“Here I Stand”: 2021 Essay Contest
Posted On November 02, 2020
This coming April marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s trial at the Diet of Worms. In the presence of the emperor, the nobility of Germany, and a host of Roman Catholic officials, Luther boldly declared, “Here I stand.” Luther was standing contra mundum, practically alone against the world, but he was standing upon the sure and certain foundation of God’s Word.
The sixteenth century was a time of crisis for both the culture and the church. In part, it was a crisis of authority. The Reformers stood for sola Scriptura, the doctrine that states that God’s Word is the supreme authority over the church. Sola Scriptura is the only legitimate answer to the question of authority, and God’s Word provides the only message of truth and hope. Luther’s declaration at the Diet of Worms was a defining moment for the rallying cry of sola Scriptura.
In honor of the 500th anniversary of this event, we’re pleased to announce our Essay Contest for 2021. The theme is “Here I Stand.” As Luther and the other Reformers responded to the crisis of authority in their day by declaring sola Scriptura, we are asking that the essays for this contest also address the need to declare Scripture’s authority 500 years later. The winning essay will best answer this question in a compelling and persuasive manner:
__"As we look to Luther’s heroic stand at Worms in 1521, how do we live according to God’s Word as our sole authority in 2021?" __
Essays should be about 4,500 words, contain careful biblical, historical, and theological reflection, and apply that knowledge to life today. The winner of the contest will receive a full scholarship for his or her first year of tuition.
To be eligible for the contest, students must complete a full application and submit all supplemental materials to RBC by March 1, 2021. Only one essay submission may be entered per student.
Entries must be received by March 1, 2021. Submissions will be accepted here, by email (scholarship@reformationbiblecollege.org), or by mail (441 Ligonier Court, Sanford, Florida 32771). Applicants are responsible for mailing all application materials and essay submissions. Mail-in submissions must be received by the Admissions office by March 1, 2021. If you have any questions, please call 888-722-1517 or email admissions@reformationbiblecollege.org.
The tuition scholarship prize applies only to applicants intending to enroll full-time on campus in the fall 2021 semester as a degree-seeking student and is non-transferable. Read more about our 2020 Essay Contest winners.
Reformation Bible College reserves the right to publish the winning essay, in whole or in part. The essay may not be published elsewhere without the written permission of Reformation Bible College.