Catechesis: The Pope

This business shows overwhelmingly that he is the true end-times Antichrist, who has raised himself over and set himself against Christ, because the pope will not let Christians be saved* without his authority (which amounts to nothing, since it is not ordered or commanded by God). This is precisely what St. Paul calls “setting oneself over God and against God” (2 Thes. 2:4).—SA II.IV.10, 11

*Luther was referring to the papal bull Unam Sanctam of Pope Boniface VIII issued in 1302 which declared quite baldly: “Furthermore, we declare, we proclaim, we define that it is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff.” As I say, hold it up to the John 3:16 test: is there a hidden clause in our Lord’s word requiring such submission or does His promise stand as it reads? “Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”