by Jose Martinez
We celebrate this year the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his 95 Theses, which is commonly accepted as the start of the Protestant Reformation. The principles of the Reformation are no less significant because centuries have passed. They capture the heart of the gospel Alliance messengers proclaim around the world.
The Bible returning to the center of Christian doctrine is one of the most significant effects of the Protestant Reformation.
For all of Christendom, Apostolic authority has always been the hallmark of Christian doctrine. In fact, this was the most important criterion in establishing the canon of the New Testament.
In spite of this, at a certain point during the Middle Ages, the concept of the “Deposit of the Faith” developed. The phrase comes from the New Testament (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14), but the concept is completely foreign to it. It establishes that Christian doctrine (both written and spoken) has been transmitted infallibly through both the Bible and ecclesiastical tradition.
The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the sole custodian and interpreter of this deposit and assigns a superior role to tradition than to the Scriptures. This explains the presence of the teaching concerning “indulgences,” a way to obtain a reduction of punishment in Purgatory.
The practice of selling these indulgences early in the 16th century was what prompted Martin Luther to present his famous 95 Theses on October 31, 1517. Later Luther also presented his opposition to many other doctrines that had no biblical basis. In spite of his arguments, he was excommunicated in January 1521.
In the famous Diet of Worms that followed three months later, he refused to recant his ideas. Luther’s famous answer to the Emperor Charles V is registered in the annals of history:
“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason, I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other. My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God, help me. Amen.”
At the Center
The idea that the Bible, God’s Word (both Old and New Testament), is the only basis for Christian doctrine is what the sola Scriptura motto is all about. This Latin phrase, meaning “only the Scriptures,” sums up this cardinal idea as presented in the Protestant Reformation. God’s written revelation in the Scriptures is our guide under the illumination of the Holy Spirit for doctrine and life.
This is the case for the Old Testament. Its authority was affirmed by Jesus, quoting it repeatedly from the temptation in the desert to His words on the cross (see Luke 24:25, 44). The Apostles also accepted the Old Testament as Word of God and emphasized its pertinence to the Church (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).
The New Testament’s authority is established by the connection (direct or indirect) of all of its books with Jesus’ apostles, including Paul. Even in the early stages of its development, when the canon was still not established, Peter referred to Paul’s writings as “scriptures” (2 Peter 3:15–16; compare with 3:2).
As in the case of our Lord Jesus, we should read, study, memorize, and obey the Words of God. As it was central in His life, it should be central in ours as well as in His Church.
Jose Martinez is pastor of Catedral de La Esperanza (Alliance) in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.