The Smalcald Articles

This collection sets out a concise Lutheran confession intended to clarify which points of doctrine could be conceded and which could not in a proposed council, organized as a preface and a series of articles. It affirms justification by faith, limits sacramental efficacy to God's word and grace, rejects papal claims and corrupt ceremonial authority, and defines true excommunication as ecclesiastical exclusion of unrepentant sinners. It defends the right of communities to ordain ministers when bishops fail, permits clerical marriage, condemns enforced celibacy and monastic vows, and emphasizes that good works follow but do not merit justification.