Day 2: Martin Luther – “Sola Scriptura: By Scripture Alone”
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Introduction
Martin Luther is a name we may have heard first in school rather than at church. His Ninety-five Theses made such an impact that it even altered the course of Western history. Yet, more significant than his historical influence was his convictions about Scripture. When he posted his Theses, it wasn’t an act of political rebellion. It was an act of love for God’s Word.
Sola Scriptura
Luther lived by the statement “sola scriptura,” meaning “by Scripture alone.” It is a confession that Scripture is our highest authority. As the ultimate authority, it is the means by which God reveals His salvation. This is not to say that other authorities, such as the church, are unimportant. Luther loved the church, but he noticed that something was missing.
No matter how hard he tried to live in holiness and abstain from sin, all according to the church’s leadership, Luther still felt an immense weight of guilt. In fact, this was very common for others of his time. Many people second-guessed whether they prayed enough, confessed enough, or did enough good deeds. Luther was tormented by a constant dread and fear of God’s wrath.
It wasn’t until Luther turned to God’s Word and realized that salvation is a gift and not something we earn. We are saved by His grace, not by how well we perform. In short, Luther came to understand the gospel through Scripture. And because it opened Luther’s heart to this truth, he preached and lived by “sola scriptura.” The Bible was Luther’s greatest authority, not just to obey God, but to come to a true understanding of God’s salvation. This conviction led Luther to become the pastor and theologian that we remember today.
Reflection
Luther’s discovery of grace is also an invitation for us today. As Scripture is the very Word of God, let Him speak to you. Allow God to preach the gospel to you again. We may already believe in Christ, but we must constantly turn back to Scripture and hear His words of grace. Read Ephesians 2:1-10 and reflect on how God has forgiven you and saved you by grace.