The LCMS interprets Matthew 16:18 'on this rock' as referring to the faith and confession of Jesus Christ as Messiah, not to Peter as an individual or to papal succession. LCMS doctrine affirms that Christ is the foundation of the church (1 Corinthians 3:11), and the 'rock' upon which the church is built is the apostolic confession of Christ's identity and redemptive work. Peter is recognized as a leader among the apostles, but his authority is not unique or perpetual in a Petrine succession.

LCMS soteriology and ecclesiology are grounded in the sufficiency of Christ and the universal priesthood of believers, not in hierarchical succession from Peter. The LCMS explicitly rejects the Roman Catholic doctrine of papal primacy and infallibility as not supported by Scripture or the early church consensus.