Acts 15:18 *Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world*.
*THE HEART OF PROTESTANT REFORMATION: THE SOLAS*(a)
The reformation of Martin Luther and John Calvin was a contention to keep the faith that was once delivered unto the saints. At the onset of protestant reformation, Martin Luther had a team of bible scholars who contended for the true faith alongside.
Phillip Melanchton was Martin Luther's right hand man. Martin called him "my Philips". He was a systematic theologian. He wrote the Augsburg confession 1530, the main Lutheran statement of faith. Others in his team were Justus Jonas, the professor who translated Luther'works into Latin so it could be read in all of Europe. Johannes Bugenhagen, the pastor of reformation. He practically built most Lutheran churches then and drew church orders.
Another man was Andreas Karistadt, he was the one who posted the 95 theses on the door of Wittenberg church. He was an early ally but later split because he caused riot. He was too zealous for Martin Luther. Martin Bucer was another reformer who worked alongside Martin Luther. He was the bridge between Martin Luther and Zwingli when they disagreed on communion.
Outside Martin's team (in the same era) were men like Hudrylch Zwingli, John Calvin who was 20 years younger than Martin Luther and never met him but caught his spirit after he was born and another was William Tyndale. All these men did great work in ensuring the reformation gained wide acceptance.
The summary of all these men fought for were summarized into what theologians called the "five solas" and the first is:
i. *SOLA SCRIPTURA- SCRIPTURE ALONE*
2 Timothy 3:16 *"ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness*":
In Martin's day, Pope + Church traditions were supreme and revered than the authority of God's word. What the Pope said was the law and church tradition was given priority above the word of God.
Luther says, *"Bible is the final authority. If Pope, council, or tradition contradicts Scripture, Scripture wins. 'My conscience is captive to the Word of God'*”.
That is why Protestants stress Bible reading + preaching. No new revelation needed aside what is written in the word. If it cannot be found in scriptures, it should be discarded and not regarded. Haven't you seen or heard preachers who demand their people do things they cannot substantiate in scriptures?
*Those that do not regard the authority of scriptures will delve into many anti biblical practices*.
Can you build your life on God's word instead of men's fables wearing the garb of revelations and visions? Your Christian life will be full of rough patches and contours until you discover the truth in the bible and live by it.
Outside scriptures, men will present fables, traditons and myths that will put you in bondage to religion. The light of God is in His word and when it shines into your heart and your path, your life will become better for it.
Psalms 119:105 *"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path*"( KJV).