Only Holy Scripture, as properly contained in the genuine books of the Old and New Testaments, shows and teaches us the proper knowledge and the true and certain way by which we may attain to the true and eternal salvation and blessedness which the pagan philosophers have always sought according to human reason and wisdom, but have never been able to find or obtain. For this alone is the one thing that has been taken up in Scripture: that it teaches the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, declares His honor and glory, and presents such knowledge and glory of Christ to the entire human race. As it is said, this is the beginning and end of all Holy Scripture. All that is contained therein looks to this, desires this, is directed toward it, and everything finds its end in it. Without further delay, I now wish to show this and to go over all the books of Scripture.
Although the Book of Creation, or Genesis, which is the first book of Moses, may be regarded as if it were written for this purpose—that is, as if this were its use—that those who are descended from Adam might recognize and know the beginning of this world, and how the human race increased and multiplied, the flood, the destruction and ruin of Sodom, and the history of the patriarchs and the forefathers, what it especially teaches above all else is Christ, the Son of God, since in this book the grave fall and sin of humanity are described. The punishment that comes on account of sin, namely death, is also soon added, and the promise of the seed of the woman, which is Jesus Christ, is described, and thereafter the same promise is again renewed. It flowed through the seed of Abraham, as through the Holy Spirit, and not long afterward comes through the family of Judah, the son of Jacob. This promise is not merely one precious gem or pearl in the Book of Creation, but rather it is the entire treasure to be taken from it. The patriarchs and forefathers carried this promise on with preaching, teaching, and with offering sacrifices in their generations and among their people. They were also made pious and righteous before God through faith in the promise of God. In great adversity, even at last in the midst of death, they were preserved and saved through it.
Johannes Brenz, Kurtzer Begriff und Inhalt der gantzen Heiligen Schrifft (A Brief Summary of the Content and Scope of the Entire Holy Scriptures, 1552), tr., Dylan Smith
