Theology – Biblical Doctrines – Sola Scriptura
Table of Contents
Sola Scriptura meaning ‘scripture alone’ in Latin is the phrase used to describe the Christian doctrine of using the Bible as the only divinely authoritative source. This is the theological doctrine that states that the Bible, namely the Old and New Testaments, is the sole and ultimate authority for the word of God and truth, and subsequently, the Christian faith and practice. It asserts that the Bible is true (John 17.17), authoritative (2 Pet 1.20-21) and complete (2 Tim 3.16-17). Scripture is God’s Word (2 Tim 3.16-17).
Scripture is Truth
The doctrine of the infallibility of God’s word means that God’s word is true and cannot fail. As it was given by God it was without fault, and absolutely true and reliable. The Bible is the only sure standard of truth we have in this world because it is from God. In fact, we know that Jesus is the truth (John 14.6), and Jesus is the word of God (John 1.14). The word of God is truth.
Philosophically, we can even infer from the texts that not only is the Bible true, but the very nature and definition of truth itself is God’s word; that God’s word is truth itself. For nothing would exist apart from God’s word, whatever God speaks is true and the very essence of the idea, definition, and existence of truth itself is from God.
To establish truth, scripture is all we need. Notice how in 2 Tim we are instructed to rightly handle the word of truth, not tradition, history, or science, but only the word!
And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.
– Proverbs 12.6
– 2 Timothy 2.15
– Matt 4.4 (ESV)
– John 10.35
– John 17.17
Every word of God is flawless (pure)
– Proverbs 30.5
Scripture (God’s Word) Doesn’t Contradict or Change
God does not change and neither does His word or His promises. God is the most consistent being in existence, however we may not understand His ways or what He is doing! God’s word is one of the many good gifts and it is perfect.
I the LORD do not change – Malachi 3.6
… we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. – 1 Thess 2.13
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1.17
Commanded to Walk in Truth
Believers are commanded to walk in truth. How do we do that, what is the truth we are to walk in? We know that Jesus is the truth and His word is the truth. God the Father even commands His children to walk in truth. know that God’s word is a lamp to our feet, it is the thing that lights our path so we know where we are going and that we are walking in the truth.
It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us… 6. this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.
– 2 John 1.4
God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth – John 4.24
Jesus tells us that all believers will hear His word and keep His word. When someone keeps His word, it is because they love Him, and the Father and Jesus make their home with them. In fact if you keep His word you will know the truth and it shall make you free.
If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
– John 8.31
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me
– John 10.27
If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
– John 14.23
… because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel
– Colossians 1.5
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. – Hebrews 2.1
Scripture is the Ultimate Authority – the Highest and Final
Sola Scriptura asserts that the Bible is the highest and final authority in all matters of faith and doctrine. It is the sole source of divine revelation and guidance directly from God to His people.
Second Timothy teaches that all scripture is God-breathed and is profitable or able to be used for EVERY good work! It is complete and able to teach you everything concerning teachings, testing, corrections, and in righteousness. Everything you need to know about what God wants you to know about is in the scriptures.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
All scripture is inspired by God, it is the word of God, coming from His will and God’s interpretation from the Holy Spirit. It was recorded exactly how God desired it to be recorded. Here Peter also affirms that the Word is being spoken through them and more fully confirmed through them.
We have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,, 20. Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
– 2 Peter 1.19-21 (ESV)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
– Psalms 119.105 (ESV)
The Bible teaches that God’s word is the highest and final authority on everything, and if anyone tries to change anything God has already said, they should be accursed. The Apostle Paul teaches that even if He (the Apostle Paul), some other Apostle, or even an angel from Heaven were to teach you something different from God’s word, you are not to listen to them, even to the point that they would be accursed!
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9. As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! – Galatians 1.8-9
Scripture Came by Angels
The Bible teaches the word of God comes from God and is given to men by Angels or Prophets as God moves them.
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’? 35. If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— 36. what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?
– John 10. 34-36
For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3. how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?
– Hebrews 2.2-3
Follow Scripture
The Bible is clear that believers are to accept and follow scripture as the word of God. We are to accept the word of God in scripture as truth. In the Old Testament, the people of God where instructed to be very careful to listen to all God has instructed through His word, and not turn aside to the right or left.
After accepting the word of God that is implanted in you as seed (Luke 8.11) you are to become obedient to it.
Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them
– Deuteronomy 28.14
Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it
– Deuteronomy 12.32
7. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. … 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death
– Joshua 1.7, 18 (Also Joshua 23. 6, Proverbs 4. 25-27)
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2. but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law (Torah) day and night.
– Psalms 1.1-2
The law (Torah) of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
– Psalms 19.7-8
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves
– James 1.21
Scripture is Complete and Sufficient
The doctrine of the sufficiency of scripture tells us that the Bible is sufficient for all things concerning everything good that God wants us to do or learn (2 Tim 3.17). All spiritual truth will line up with scripture.
Only the Bible is sufficient for absolute truth, there is nothing outside of scripture that is to be accepted above or equal to scripture. For there is no other institution or information in the universe that is as reliable as God’s word.
Science, history, traditions, and spiritual experiences are great tools to help confirm our faith, for edification and should be used by believers. However, these tools are also be used in attempt to combat the faith, and is unreliable due to spiritual deceit (the Devil) and bad interpretations and lies from other men.
The faith, or the tenants of ‘the faith, or the way’ (Acts 9.1) were delivered once for all the saints! We consistently find that the Bible gives a complete message (2 Tim 3.16) to all believers concerning all aspects of God’s revelation to us (Col 1.26). That God’s revelation to us in His word is complete and not to add anything to it (1 Corin 4.6).
… contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints – Jude 1.3
… the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people – Col 1.26
Scripture is Consistent and Understandable
Besides all the verse that point to the consistency of scripture and the fact that neither God nor His word changes (Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 26:4, Malachi 3:6, Matthew 13:8, James 1:17,):
There are other verses that point to the consistency of scripture as God moves through those who write His word. God also tells us in 2 Corin 1.13 that what is written is able to be understood by those who read it.
the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them – Matt 13.11
For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end – 2 Corin 1.13
… that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. – Colossians 4.3b-4
Clear Teachings and the Holy Spirit Helps You Understand
The Bible teaches us that it is God and the Holy Spirit that reveals truth to each person individually. We do not need a secret interpreter or guru to teach us anything, the Children of God receive their instruction from Him.
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him. – 1 John 2.27
God’s Word is Eternal and Consistent
God tells us His word is eternal and continues forever, and is therefore consistent with truth.
Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens
– Psalms 119.89
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever
– Isaiah 40.8
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away – Matthew 24.35
Warning for Inconsistency with Scripture
One of the cardinal truths of the Christian faith is to understand that if something does not line up with scripture it is not true. Ensuring that something we accept as truth lines up with scripture keep us pure from deceit and lies. For this reason, the Bible warns believers not to go beyond the scriptures when discerning what is true.
1 Corin 4.6 – … Do not go beyond what is written …
In fact believers are to take heed against arguments or philosophies that sound plausible but are unconformable apart from scripture, to guard against being deceived. This stands true with anything that people may try to combine with scripture, which is unadulterated and pure (1 Peter 2.2)
Colossians 4. 4 – I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. … 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
We know that anyone who goes beyond scripture and runs ahead not continuing specifically in the teachings of Christ does not have God. However, those who remain in the teachings of Christ have both the Father and Son.
Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
– 2 John 1.9
The Apostle Peter warns us against those who twist the scripture, and those who use things in scripture that are hard to understand to distort ignorant and unstable people. He warns this ultimately leads to their own destruction. At the same time Peter is also affirming that Paul’s writings are scripture.
He (Paul) writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
– 2 Peter 3.16
For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4. but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak…
– 1 Thess 2.3-4
If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed – 2 Thess 3.14
Do Not Add or Remove from God’s Word
The Bible teaches us that it is the completed work from God. Nothing is to be added to or removed from the Bible it is complete. Only God is to determine what is His word, since it was He who spoke it, and His word will confirm it. Even the Apostles dared not distort it but rather sought to teach the truth of it plainly.
Deuteronomy 4:2 (ESV): “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.”
(Paul writing) We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God – 2 Corin 4.2
Revelation 22:18-19 (ESV): “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
Do and Teach the Word of God
The Bible teaches we are to both do and teach the Word of God and if you are a hearer only of the word, you are only deceiving yourself into thinking you are a follower of God. The Bible does not teach us to follow any other thing except God’s word.
Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it
– Luke 11.28
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says … 25. whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do
– James 1.22, 25
In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8. sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
– Titus 2.7-8
… preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching …
– 2 Timothy 4.2
Man is to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Jesus tells us that man is not to live by earthly food alone, but is to live by the word of God.
Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God
– Matt 4.4
Isaiah contains a principle that is to be used in all of God’s word, that is something that contradicts the Bible, it is because there is no light (truth) in it
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them
– Isaiah 8.20
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies
– 1 Peter 4.11
Jesus’ Teaching is the Rock of Truth
Jesus taught His disciples that those who hear His sayings and do them are like those who build upon a firm foundation. Those who do not practice His teachings are foolish. Again, we find the principle being that believers are to follow Jesus’ teachings and the Word of God, not any tradition., science, or teachings from man which is the firm foundation, the rock.
(Jesus Said) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
– Matt 7.24-26
Devotion to and Preaching the Word of God
The Bible teaches believers to be devoted to and to preach from the Word of God. This was the devotion of the first Church, and it should be the devotion of all believers to this day, to ensure we remain in the truth of God’s Word.
In the Book of Acts, the apostles were focused on devotion and giving themselves over to the ministry or service of the Word of God:
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
– Acts 6.4
The Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to remain diligent in devoting himself to the reading of the word and the doctrine of scripture:
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
– 1 Timothy 4.12-13
Warning Against Those Who Teach Contrary Doctrine
The Apostle Paul warns believers to be on the lookout for those who do not teach according to sound doctrine, and doctrines contrary to what is taught in the Word of God, the doctrines they have already taught.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. – Romans 16.17-18
The Word of God Produces Fruit
Only the word of God produces spiritual fruit in the life of a believer. It is the word of God that our Lord Jesus said is scattered among people, whichever seeds of God’s word take root in a person’s heart, and remains, grows into a good tree that produces fruit in a person’s life.
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. … the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.”
– Luke 8.11, 18
We find this concept continuously throughout the Bible concerning the importance of God’s word. It is not tradition, science, history, or spiritual experiences that produce fruit in the life of a believer, rather it is God’s word. Producing fruit is a spiritual experience, however, it is not the witnessing of spiritual experiences, miracles, or signs that causes a person to produce fruit, only the word of God, listening to and doing it (James 1.22), can produce fruit, as seen throughout in scripture.
We find this concept in Luke 16.31 when the Lord Jesus tells his people the parable of the rich man in hell who desired to save his brothers. He was told even if someone rose from the dead (witnessed a miracle) they would not be convinced or changed because they would not hear the truth of God’s word.
Believers are to desire the milk and meat of the word of God which causes them to grow.
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby
– 1 Peter 2.2
You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil
– Hebrews 5.13-14
Scripture is Alive
The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
– Hebrews 4.12
The Bible, or Word of God is alive, and is living because it is Spiritual (John 6.63). It is the Holy Spirit that is able to give revelation of its truth to believers because without the Holy Spirit, the things of God can not be understood. Jesus gives the Holy Spirit, as He will bring revelation of the truth to believers. The word of God which is spirit can only be spiritually understood.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
– John 16.13
But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
– 1 Corin 2.14
It is worth notating how the Early Church received its revelation (besides having the Old Testament) before the compilation of the New Testament, which was through the Holy Spirit in prophecy (1 Corin 12-14). However, during this time period of the Early Church, there were early church creeds and writings that most likely began with the Church of Acts.
Scripture is the Word of God
The Bible continually teaches that scripture is the word of God, and humanity is to reverence it as such. The written word of God is the word of God.
Every word of God is flawless (or pure); he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
– Proverbs 30.5-6
As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him
– Ps 18.30
God tells us that even above His own name (fame or reputation) he has magnified or exalted His word:
… You have magnified Your word above Your name
– Psalms 138.2
Jesus is the word of God, and He tells us whoever holds to His teachings are His disciple.
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free
– John 8.32
Jesus is the Word of God
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the word of God. That the word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
– John 1.14
Jesus Taught the Word of God
Jesus quoted scripture as being the word of God and called scripture the word of God. Scriptures have always been known as the word of God and Jesus affirms this. Jesus is always quoting scripture and used it in everything He references. Jesus tells us that it can not be broken.
With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.
