Martin Luther’s Principle of Sola Scriptura in the Practice of Biblical Hermeneutics
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Abstract
This research, entitled “Martin Luther’s Principle of Sola Scriptura in the Practice of Biblical Hermeneutics,” is based on the fundamental idea of Reformation theology, which places the Bible as the highest authority in determining the truth of God’s revelation. In the context of hermeneutics, Sola Scriptura is highly relevant to modern interpretive problems that are often influenced solely by subjective interests. This shows that, in hermeneutics, various factors can affect both the deterioration and development of the world across several aspects, such as social, economic, and political life. Through the issues mentioned above, this study focuses on analyzing the principles of Sola Scriptura proposed by Martin Luther and their relationship with the concept of biblical hermeneutics. The research also examines the relevance between the principle of Sola Scriptura and the practice of hermeneutics in order to identify the fundamental interpretative foundations that characterize this doctrine. The analysis focuses on how Sola Scriptura functions as both a theological and methodological basis for understanding and interpreting the Holy Scriptures in a pure, objective, and contextual manner. This study employs a library research method with a descriptive-analytical and theological approach. Data were obtained through an examination of various written sources such as books, scholarly journals, articles, and related literature relevant to the principles of Sola Scriptura and Martin Luther’s hermeneutics. The analysis was conducted systematically and historically to identify theological values and the relevance of the Sola Scriptura principle to the practice of biblical interpretation. Through the theological approach, this research seeks to reinterpret faith and the authority of God’s Word in a modern context, making the results contextual, continuous, and relevant to the development of contemporary times. This study concludes that Martin Luther’s principle of Sola Scriptura serves as a crucial foundation in Reformation theology and biblical hermeneutics. Luther affirmed that the Bible is the sole and highest authority in Christian faith, as a critique of the Catholic Church’s dominance, which placed tradition on an equal level with the Word of God. This principle was later developed by Reformation figures such as Melanchthon, Zwingli, and Calvin, who emphasized the importance of the original language, historical context, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in interpretation. In the modern context, Sola Scriptura remains relevant as a guide for interpreting the Bible purely and objectively amid the challenges of rationalism and interpretive relativism. This principle functions not only as a doctrine of faith but also as a hermeneutical guide that maintains the balance between text and context, between faith and reason, so that the Word of God continues to live and remain meaningful throughout the ages. Ultimately, this study is expected to serve as a reference for readers to rediscover the meaning of Sola Scriptura within the context of faith and biblical interpretation. Future researchers are encouraged to further develop this study by examining the application of this principle in the modern church. For theological scholars, it is important to maintain a balance between reason and faith in the practice of hermeneutics. Meanwhile, for believers, this research is expected to foster a deeper awareness of making the Bible the highest source of truth.