The Lutheran Sentinel has undergone many changes of format, frequency and style in its 90-year existence. There is one constant reminder in most issues of the Lutheran Sentinel: the Bible with the words “It is written” in Norwegian or English. This motto is not just a logo. The Bible and the words form the center and reason for everything that goes into the Lutheran Sentinel.

This motto and logo are important for our synod. When in 1917 the few pastors who considered starting a new synod met, they chose a motto that epitomized the main point when reading the Bible. Either it is an artifact of man’s genius or the Bible is the writing of God. Either it is a book about man’s quest for god or the Bible is God’s revelation of truth to man. Either it is a reliable witness to man’s noblest thoughts or the Bible is absolutely true because it is God’s Word.

Jesus spoke the words “It is written” many times to answer attacks from His enemies and from Satan. As God, Jesus’ words were powerful. However, Jesus teaches us that God’s written word is the “power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). If Jesus used God’s word, we have even more reason to use it. St. Paul states that what is written in the Bible is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

The words, “It is written,” declare that the Bible is the very foundation of our faith, for St. Paul states that the Christian Church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). A foundation that is weak or not straight will not support a building. If the Bible contains errors or words that are not seen as the means by which people come to believe on Jesus, it is an uncertain foundation for faith. Jesus testifies by His words, “It is written,” that we have a sure foundation, because “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

Modern Bible scholars have treated the Bible as a closed book with hidden truths. But “It is written” teaches that God’s Word is clear so that St. Paul could say to Timothy, “from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:15). While we may not ever grasp the whole truth about the triune God, Jesus the God-man, God’s providence, salvation, election and will, these are clearly taught many times in the Bible so that any devout reader can know what God has revealed in His Word.

After His resurrection from the dead, Jesus taught the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27) and the disciples in the upper room (Luke 24:45-47) “the things concerning Himself” in the Scriptures. Jesus here indicated that the entire Bible is centered on Him and His work of salvation. Through direct prophecy and fulfillment (Matthew 1:20-23), type and anti-type (John 3:14), all that is written testifies to the mercy of God in sending His Son to save all people from their sins by Christ’s death on the cross.

Ninety years is a long time for a publication to exist. Compared with other religious magazines, it is a long time for a publication to have such a motto and remain faithful to it. While we must speak to the times we live in, the Lutheran Sentinel can help its readers only if it points them to “It is written” as the only source of truth, as the power of God as a means of grace, as the clear word which makes them wise for salvation, and as the word which centers on Christ and His work of salvation. St. John’s words are to be applied to the entire Bible, “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).

Theodore Gullixson is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin.