Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 44
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:1–5
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope
Therefore, let the godly consider the great errors of the pope’s kingdom and his tyranny. Let them first consider that these errors must be rejected and true doctrine embraced for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Then let them also ponder how great a crime it is to support unjust cruelty in killing saints, whose blood God will undoubtedly avenge.
Pulling It Together
Even the power of God is seen most clearly in the true teaching of the First Article. It is observed more clearly in salvation through faith in Christ than in any other way. God accomplishes the salvation of human beings through a word, his own word. It does not happen because of our good works or religious services. It comes through a spoken word of promise: his promise, not ours to be better, but his to be our best. Unless we put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14), clothing ourselves in the living Word, forgiveness, justification, and eternal life will always lay far beyond our reach. Acting religious will never do; pretense of godliness is right up there on Paul’s list with pride and unholiness.
Prayer: Help me keep the company, Lord Jesus, of those who are in fellowship with you. 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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