Saturday, October 22, 2016
SCRIPTURE ALONE: THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Most of the Bible passages that we use to show the importance of "Scripture Alone" come from the events of the New Testament Church. This was not the only time period where Scripture was the foundation of God's people. However, as the final records of God's divine revelation to mankind, the New Testament letters show the beautiful conclusion of God's Word in the history of the world, especially as it pertains to salvation and eternal life.
Therefore, we see how the book of Acts, the history of the early Church, continually reaffirms that the Church grew through the Word of God. We see how John wrote in Revelation, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" We see how in every letter that Paul wrote he encourages the reader to find his or her confidence in God’s inspired Word and not in anything they do. Some important verses that stand out:
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
Galatians 3:5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Hebrews 2:1-4 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Scripture Alone. This is not just a pillar of the Lutheran Reformation. It is the way God has always operated with His people, and the basis for the hope we have in Jesus Christ!
