Epitome: Introduction

p. 491 Of the articles in controversy among the theologians of the Augsburg Confession, set forth and reconciled in a Christian way, according to God’s Word, in the following recapitulation.

Of the comprehensive summary, rule and standard according to which all dogmas should be judged, and the controversies that have occurred should, in a Christian way, be decided and set forth.

I. We believe, teach and confess that the only rule and standard according to which at once all dogmas and teachers should be esteemed and judged are nothing else than the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures of the Old and of the New Testament, as it is written (Ps. 119:105): “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” And St. Paul (Gal. 1:8): “Though an angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto you, let him be accursed.”

Other writings, of ancient or modern teachers, whatever reputation they may have, should not be regarded as of equal authority with the Holy Scriptures, but should altogether be subordinated to them, and should not be received other or further than as witnesses, in what manner and at what places, since the time of the apostles, the [purer] doctrine of the prophets and apostles was preserved.

Parallel passages: Sol. Dec., 568; Smalcald Articles, Part II, Art ii: 15.

p. 492 II. And because directly after the times of the apostles, and even in their lives, false teachers and heretics arose, and against them, in the early Church, symbols, i. e. brief, plain confessions, were composed, which were regarded as the unanimous, universal Christian faith, and confession of the orthodox and true Church, namely, THE APOSTLES’ CREED, THE NICENE CREED, and the ATHANASIAN CREED; we confess them as binding upon us, and hereby reject all heresies and dogmas which, contrary to them, have been introduced into the Church of God.

III. Moreover as to the schism in matters of faith which has occurred in our time, we regard the unanimous consensus and declaration of our Christian faith and confession, especially against the Papacy and its false¹ worship, idolatry, superstition, and against other sects, as the symbol of our time, viz. THE FIRST UNALTERED AUGSBURG CONFESSION, delivered to the Emperor Charles V. at Augsburg in the year 1530, in the great Diet, together with its APOLOGY, and the ARTICLES composed at SMALCALD in the year 1537, and subscribed by the chief theologians of that time.

¹ Cf. Preface to Book of Concord, § 3.

And because such matters pertain also to the laity and the salvation of their souls, we confessionally acknowledge the SMALL and LARGE CATECHISMS of Dr. Luther, as they are included in Luther’s works, as the Bible of the laity, wherein everything is comprised which is treated at greater length in Holy Scripture, and is necessary that a Christian man know for his salvation.

In accordance with this direction, as above announced, all doctrines should be adjusted, and that which is contrary thereto should be rejected and condemned, as opposed to the unanimous declaration of our faith.

In this way the distinction between the Holy Scriptures of the Old and of the New Testament and all other writings is preserved, and the Holy Scriptures alone remain the only judge, rule, and standard, according to which, as the only test-stone, all dogmas should and must be discerned and judged, as to whether they be good or evil, right or wrong.

But the other symbols and writings cited are not judges, as are the Holy Scriptures, but only a witness² and declaration of the faith, as to how at any time the Holy Scriptures have been understood and explained in the articles in controversy in the Church of God by those who then lived, and how the opposite dogma was rejected and condemned [by what arguments the dogmas conflicting with the Holy Scripture were rejected and condemned].

² Cf. § 2.