May 2014

Sola Scriptura 8

Paul used the Greek word graphe in 2 Timothy 3:16. Within this context, it refers to the Old Testament. However, as the canon of Scripture was completed, it also came to refer to this passage, along with the entire New Testament. The crucial factor in this text is the usage of the word “all.” The clearest understanding is that God inspired all and every separate part of Scripture.

Scripture means writing. “The term “scripture” is derived from the Latin “scriptura”. Almost invariably this word occurs with the definite article “the” indicating the authoritative written matter of the Bible itself” (Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia, 1537).

Sola Scriptura 7

The Old Testament prophets attested to Sola Scriptura. Their frequent usage of “thus says the LORD” reveals the divine authority entrusted to their stewardship. Their call to ministry and their message as prophets did not originate with themselves, but rather from God. Jesus acknowledged this delegated authority when He quoted these prophets (Matthew 24:15).

The Old Testament prophets attested to Sola Scriptura. Their frequent usage of “thus says the LORD” reveals the divine authority entrusted to their stewardship. Their call to ministry and their message as prophets did not originate with themselves, but rather from God.  Jesus acknowledged this delegated authority when He quoted these prophets (Matthew 24:15).

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The psalmist in Psalm 119 went to great lengths to establish the exalted status of Scripture. In 176 verses, there are eight different terms in referring to Scripture. These include (1) law; (2) testimonies; (3) precepts; (4) statute; (5) commandments; (6) judgments; (7) word; and (8) ordinances.

Moses stressed the permanence of the Scriptures in Deuteronomy 6:1-9. In vs. 4-9 he states:

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God clearly communicates that His Word is the final authority in all matters. It is not to be tampered with in any way.

God clearly communicates that His Word is the final authority in all matters. It is not to be tampered with in any way. Biblical texts declaring this include the following:

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If true religion is to beam upon us, our principle must be, that it is necessary to begin with heavenly teaching, and that it is impossible for any man to obtain even the minutest portion of right and sound doctrine without being a disciple of Scripture. Hence, the first step in true knowledge is taken when we reverently embrace the testimony which God has been pleased therein to give of himself. (Institutes 1:6:2)

Martin Luther held tenaciously to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Here is but a sampling of his perspectives on the subject:

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Sola Scriptura is fundamentally opposed to relativistic individualism. In a culture wherein the individual reigns supreme, and churches pander to “keep the customer satisfied,” the doctrine of Sola Scriptura states that all individual ideas and behaviors must be in submission to, and aligned with, Scripture. This opposes those in the church, and the culture, who justify their sinful behavior, and consequently their disobedience to Scripture, with a self-centered perspective wherein the individual’s desires are preeminent.

Sola Scriptura is fundamentally opposed to relativistic individualism. In a culture wherein the individual reigns supreme, and churches pander to “keep the customer satisfied,” the doctrine of Sola Scriptura states that all individual ideas and behaviors must be in submission to, and aligned with, Scripture.

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There were two causes for the Protestant Reformation: a material cause and a formal cause. The material cause was a dispute over the doctrine of justification by faith alone (Sola Fide). The formal cause was the disagreement over biblical authority (Sola Scriptura). The Reformers coined this phrase, Sola Scriptura, but certainly not this doctrine, when they rejected the two-source view of authority; meaning that the authority of church tradition is equal to the authority of the Scriptures.

There were two causes for the Protestant Reformation: a material cause and a formal cause. The material cause was a dispute over the doctrine of justification by faith alone (Sola Fide). The formal cause was the disagreement over biblical authority (Sola Scriptura).

Sola Scriptura

It is most proper to begin a study of the “solas” by first examining the importance of Sola Scriptura. This is because the remaining “solas” rest upon the premise of the Scriptures being God’s sole and final authority. Therefore, the subsequent “solas” rise or fall on the basis of Sola Scriptura.

It is most proper to begin a study of the “solas” by first examining the importance of Sola Scriptura. This is because the remaining “solas” rest upon the premise of the Scriptures being God’s sole and final authority. Therefore, the subsequent “solas” rise or fall on the basis of Sola Scriptura.

Let Us Introduce Ourselves

Welcome to the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals Reformation Society’s Website. We at the Alliance have endeavored to make this as clean, informative and as easy to navigate for you to acquire vital and helpful information. We hope you will agree.

Welcome to the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals Reformation Society’s Website. We at the Alliance have endeavored to make this as clean, informative and as easy to navigate for you to acquire vital and helpful information. We hope you will agree.

PLACE FOR TRUTH

A Greater Blessing and a Greater Kingdom

Reformation 21

Pleading for Sodom