– Mark 4.33
… the scripture cannot be broken …
– John 10.35
Jesus Tells us that He speaks the word of God and all His words are the words of God. He tells us that His words are also spirit and they are life.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
– John 6.63
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees because they believe in the scriptures they can find eternal life, but they miss the entire point; that the scriptures are talking about Jesus and He is life, He is the word of God and whoever has the Son has life (1 John 5.12). The scriptures do have life because they have Christ and speak of Him. In other words, you can not have the word of God without the person of God!
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.
– John 5.39
History of Sola Scriptura
Where is Sola Scriptura in the Bible? Even though the name ‘Sola Scriptura’ does not appear in the New Testament you can see the doctrinal belief in the concepts existed based on the writings of the Apostles.
When the reformation of the Protestant Church away from the Catholic Church occurred in the 1600, this was one of the primary doctrines established to reinstate the Church to its original beliefs. Martin Luther came to an understand of this doctrine and began sharing it during his debate with the Catholic Church in 1517.
“Unless therefore I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture, or by the clearest reasoning, unless I am persuaded by means of the passages I have quoted, and unless they thus render my conscience bound by the Word of God, I cannot and will not retract, for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other; may God help me! Amen!” – Martin Luther
The early Catholic Church had instituted the doctrine of ‘Prima Scriptura,’ meaning that scripture is the primary source of divine authority, along with other institutions such as the sacred traditions of the Church. This contrasts Sola Scriptura in the believe that, even though scripture is a primary source of authority, there are other things they believe God gave to humanity that has His divine authority, such as the office of the Pope. That those other institutions that have divine authority are able to speak for God.
The idea of a sacred tradition was never elevated in the New Testament to be equal to the teachings of God’s word. In fact Jesus warned the Pharisees of His day that their traditions nullified the effects of God’s word (Mark 7.6-13). The Bible confirms that the Bible also is God’s divine word for all humanity.
It should also be understood that various protestant denominations have risen up that believe in or a type of Prima Scriptura. Therefore it is not only the Catholic Church that accepts that belief.
Warning Against Traditions
Human traditions are based on human perception, understanding, and philosophies. This is why human traditions are subject to so much error. Human traditions are based on a generation’s understanding of the current world which is always changing and shifting as society’s perceptions and ideologies change, this is why God’s word warns against it (Isa 8.20, Matt 15.3). However, God’s word is firm and true for all times and ages (Mal 3.6, Matt 24.35).
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ
– Colossians 2.8
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever
– Isaiah 40.8
God’s Word through all Human History
We have clues that throughout all of human history, God has given His word in some form of written text. Job pre-dated Moses and was likely a contemporary of Abraham, a time before Moses from whom the first portion of our Bible came. A very interesting text in Job contains the following:
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food.
– Job 23.12
How could Job have been speaking about treasuring God’s word more than his necessary food, or the commandment of God’s lips? We know Job admits he had heard of God but never seen God with his eyes (Job 42.5). How could Job have known about God’s commandments and word, how did he hear about God? Acts 14.17 God tells us He never leaves Himself without a witness and in these verses we get a glimpse of the fact God’s word has been with humanity since ancient times. These are clues that before Moses, the people of the world had Noah and His sons to teach them about God’s word and even write down His words.
We know the book of Enoch claims to be from a time only 7 generations from Adam. There are many prophecies and confirmations about the Messiah along with the fact we know it was written before Christ, from the Dead Sea Scrolls, and that Early Christians referenced it.
Moses had scrolls and books in his time as we see in scripture.
Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. – Hebrews 9.19
Closed Canon and Confirmation
The Bible is its own reference in regards to determining what is scripture, or rather, what is the word of God. God’s word tells us that He spoke through the prophets of old before Christ, then in these last days through His Son (Heb 1.2).
Scripture was finalized by the Disciples and Apostles of Christ, who laid the foundation of the faith only to be built upon by future believers.
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter
– 2 Thess 2.15
Does 2 Thess 2.15 contradict Col 2.8? No, it is to understand that the traditions and words given by the apostles were the final authority and foundation of Christ’s teachings. All other traditions that come after are of men’s interpretations.
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ
– 1 Corin 3.11
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone
– Eph 2.20
The Early Church believers affirmed every teaching according to the scriptures at that time, which would have been the Old Testament and possible creedal doctrines available at that time.
