Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 16
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Psalm 119:105
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Those who originally condemned clear truth, and are now persecuting it with greatest cruelty, will give an account for the schism that has taken place. In any case, are there no scandals among our opponents? What evil there is in the profiteering, blasphemous profanation of the Mass! What a great disgrace is celibacy! But let us forget comparisons. For the time being, this is our reply to their Confutation. We leave it to the judgment of all godly people as to whether our opponents are correct in boasting that they have actually refuted our Confession with the Scriptures.
Pulling It Together: We cannot reason our way to God. Nor can traditions light the way to divine truth. Human institutions are unable to direct us to God. We stumble after forgiveness, justification, sanctification, eternal life, and similar things as though walking through a dense forest on a starless, moonless night. We cannot find our way; we need Gods’ help. The manner he has has chosen to show us the way is by his Word. If you find yourself falling back on some church tradition, cast it aside and listen to the Word. If you catch yourself thinking, “But the church teaches me to think this way,” then hear the word of Christ. You cannot be sanctified except by truth, and that truth is the Word of God (John 17:17). Open the Book and it will light your way.
Prayer: Lord, put within me a deep love of 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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