Thursday, June 24, 2010
John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
SCRIPTURE ALONE
God's plan of salvation "by grace alone" is not and cannot be known without God's revelation. Without the Word of God (we call it the Bible) we could not trust in Christ's work for the forgiveness of our sins. So Scripture also plays an invaluable role in our salvation.
The apostle Paul summarizes this when he writes to the Romans: "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? ... So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:14-15, 17).
We say "Scripture alone" because there are many things that human beings have tried to add to Scripture. But the Word of God stands alone as the sole source of truth for this world where faith and life are concerned. While everything else in the world changes from day to day and year to year, the Word of the LORD abides forever. Scripture alone is the lamp for our feet. It alone is able to lead us to Christ and the sure salvation He has accomplished for us! LORD grant us the strength and opportunity to preach that Word, and preach it faithfully!
God's Word is our great heritage and shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way, in death it is our stay.
Lord, grant while worlds endure, we keep its teachings pure
Throughout all generations.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 283)
