There is No Other Way


What does it matter if the Bible is the Word of God or not?

Sounds like an obvious question. However, in light of the previous post about the foolishness of the cross, we need to believe in the truth of Scripture in order to believe in the truth of the cross. If you look out into the world of other denominations you will discover that the errors in their church bodies flow from not holding the Scriptures to be the inspired, inerrant Words from God Himself. Homosexuality, women ordination, the denial of Christ’s real presence in the Lord’s Supper, the rejection of the Holy Spirit’s saving power in infant Baptism, or the acceptance of indulgences, Hail Mary’s, Our Fathers, prayers to the saints, penance for removing the punishment of sins, and plenty more hellish errors all come from building a foundation other than the foundation of the apostles and prophets in the Scriptures. (Eph 2:20)

Does it matter if the Bible is the very “Word of God”? It matters for our very salvation. In fact, knowing that Holy Scripture is indeed the Word of God guarantees the certainty of our salvation.

Martin Luther puts it very powerfully and succinctly in his sermon preached on John 3:16-21 on the Monday after Pentecost:

“Now if a different way to heaven existed, no doubt He would also have recorded it, but there is no other way. Therefore let us cling to these words, firmly place and rest our hearts upon them, close our eyes and say: Although I had the merit of all saints, the holiness and purity of all virgins, and the piety of St. Peter besides, I would still consider my attainment nothing. Rather I must have a different foundation to build on, namely, these words: God has given His Son so that whosoever believes in Him whom the Father has sent out of love shall be saved. And you must insist confidently that you will be preserved; and you must boldly take your stand on His words, which no devil, hell, or death can suppress…. Therefore no matter what happens, you should say: There is God’s Word. This is my rock and anchor. On it I rely, and it remains. Where it remains, I, too, remain; where it goes, I, too, go. The Word must stand, for God cannot lie; and heaven and earth must go to ruins before the most insignificant letter or tittle of His Word remains unfulfilled.”

[Original Source: WA 10 III, 162/Erlangen 12, 341/St. Louis Edition 11, 1086f.]

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