Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 63
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 5:1–5
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope
Therefore, since the bishops have tyrannically assigned this jurisdiction to themselves alone, and have dishonorably abused it, there is no need, because of this jurisdiction, to obey the bishops. Since there are just reasons why we do not obey, it is also appropriate to restore this authority to godly pastors, and see to it that it is rightly used for the reformation of morals and the glory of God.
Pulling It Together
When the institutional church acts like the world system, there is only one answer: faith in Christ — complete trust in the truth of his gospel. Christ alone will see you through. Raging against the machine is the world’s answer. You must trust in him and behave like his church when all around you seem to have lost their souls. This is how one keeps the faith and lives faithfully.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, give me eyes that focus on Christ. Amen
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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