The Smalcald Articles – part 55
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Acts 4:11-12
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
Even the Turks and the Tartars, opposed to Christians as they are, do not do this, but permit those who believe in Christ, and receive physical tribute and obedience from Christians. The pope, however, will not permit this faith, saying that people must obey him in order to be saved. This we are unwilling to do, even if we must die for it in God’s name.
Pulling It Together: Salvation does not come by attending a particular church or belonging to a certain denomination. It does not happen because you follow a particular teacher or church leadership. It does not happen even if you prefer Paul over Peter or John over them both. Salvation comes through one name alone. It is not the name of your pastor, a priest, the pope, the name Lutheran or Roman Catholic or Baptist. The name by which all are saved is Jesus. He is the one who holds us all, and in him, all things hold together, for he is the head of the body (Colossians 1:17–18).
Prayer: Keep me in your name, O Lord. 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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