Sola Scriptura

Editorial by Rick Remmers

This fall marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. While Martin Luther was not the first reformer, his posting and printing of the 95 Theses, or complaints against the Catholic Church, are considered the launching point of the reformation.

One of the foundational doctrines of the reformation was sola scriptura—a recognition that the Bible alone is to be our source of doctrines and practice. Rather than accepting church tradition or other kinds of authority, we must look to the Bible as the reliable source of God’s teaching and direction for our lives.

The power of God’s Word is evident in this passage: “And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:15-17, NKJV).

Through the Bible, God teaches us, corrects us, equips us and brings an understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus. His Word is truly comprehensive in its scope.

This anniversary is a good time to reflect on the need for reformation. Our human heart and the culture around us are continually trying to pull us away from the solid anchor of God’s Word. Are you needing to rediscover sola scriptura in your personal life? Are there areas where the teachings or practices of the Bible need to be re-established as the authority by which you evaluate what you do and believe? We each need a daily reformation to the guidance of the Scriptures.