The Reformation: Scripture Alone

There is a reason that the place and authority of the Scriptures is the beginning point of the Five Solae of the Reformation and the beginning of the Reformation itself. The assertion that the Word of God alone is authoritative in matters of faith and practice is in direct opposition to the doctrine of the Church of Rome which taught (and teaches) that the authoritative interpretation and application of God's Word and Apostolic Tradition rests with the "teaching office of the church alone…the Bishop of Rome." The positive affirmation of the Reformation rejects this corruption. That is, it is not merely a rejection and negation, but the positive affirmation that the written Word of God, apart from tradition and the mediation of so-called priests, is complete and sufficient for the people of God. The plowman with the Word of God, and in obedience to it, has more authority than all the bishops and councils which obscure the truth with human tradition and exalt human "wisdom" over biblical truth. – Pastor Schlegel