This doctrine of classical Lutheran theology is becoming very important today in connection with the discussion of the authority of Scripture and the Confessions. Stated briefly its immediate scope in its formal aspect is that Holy Scripture requires no other argument to prove itself the inerrant divine truth than the evidence which it bears within itself and with which it confronts the Church and the individual as the living Word of the living God, that is to say, as the Word which has life in itself and awakens life
