" Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone ! " (First of Five)

Romans 4:1-8  " What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found ? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before GOD. For what saith the Scriptures ? Abraham believed GOD, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on HIM that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom GOD imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD will not impute sin. "

     Over five hundred years ago, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the Caste Church door in Wittenberg, Germany, marking the beginning of the Reformation, which was basically a back-to-the-Bible movement as precious truths were uncovered. A problem today is that some seek to go back to the Reformation rather than to the Scriptures; thus, the Reformers' weakness in understanding the church, prophecy, dispensational truth, etc. is carried over to Reformed Theology. It is always best to go to the pure spring of truth rather than to the polluted stream farther away from the source. But, we can learn from the Reformers.

     Five great truths came out of the Reformation, the first of which is SOLA SCRIPTURA - Scripture Alone ! Only one question matters: What saith the Scripture ? (v.3). Man's tradition must never usurp GOD's absolute truth (John 17:17). Popes, priests, and pastors are fallible, but " the Scripture cannot be broken " (John 10:35). Scientific theories change with the times, but GOD's WORD will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8). Any light that came from the Reformation came from the beacon of Scripture; apart from it, men's minds are darkened (Ephesians 4:18). Only in the Bible do we find our infallible rule of faith, our sure guide for what we must believe and how we should live. It is a lamp to our feet, and its truth illuminates our path (Psalm 119:105). We must not follow opinions or ideas nor trust the wisdom of even the most brilliant men. One thing alone matters: " What saith the Scripture ? " " Feelings come and feelings go and feelings are deceiving. My warrant is the WORD of GOD, naught else is worth believing ! " (Luther). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.feasite.org