Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 41
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Isaiah 55:8–9
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Sixthly, we have so many reasons for disapproving of the law of perpetual celibacy. Yet, besides these, though the law were not unjust, dangers to souls and public scandals must also be considered. These alone should discourage good folks from approving of such a burden as has destroyed innumerable souls.
Pulling It Together: We should never place so-called common sense before Holy Scripture. We may imagine that we understand something perfectly well, yet God’s way are not our ways. What once seemed entirely sensible to us looks quite different through the eyes of faith. Nevertheless, when God’s Word makes something clear, and common sense does as well, the way forward is unmistakable. This was the broad path of the Reformers; they could go in no other direction concerning celibacy than that which both Scripture and sensibility dictated.
Prayer: Teach me your Word, O Lord, that your will would become my daily desire. Amen
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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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