Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 41
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 18:18–20
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope
Two great sins are added to these errors. First, he defends these errors with unjust cruelty and death penalties. Second, he arrogates the decision from the Church, not permitting ecclesiastical controversies to be judged in the proper manner. Indeed, he insists that he is above councils, and may rescind the decrees of councils, as the canons sometimes impudently assert. Yet this was done far more presumptuously by the popes, as examples confirm.
Pulling It Together: John Hus wrote, “Teach, counsel, punish, console, remit, bear, pray.” Death is not on the list. It was not on Jesus’ list either. Nor were cruel and unjust punishments. Further, these decisions are not unilateral. Jesus requires the counsel of two or more. The decision of a single person about an issue in the church is not binding because Christ Jesus, the head of the church, is present in and honoring of the prayerful considerations of a quorum of two. Such matters require the authority of Christ.
Prayer: Teach your church forgiveness and mercy, Lord, so that you are honored in our dealings with each other. 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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