The Smalcald Articles – part 53
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Colossians 1:17–18
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
So, the Church cannot be better governed and preserved than by us all living under one head, Christ, and by all the bishops being equal in office (though they are unequal in gifts), and diligently joined together in unity of doctrine, faith, Sacraments, prayer, works of love, and so forth. St. Jerome writes that the priests at Alexandria governed the churches together and in common, as the apostles also did, and afterwards all bishops throughout Christendom, until the pope raised his head over them all.
Pulling It Together: It is one thing to have a leader in the Church. It is another thing altogether to have that leader make claims that supersede Scripture, create new doctrines for the Church, and have power over others whom God himself has called to leadership. The easiest way around this problem is to have all bishops ruling together for the common good. More to the point, may their rule be displayed through faith in Christ our Head, by teaching the Scripture instead of dogma, administering the Sacraments rather than decrees, and by prayer and love for all the people.
Prayer: Hold your Church together, Lord, sending pastors to preach the Word and administer the Sacraments under your headship. 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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