IN PURSUIT OF TRUTH
MONDAY, MAY 19
READING: 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 | COLOSSIANS 3:16 | 1 TIMOTHY 3:14-15
In the early sixteenth century, a reform movement led by the young Martin Luther emerged within the traditional Roman Catholic Church. Those who participated in this movement were called Protestants, meaning “one who protests”. The intention of this historical movement was to return to the authority of the Bible as the ultimate rule for Christian living, rather than deferring to tradition or to the authority of the Pope.
The early Protestants were linked together by their common commitment to the centrality of faith for salvation and a high view of Scripture as the supreme authority for the Christian faith.
Over the years, this movement developed its own set of beliefs and practices and eventually denominations were formed. Historically, most Protestant denominations started with a commitment to five basic distinctives as primary truths of the Christian faith — including:
Sola Scriptura (Latin for Scripture alone,) is an adherence to the teachings of the Bible as the ultimate guide for faith and practice. From the beginning, Luther and others rejected the voices of Church councils, the authority of the Pope, and anything that did not agree with Scripture.
During the early 1800s those who led the impetus of the Restoration Movement — the group of churches that most align with Compassion in belief and practice — appealed to the Church to once again return to these basics of the faith, especially the role of Scripture as the only reasonable standard by which Christians could judge the truth.
The early Protestants were linked together by their common commitment to the centrality of faith for salvation and a high view of Scripture as the supreme authority for the Christian faith.
Over the years, this movement developed its own set of beliefs and practices and eventually denominations were formed. Historically, most Protestant denominations started with a commitment to five basic distinctives as primary truths of the Christian faith — including:
- Scripture alone
- Christ alone
- Faith alone
- Grace alone
- Give glory to GOD alone
Sola Scriptura (Latin for Scripture alone,) is an adherence to the teachings of the Bible as the ultimate guide for faith and practice. From the beginning, Luther and others rejected the voices of Church councils, the authority of the Pope, and anything that did not agree with Scripture.
During the early 1800s those who led the impetus of the Restoration Movement — the group of churches that most align with Compassion in belief and practice — appealed to the Church to once again return to these basics of the faith, especially the role of Scripture as the only reasonable standard by which Christians could judge the truth.
REFLECT AND JOURNAL
Take some time to think about the role of Scripture in your own life. As you reflect, write a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help you see what you actually believe about the role of the Bible in the life of Jesus followers. Consider a few of these prompts:
- What is the role of Scripture in my own life?
- What is my “relationship” with The Bible?
- Do I engage the Bible regularly — daily, weekly, or only occasionally?
- Do I believe The Bible is a trustworthy source for guiding my discipleship to Jesus and for leading me to truth?