Concord Matters — Smalcald Articles: Part 2, Article 4: The Papacy

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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.