The Reformation (Part 3) AD FONTES

By the time of the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church depended more on tradition than upon Scripture for it’s final authority.  Rome was repeating the error of the Pharisees of whom Jesus said, “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” (Mark 7:8).  Rome had left the commandment of God and thus denied its Necessity, Sufficiency, and Clarity.

During the late Middle Ages (1100-1500 AD) Rome had increasingly relied on its Sacramental System of Salvation (priests, the merit of saints, the seven sacraments and indulgences) to maintain it’s absolute power over the souls of those who were ignorant of Scripture.  Rome went so far as to ban the translation of the Bible into the languages of the people lest the common man read it and challenge Rome’s erroneous interpretation.  In addition, the Roman Bishop (the “Pope”) claimed to have final authority in things spiritual.  Therefore, with a monopoly on salvation (the system) and Scripture (the Pope) the necessity, sufficiency and clarity of Scripture was practically denied.

In sharp contrast to Rome, the Reformers pointed Christians back to the Bible.  The Latin phrase, “Ad Fontes” (to the sources; literally-to the fountains), rallied believers to Bible manuscripts (textual criticism), Bible translation, Bible interpretation and Bible teaching.  The Reformation was in in fact a return to the Scriptures Authority (Sola Scriptura), Necessity, Sufficiency, and Clarity.

The Necessity of Scripture

It is impossible to be saved and sanctified without the Bible.

The Sufficiency of Scripture

The Bible contains all we need for salvation and sanctification.

The Clarity of Scripture

The Bible is understandable to every Christian who seeks God’s help.

Make It Matter

1. Read the Bible for Yourself
2. Teach the Bible to Unbelievers (Evangelism) and Believers (Discipleship)
3. Cherish the Bible

Leading up to the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation on October 31^st, I will be reflecting on key principles taught by the Reformers.  Next week we look at the phrase Post Tenebras Lux.
© Dave Doyle