I'd be happy to talk further, but I don't think Christian Advice is the place.Thank you, Hedrick. That helps to clarify things.
Lutherans look for assurance in the sacraments. That is one reason our theology is based on sacramental realism, and why for a long time we have had so many differences with you all over this issue (whereas Reformed seem to be more congenial to Lutherans than vice versa). We are encouraged to do good works but we don't look for our assurance there.
Of course we (ELCA and PC-USA) have had some agreements on this issue (Marburg Revisited) but honestly neither I nor my pastor completely understands the agreement. But I think that could be a whole discussion in itself, and I'd have to do more research because I am not completely familiar with the document's conclusions.
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