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In this age, Christians categorize themselves by titles like Catholic, Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox. We have heard of the Protestant Reformation, the split which separated the Roman Catholic Church and placed an emphasis on the Scriptures. However, what does the term Protestant imply?
Originating from Latin, Protestant distinctly means “an adherent or witness.” Rev. William Sykes wrote, “Let the reader substitute the word ‘Protestant’, and he will find that his Master is the ‘faithful Protestant,’ and that the apostles are ‘a great crowd of Protestants’ to ‘contend for the faith which one was delivered unto the saints’ (Jude 3).”[1]
John referred to Jesus as a “faithful witness” in Revelation 1:5. Sykes referenced Jude 1:3: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). Clearly, Sykes intended “contending for the faith” to articulate the same core message, to remain a faithful witness to Christ.
To be a “faithful witness” separated the reformers, as great minds such as Luther, Calvin, and Knox placed the authority, divine inspiration, and infallibility of the Scriptures above all else. James Henley Thornwell best described the core tenet of being a Protestant: “The true principle, the only infallible source and measure of religious truth, is the Word of God—such a revelation being necessary to a full and perfect development of the laws which determine all our spiritual exercises, and absolutely indispensable to furnish the objects out of which most of them spring.”[2]
Loraine Boettner similarly argued historic Protestantism contends for the principle of Sola Scriptura, writing, “Ever since New Testament times there have been people who accepted the basic principle now set forth in Protestantism. That is, they took the Bible as their authoritative standard belief and practice.”
Presenting oneself as a faithful witness or embracing the historic meaning of being a Protestant indicates much more than a plain title. This term signifies that the person is dedicated and a living proof of their faith in the Lord. A rather transparent word reformed the church and laid the foundation of the original standards of the Scriptures.
While we have identified the historical background of the term Protestant, we must further ask ourselves if we walk faithfully with the Lord and serve as witnesses. How one contemplates and views the Scriptures further designates them as faithful witnesses or not.
Boettner accurately reasoned that the basic principle of the faith is and was the Scriptures. To be a faithful witness signifies that one adheres to the teachings of the infallible Word of God, and as such, they treat the Scriptures with reverence and submit to the authority and directions given in the Word.
The Protestant Reformation was a defining moment that reinforced the need of the Scriptures and their usefulness, trustworthiness, and governance in our lives. May the Lord allow us to persevere as faithful witnesses to His precious name.
[1] William Sykes, The Salt of the Covenant, (Harrisonburg: Sprinkle Publications, 2016), 238.
[2] James Henley Thornwell, The collected writings of James Henley Thornwell, Volume 1. Theological, (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1871), 48.