Catechesis: Ap XXIV THE MASS

In our [Augsburg] Confession, we have stated our position that the Lord’s Supper does not grant grace ex opere operato, and does not merit for others, whether living or dead, forgiveness of sins or of guilt or of punishment ex opere operato. This position is established and proved by the impossibility of our obtaining the forgiveness of sins ex opere operato through our works and by the necessity of faith to conquer the terrors os sin and death and to comfort hearts with the knowledge of Christ.—Ap XXIV:11, 12