the reformers AND THE CREED

PRIMA SCRIPTURA - THE BIBLE FIRST

The Christian doctrine that canonized Scripture is “first” or “above all” other sources of divine revelation.

As all doctrines are formed via scriptural understandings, all doctrines must be found to align with Scripture before the believer can begin to apply them personally.

SOLA SCRIPTURA - THE BIBLE ALONE

The doctrine that the Holy Bible alone is the supreme authority in all matters of doctrine and practice.  All church traditions, creeds, and teachings must be in unity with and governed by the teachings of scripture as the divinely inspired Word of God.  This doctrine was the formal principle of the Protestant Reformation. 

For Martin Luther, sola scriptura served as one of the main theological beliefs (i.e. 95 Theses) proclaimed against Romanism during the Protestant Reformation. The Reformers, Johannes Hus, John Wycliffe, and the Waldenses just to name a few, challenged the traditions of men and reasserted the full authority of God’s word by declaring sola Scriptura and tota Scriptura.

TOTA SCRIPTURA - THE BIBLE IN TOTAL

Asserts that the Bible can and is to be interpreted through itself, with one area of Scripture being useful for interpreting others. That the Word can interpret itself is a means by which to show the unity of the Bible. 

The Bible does not stand alone apart from God, but rather that it is the instrument of God by which he reveals himself for salvation through faith in Christ.  

The Gospel of Jesus is to be received sola fide—through faith alone and sola gratia—by God's favor or grace alone.