Journal: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Journal
Volume: RPTJ 04:1 (Fall 2017)
Article: The Word Did It All: The Bible And The Priesthood Of All Believers
Author: Barry J. York

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RPTJ 4:1 (Fall 2017) p. 52

The Word Did It All:
The Bible And The Priesthood Of All Believers

Barry York

Professor of Pastoral Theology
Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

This paper will explore the doctrinal foundations, articulations, and implications of Martin Luther’s doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.

The foundation of the whole of Luther’s view on universal priesthood will first be found in his view of Scripture.

Luther’s View Of The Scriptures’ Power In The Reformation Movement

Martin Luther’s explanation of what happened in the Reformation is as insightful as it is characteristic of the Reformer. Stated in his typically blunt and earthy style, Luther said:

Take myself as an example. I opposed indulgences and all the papists, but never with force. I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing. And while I slept [cf. Mark 4:26–29], or drank Wittenberg beer with my friends Philip and Amsdorf, the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that no prince or emperor ever inflicted such losses upon it. I did nothing; the Word did everything.1

An early proponent of the Reformation doctrine sola scriptura, Luther believed, lived, and taught that the Word of God, not human logic or effort, should be relied upon to bring the necessary changes to the church.

For example, in discussing the idolatrous practice of the mass, Luther urged a reliance upon the Scriptures to persuade people of the need to reform:

It should be preached and taught with tongue and pen that to hold mass in such a manner is sinful, and yet no one should be dragged away from it by the hair; for it should be left to God, and his Word should be allowed to work alone, without our work or interference.2

In an age when so much reform was attempted by papal decrees or magisterial order, why did Luther think God’s Word alone should be used to change minds? Luther answered this exact question, declaring:

RPTJ 4:1 (Fall 2017) p. 53

Because it is not in my power or hand to fashion the hearts of men as the potter molds the clay and fashion them at my pleasure [Ecclus. 33:13]. I can get no farther than their ears; their hearts I cannot reach. And since I cannot pour faith into their hearts, I cannot, nor should I force anyone to have faith. That is God’s work alone, which causes faith to live in the heart.3

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