Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 57

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 57

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:9–10

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

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From the Confessions: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope 

Lastly, Peter’s statement also confirms this: “You…are a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). These words pertain to the true church, which certainly has the right to elect and ordain ministers since it alone has the priesthood.

Pulling It Together

Everyone of faith in Christ is a priest of God. The church is that “holy nation” Peter means when he speaks of God’s people. From that chosen race, God calls each to a certain vocation. One vocation is the office of pastoral ministry. To be sure, this office is not the priesthood, as the whole church, all of God’s people, is that priesthood. Peter refers to all Christians scattered throughout the world (1 Peter 1:1) as this holy nation and race of priests. Luther referred to the church as the “priesthood of all believers” many times in his writings, meaning every Christian’s vocation is holy, important, and necessary for Christ’s Church. That company of true priests unto God have the responsibility and the privilege to ordain and call certain of their number to the ministry of Word and Sacrament.  

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for choosing me, a sinner. Amen

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