A Lutheran pastor from Germany reminds us of the importance of the great Reformation truth sola Scriptura, “by Scripture alone.”

Do you have a favorite Bible passage? There certainly are many possibilities. God’s Word is full of comfort. I love a great number of Bible passages—and it’s hard to say which one is my favorite.

But surely among my favorites is John 8:31-32. Jesus says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

I was raised in one of the liberal state churches of Germany. God in his grace brought me to faith in Christ after I had graduated from high school. I started my theological training at the University of Marburg, which (at least back then) was among the most liberal universities in all of Germany. Critical theologians questioned nearly all teachings of the Bible: the creation of the universe, the miracles, the deity of Christ, his virgin birth, the vicarious atonement, his bodily resurrection, and the second advent of Christ. One of the pastors in the state church told me that he lost his childlike faith to a certain degree during his university years, but he thought that he found something better—a faith that seemed more scientific and sophisticated than simply believing in Bible truth.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

When I began struggling with if I should be a liberal pastor or become more conservative, John 8:31-32 hit my heart. I realized that Jesus really wants believers to be faithful to his Word. Being faithful to the Bible will not lead us into slavery or a boring, miserable, and pitiful way of living. Being faithful to the Scriptures results in true freedom and a life full of meaning, because only Jesus can rescue us from eternal damnation. The Good Shepherd tells us, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Looking back on the way God led me to the confessional Lutheran church and thinking of my years in the ministry, I see how faithfully he kept his promises to me.

Never think you are naïve or backward if you still believe that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired and inerrant Word of God. The teachings of Jesus are the truth. And this truth really sets us free—during our earthly lives and for all eternity!

Author: Holger Weiss
Volume 113, Number 10
Issue: October 2026
Photo: iStock