Endings are a natural part of the Universe. We thoroughly enjoy the experience of living in the Ouachita Mountains, surrounded by the kaleidoscopic colors of autumn.  Ironically, the very season we take pleasure in is actually a brilliant picture of the necessary endings in life.  Life has seasons, stages, and phases which act as portals to new beginnings. For this reason, autumn is commonly associated in poetry with melancholy.  Summer is gone – the chill of winter is here. Skies turn grey and many people turn inward, both physically and mentally. It is a wonderful opportunity for reflection.

The reformers of the 16^th century might very well have used this opportune time to contemplate the state of the church. In much the same way, courageous men like Luther recognized the need for ending the longstanding abuse and manipulation of the poor and needy by those within the Roman Catholic Church. The Reformation was truly a time of reform, a deep need and desire for reclamation of the Truth resonated in the hearts of the people. The question of the day – whose truth?

In general, how can truth be known? How much greater still the answer to this question when the discussion turns to the importance and consequence of one’s faith? The subject matter quickly leads us into a prickly, but brief encounter with the theoretical idea of epistemology.  Stay with me! This non-threatening multi-syllable word is derived from the Greek word, “epistomai”, which simply means, “to know”, or “to understand.” Essentially, in matters related to faith, there are three basic options from which we might choose to respond to the question, “how can truth be known?” The first, human reason, or rationalism. This position would suggest that there is innately or naturally within man’s mind the capability of knowing truth. The human mind is viewed as ultimate authority. The second, ecclesiastical authority. In effect, this view maintains that the church, organizationally, is ultimate authority. Finally, we have what has commonly been understood as Divine revelation. This category actually falls into two areas, general or natural revelation, which is the revelation of God in His creation, and special revelation, which is the Word of God. Today, this would be a direct reference to Scripture.

Martin Luther once said, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God,” which meant that even when his thoughts were contrary to Scripture, he recognized the truth of the Bible as authoritative. Paul, the great New Testament theologian, in writing to his understudy Timothy said, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:14-17, NASB, emphasis mine).

Luther was resolved to know The Truth. Ayn Rand once said, “The truth is not for all men, but only for those who seek it.”  Jesus once said, I am the way, and the Truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me (John 14:6, NASB). How will you choose today?