The Smalcald Articles – part 113
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 14:22–25
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
We do not care for the subtle lies about transubstantiation they teach: that bread and wine leave or lose their natural substance, retaining only the appearance and color of bread, instead of true bread. It is and remains bread. This perfectly agrees with Holy Scriptures, as Paul himself says, “the bread which we break” (1 Corinthians 10:16), and, “eat of the bread” (1 Corinthians 11:28).
Pulling It Together: Take this bread; it is my body. That is straightforward talk that holds a mystery. You either believe what Jesus said, or you do not, or you add to his words so that they fit human reason. One cannot explain miracles, that which exceeds the natural. But one may believe without bending the mystery to fit the ability or willingness to believe. This belief is not without foundation, for these are the direct words of Christ Jesus, recorded in Scripture.
Prayer: Give me faith to believe, Lord God. 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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