Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 29

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 29

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:3–5

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

Now, it is clear that the Roman pontiffs, with their adherents, defend godless doctrines and godless practices of worship, and that the marks of the Antichrist plainly agree with the kingdom of the pope and his devotees. For Paul, in describing the Antichrist to the Thessalonians, calls him an adversary of Christ, “who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He speaks therefore of one ruling in the church, not of worldly kings, and calls him adversarial to Christ because he will invent doctrine that opposes the gospel, and will claim for himself divine authority.

Pulling It Together

If one imagines that salvation comes in any other way than through faith in Christ, that one is an antichrist. If he proclaims that some deeds must be done, religious services performed, or anything be believed beyond that satisfaction who is Christ himself, then that person is opposed to Christ. None but Christ is the head of the church, even if — especially if — he claims to be Christ’s substitute on earth.

Prayer: I am your servant, Lord, yours alone. Amen

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