Smalcald Articles: Part 2, Article 4: The Papacy

The office of the papacy is not mandated in Scripture. In fact, the pope of Luther’s day was demanding obedience to the Church, not by a mandate from the Word of God, but by the power of his position. Luther, on the other hand, proclaimed the unity we have in the one name of Christ. We are united in His name through doctrine, faith, sacraments, prayer, and mercy to others. To grant any person or object the same or greater authority than Christ Himself is the definition of idolatry and is unacceptable in the Church. Christ is the head of the Church. We submit to Him and Him alone! Rev. John Zimmerman, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Scranton, PA and St. John Lutheran Church, Pittson, PA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss the Papacy. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected].