduced into the church, and all those which can be retained without sin, be not changed wantonly.
If every one strive after purity of life and walk, but especially if the ministers of the Word endeavor to be blameless and an example unto believers.
If every untimely use of Christian liberty be avoided.
When good discipline and propriety of conduct is upheld by all in general, and by every one in particular.

From the Church of the Augustana in Southeast Asia

The Church of the Augustana in Southeast Asia (CASEA) is a region-wide communion of Lutheran congregations committed to teaching and practicing in complete harmony with the Lutheran Confessions. This resource is provided as part of our mission to preserve and share confessional Lutheran doctrine throughout Southeast Asia.