Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 51
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:7–8
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
When Isaiah says, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord,” it should be understood to mean a cleanness of heart and total repentance. Besides, the saints will know the value of restraint in the marriage bed, as Paul says about “possess[ing] his own vessel in sanctification and honor” (1 Thessalonians 4:4, KJV). Finally, since marriage is pure, it is rightly said that those who do not practice sexual restraint should marry wives in order to be pure. Therefore, the same law, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord,” commands impure celibates to become pure husbands.
Pulling It Together: If one cannot in his own power do what God expects, that is, if he continues to sin, then he should do what God says is the answer. It is foolhardy to do what people say ought to be done when God has given a different solution. God has provided his system for sexual purity. To act otherwise displays either a contempt of God’s word or lunacy — or both.
Prayer: Guide my way, Lord, according to your word. 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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