What Makes up the Book of Concord?

1. Apostles' Creed- 2nd century AD
2. Nicene Creed-325, 381 AD
3. Athanasian Creed-6-8th centuries AD
4. Augsburg Confession-June 25, 1530 AD
5. The Apology (Defense) of the Augsburg Confession-1531 AD
6. The Smalcald Articles-1536 AD
7. Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope-1537 AD
8. Luther's Small Catechism-1529 AD
9. Luther's Large Catechism-1529 AD
10. The Formula of Concord: Epitome and Solid Declaration-1577 AD

With Intrepid Hearts!

How important is the Lutheran confession of faith? The Formula of Concord answers the question. "This declaration... is our faith, doctrine and confession. By God's grace, with intrepid hearts, we are willing to appear before the judgment seat of Christ with this confession."
In our world, what you confess means very little. What one person confesses is just as important or unimportant as what anyone else confesses. But, to a Lutheran, our confession is a matter of life and death. We are willing to die for our confession. It is that important! A countless number of our forefathers died to preserve, protect and hand down to us our confession. So often, I have heard, "Why do we care so much about doctrine? Can we give a little for the sake of unity and compromise?" Answer: No, we can not give in. Not one inch. If doctrine matters to God, it matters to me. If by teaching true doctrine, I preserve Christ crucified and risen for those who will come after me, then true doctrine I will preach, teach and confess. Soli Deo Gloria!