Truth 1: Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone

Introduction:

Oct. 31 is Reformation Day, the day we remember that start of the Reformation. As part of the Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition within Christianity this is part of our heritage as Presbyterians. This then is a good time of year to remind ourselves of the great truths that we have inherited, which still shape us today.

Truth 1: Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone – Luke 24:19-32

19 He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ 25 Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’

This section comes from the longer story of the risen Jesus joining the two people on the road. The two on the road were leaving Jerusalem, abandoning the mission of following Jesus (Jesus had been killed on the Friday – what was the point of following a dead hero), they were heading for home and their old way of life. 

The two tell Jesus, who they do not recognize as Jesus (after all, when you are dead you are not joining people on a seven-mile walk), about what had happened to Jesus. They tell of their hopes and dreams that are now ended.

And then Jesus responds, “You are “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets declare”.” Jesus does not say, “It is me; I am alive.” Rather he goes to Scripture – to the Bible – to the word of God – to tell them what God was doing. Jesus helps the two on the road understand the Bible. We hear the same thing in vs. 32, the two on the road heard the Scripture and it lit a fire in their hearts, in their souls.

That is what Scripture does. As the word of God it speaks to our lives in a way that nothing else does.

We say Jesus is central to Christianity. And that is absolutely true. But how do we know about Jesus? The Bible tells us about Jesus. Outside of the Bible there are only bits and pieces about Jesus. And how do we know that Jesus’ death on the cross saves us from sin? How do we know that Jesus rose to life again? The Bible tells us. Those truths still fire our hearts.

Scripture points us to Jesus like nothing else does. Scripture speaks to our lives now in a way that nothing else does. Thanks be to God for the Word of God the Bible.

PRAYER:

We rejoice, O Lord, in those times when your Word, the Bible, Scripture, have burned in our hearts, firing us to live for you, to follow you, to find hope and comfort. Thank you for the Scriptures. In Jesus’ name. Amen.