Sola Scriptura

God's Word Alone

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

When Martin Luther stood before the powerful rulers and church authorities at the Diet of Worms in 1521, he was faced with a simple yet terrifying demand: recant your writings—or else. His response has become one of the most courageous confessions in Christian history:

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason—for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves—I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted, and my conscience is captive to the Word of God.”

In those words, Luther expressed one of the central truths of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone. He wasn’t rejecting tradition or learning, but he was declaring that only Scripture has the final say in matters of faith and life. It alone is God’s inspired Word—completely trustworthy, sufficient, and true.

This is good news for us today, because the same Word that freed Luther’s conscience still speaks to us. It’s not bound by culture, history, or opinion. God’s Word reveals who He is—a God of mercy and justice. It tells us who we are—sinners in need of grace. And most importantly, it shows us our Savior—Jesus Christ, who lived, died, and rose again for our salvation.

In a world filled with countless voices and shifting truths, Scripture anchors us in something eternal. As Luther wrote in his great hymn, ‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,’ ‘God’s Word forever shall abide, no thanks to foes, who fear it.’ The Bible is not merely an ancient text; it is God’s living voice, still speaking, still active, still powerful to save.

Prayer

Lord God, Your Word is truth and life. Keep us steadfast in Your Word, especially when the world tempts us to follow its wisdom instead. Let Your Word be our guide, our comfort, and our hope. Amen.