Sola Scriptura is the doctrine which states that the Bible alone is the only infallible rule of faith or spiritual standard for the church. It functions as the ultimate standard of authority in spiritual matters. It does not mean that the Bible provides us with an exhaustive description of every topic. Rather, it gives us everything that we need to know regarding salvation and godliness. Every necessary thing that we need to know about the faith is found in the Scriptures.
"Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." (Luke 1:1-4)
Scripture is said to bring us certainty of the Lord's actions and teachings. In the midst of competing oral traditions and uninspired writings, we turn to Scripture as the only safe guide for spiritual truth.
"And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but 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 20:30-31)
Scripture alone is sufficient to lead one to eternal life in the name of Jesus Christ. If the Gospel of John by itself is sufficient to bring about conversion of heart, then it stands to reason that the same is true of the three other gospel narratives. If the Gospel of John is sufficient to bring about our salvation, then how much more sufficient must the Bible in its entirety be as a rule of faith? This form of argumentation is known as minore ad maius, meaning from the lesser to the greater.
"and that 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 3:15)
Scripture alone is sufficient to be regarded as containing the instructions to salvation. Though a reference to the Old Testament, this is a property of Scripture as a whole. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that, "...the word of God pierces to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13)
Scripture alone is sufficient to give one assurance of salvation.
"If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 14:37)
Scripture alone is sufficient to contain the commandments of the Lord.
"These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
Scripture alone is sufficient to establish boundaries of proper conduct in the church. It is our guide now that the apostles have been deceased. They appealed to the Scriptures to substantiate their claims, despite being given divine revelation from God.
"My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1)
Scripture alone is sufficient to be a means of protection against sin.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Scripture alone is sufficient to be a guide to a life of godliness. It identifies wrong behavior as well as corrects it. For example, Scripture condemns thievery and prescribes work as the solution to that way of living (Ephesians 4:28). 2 Peter 1:3 compliments this text well, "as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue."
"And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:4)
Scripture alone is sufficient to bring joy that is complete. It points us to fellowship with God the Father and the Son.
"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)
Paul believed Scripture to be a sufficient source of hope and encouragement for the people of God. His words are reminiscent of what he said elsewhere about Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16. They give us the assurance that, "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
"Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior." (2 Peter 3:1-2)
Scripture is how we are reminded of apostolic oral traditions. The implication of this would seem to be that it has replaced them. It therefore stands alone as our rule of faith.
2 comments:
I think just the problem is the subjectivity of the reader. One reader could look at a verse and interpret it one way while another looks at it and could think it says something else. As cardinal Henry Newman says, the Bible can’t defend itself against accusations. It needs an interpreter. If not we get thousands of different churches.
And so the Catholics decide THEY are the only valid interpreters, even though they abuse Scripture, invent doctrine out of thin air (like all the mariology, purgatory, infallible papacy, etc, etc). The Mormons claim they are the only ones, the JWs also claim only they can interpret Scripture. --- Rome is no different.
But the Bereans were called noble for examine the scriptures for THEMSELVES. There can be no subjectivity if the person reading is being objective and actually reads the Scriptures as the writers intended them to be read.
Post a Comment