Scripture Defines Scripture
One of the principles we find throughout scripture is the fact that God’s Word defines what God’s word is. All throughout scripture we find that it confirms itself and points back to itself and references itself with itself. The Bible:
- Affirms it is the Word of God
- Affirms it is from God
- Affirms the tests of scripture (accuracy of prophecy)
- Contains an eternal perspective or reference
- Always glorifies God
- Always is truthful
- Always confirms itself
- Always points back to itself
- Always references itself with itself
- Never Contradicts itself
The Bible constantly points back to itself and the writers of the word of God whom God spoke through. The word of God references itself with itself, even though the previous writer may have lived thousands of years ago.
Jesus affirms that scripture can not be broken because it is from God. Scripture is the only thing Jesus points to as being the word of God in contrast to tradition, history, philosophies, etc.
“The Scripture cannot be broken”
– John 10.35
Jesus confirmed the words of Moses and the prophets as being the Word of God.
Jesus said “if you do not believe his writings (Moses), how will you believe my words?”
– John 5.47
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so
– Acts 17.11
Scripture also confirms itself as it references other books of God’s word, showing one continual author – God. It never contradicts itself and continually references back to itself either directly or indirectly.
And he (Jesus) said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
– Luke 24.44
The Bible is 66 books written by 40 different authors over a span of almost 2000 years. The details of its construction point to one author and are covered in literary apologetics.
Early Church Fathers on Sola Scriptura
Even though the term ‘Sola Scriptura’ is first recorded in use by Martin Luther, the concepts and teachings of Sola Scriptura; defined as the scriptures being true, authoritative and/or complete, are quoted by the earliest Church Fathers.
“We have known the method of our salvation by no other means than those by whom the gospel came to us; which gospel they truly preached; but afterward, by the will of God, they delivered to us in the Scriptures, to be for the future the foundation and pillar of our faith,”
– Irenaeus, 130 a.d – 202 a.d. – Adv. H. 3:1
“They that are ready to spend their time in the best things will not give over seeking for truth until they have found the demonstration from the Scriptures themselves,”
– Clement of Alexandria 150a.d. – 213 a.d. – Stromata 7:16:3
“No man ought, for the confirmation of doctrines, to use books which are not canonized Scriptures,”
– Origen 185 a.d. – 252 a.d – Tract. 26 in Matt
“The Holy Scriptures, given by inspiration of God, are of themselves sufficient toward the discovery of truth. (Orat. adv. Gent., ad cap.) The Catholic Christians will neither speak nor endure to hear anything in religion that is a stranger to Scripture; it being an evil heart of immodesty to speak those things which are not written,”
– Athanasius 300 a.d – 375 a.d – Athanasius, Exhort. ad Monachas
“Not even the least of the divine and holy mysteries of the faith ought to be handed down without the divine Scriptures. Do not simply give faith to me speaking these things to you except you have the proof of what I say from the divine Scriptures. For the security and preservation of our faith are not supported by ingenuity of speech, but by the proofs of the divine Scriptures,”
– Cyril of Jerusalem 315 a.d – 386a.d – Cat. 4
“How can we use those things which we do not find in the Holy Scriptures?”
– Ambrose 340 a.d. – 396 a.d. – Ambr. Offic., 1:23
“Those things which they make and find, as it were, by apostolical tradition, without the authority and testimony of Scripture, the word of God smites. (ad Aggai 1) As we deny not those things that are written, so we refuse those things that are not written. That God was born of a virgin we believe, because we read it; that Mary did marry after she was delivered we believe not, because we do not read it,”
– Jerome 342 a.d. – 420 a.d. – Adv. Helvidium
“Wherefore I exhort and entreat you all, disregard what this man and that man thinks about these things, and inquire from the Scriptures all these things; and having learnt what are the true riches, let us pursue after them that we may obtain also the eternal good things.”
– Chyrsostom 344 a.d. – 386 a.d.
“Whereas, therefore, in every question, which relates to life and conduct, not only teaching, but exhortation also is necessary; in order that by teaching we may know what is to be done, and by exhortation may be incited not to think it irksome to do what we already know is to be done; what more can I teach you, than what we read in the Apostle? For holy Scripture setteth a rule to our teaching, that we dare not “be wise more than it behoveth to be wise; but be wise, as himself saith.
– Augustine 354 a.d. – 430 a.d.
References
Ligonier – Define Sola Scriptura
Reformation Bible College – The Five Solas
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