Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Philippians 3:8–11
• Image • Index of Scripture graphics and posts
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
Philippians 3:8–11
From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
Concerning the Invocation of Saints
The invocation of saints is also one of the abuses of the Antichrist. It conflicts with the chief article, and subverts the knowledge of Christ. It is neither commanded nor counseled, and there is no example of it in Scripture. Even if prayer to saints was a precious thing—which it is not—we have everything a thousandfold better in Christ.
Pulling It Together: Lutherans commend honoring the saints by remembering them, and emulating godly lives. We disapprove of praying to saints and angels. Scripture does not in any way teach us to do so. Furthermore, it takes the honor from Christ. He alone is our mediator. Praying to saints removes proper focus. Do not go to Saint Nick or Saint Anne; go to Jesus. He is the one to be on speaking terms with and to know in ever deeper ways. Nothing is worth more than knowing Jesus through faith.
Prayer: Lord, I want to know you and the power of your resurrection. Amen.
Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.
A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is an advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.
• Part 1 Participant • Part 1 Leader
• Part 2 Participant • Part 2 Leader
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
Click Here For Content Archives