Sola Scriptura or Scripture Alone

Anyone with even a basic understanding of the history of Christianity will agree the fundamental issue that fueled the Protestant Reformation was the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Let me remind you the word, “sola” is the Latin word for “alone or only.” Sola Scriptura, or Scripture Alone is the first of the five Solas that we are addressing in this series and is considered the principal point of debate. Centuries ago, when the Reformation began, it became immediately necessary to definitively decide who, or what, was the final authority for all matters of spiritual truth. Roman Catholicism taught, and still teaches, there is a shared authority between the Bible, the Pope, church traditions and the varied councils of priests and bishops. Contrary to that, was the conviction of the Reformers that the Bible, and the Bible alone, contained every truth necessary to know God and how to rightly honor Him. As stated in the previous article, these two differing views are completely incompatible – both cannot be true. Either it is Scripture alone, or it is Scripture and … that governs the Christian faith.

There were (and still are) significant doctrinal differences between the theology of the Reformers and Rome, yet at its very core, the issue comes down to the matter of authority.

Who or what has the right to determine what pleases God?

Who or what should establish the teaching and practice of the church?

Who or what dictates doctrine?

It is my position that Scripture Alone should serve as the sole rulebook for the belief and behavior of Christians and the Christian faith. I am aware my Catholic friends strongly disagree with this assessment. But there are also other religious institutions, under the overly-broad umbrella of Evangelicalism, who deny the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. For example, there are those who believe the teachings of their prophet are equal (if not greater) to Scripture. Other movements adamantly insist, they are consistently given new revelation which carries with it the same authority as the Bible. Even those in my beloved Baptist denomination often say things like, “God has spoken to them” or given them a “fresh-word from heaven” which supposedly, bears the same authority as Scripture. Although I firmly believe that people often mean well and are sincere, they have not however, given enough thought to how their words or suggestions undermine the authority of Scripture. The Christian faith is either ordered by Scripture alone, or Scripture and … it cannot be both.

Therefore, as the author of these articles I must write what I believe to be true and most beneficial to the spiritual health of the readers. Hence, in the simplest terms, the doctrine of Scripture Alone means, everything necessary to know God and how to rightly serve Him is contained within the 66 books of the Bible. We do not need further revelation when we have the complete Word of the Living God preserved for us on the pages of the Bible. While councils and confessions often help articulate what Christians believe, we cannot rely upon them with the same confidence as Scripture. Neither can we allow traditions (either ancient or contemporary) to supplant Scripture as the Christian’s source of unequivocal authority. Instead, we have already been given, on the pages of Holy Writ, every essential spiritual truth necessary to be in right relationship with God.

Dear friends, the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to save and sanctify the people of God (John 17:17). God’s all-powerful Word is sufficient to convict the sinner, convert the penitent, conform the saint, console the struggling, comfort the down-trodden and condemn all humanity. Or, simply stated – the Bible is enough.

While I am not suggesting the Bible contains all truth, it does contain only truth. Inarguably, there are countless mathematical, historical, and scientific facts that are not found within the pages of Scripture. However, all truth that is necessary to spiritual life and godliness is contained within Scripture.

The clearest affirmation of the authority and sufficiency of Scripture is found within the Bible itself. In 2 Timothy 3:15-17, the Apostle Paul writes to his young protégé Timothy and says, “from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.” In this passage Paul states first, the Word of God can make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ. Secondly, that all Scripture has been “breathed-out” or inspired of God. No other document or decision of men can make such a claim. But finally, Paul also states the Word of God can make the Christian mature and complete, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. This sounds to me like the Apostle would affirm Sola Scriptura.

As an unapologetic Baptist, there are significant differences between myself and John Wesley. However, I most certainly agree with something he said concerning Scripture. Wesley wrote this, “I want to know one thing – the way to heaven. God Himself has condescended to teach the way. He hath written it down in a book. O give me that Book! At any price, give me the Book of God!”

Amen my brother… Scripture Alone is all we need.

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