The Smalcald Articles – part 47
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Micah 5:2–5
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
Today, none of the bishops dare to address the pope as brother as once was done. They must call him “most gracious lord,” even if they are kings or emperors. We will not, cannot, must not take this upon our consciences. Let those, however, who would do this, do so without us.
Pulling It Together: This is not a matter of being unwilling to grovel. Rather, we should not address brothers and sisters in the Lord as though they were anyone but family. Moreover, it is the Lord who is our master and ruler, not someone chosen by vote. We stand before God, not by virtue of a religious office but, because of God’s might and his great name. Only in God’s name, his reputation — not a human’s — is our salvation and hope and peace.
Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to be true to your Word and give you alone my obeisance. 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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