16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)
For the next several days we will be examining the theological doctrine known as Sola Scriptura. What exactly do theologians mean when using this term?
The term Sola Scriptura was initially used by the 16th Century Protestant Reformers. It means the inerrant Scriptures, the 66 books of the Bible, are the sole source of written divine revelation from God, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for the sinners’ salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior is evaluated. Therefore, no creed, council or individual may bind a Christian’s conscience. Additionally, the Holy Spirit will never speak independently, or contrary to, what is set forth in the Bible, and personal spiritual experience can never be a vehicle of revelation.
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 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.
The inherent problem with relativistic individualism in the church, especially as it pertains to Scripture, is the final authority does not rest with the Word of God but rather with the individual. This mean every doctrine and practice is evaluated by a final standard, which is the individual’s personal judgment of what is, and is not, biblical. The result is subjectivism and relativism. As one author writes, “The reformers appeal to ‘Scripture alone,’ however, was never intended to mean me alone.”
Dr. Keith Mathison, professor of systematic theology at Reformation Bible College, explains:
“In America during the eighteenth century, this individualistic view of the radical Reformation was combined with the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the populism of the new democracy to create a radical version (of authority) that has all but supplanted the Reformation doctrine of Sola Scriptura. This new doctrine, which may be termed “Solo Scriptura” instead of Sola Scriptura, attacks the rightful subordinate authority of the church and the ecumenical creeds of the church.”
Ethan Harris, in reviewing Dr. Mathison’s book The Shape of Sola Scriptura, states:
“Sola Scriptura, as defined by Scripture, is not a rejection of tradition or of the subordinate authority of the church. It is a rejection of relativistic individualism, the two-source view of revelation, and other views that are not founded on Scripture or are a distortion of the Biblical formula of interpretation and authority.”
Martin Luther held tenaciously to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Here is but a sampling of his perspectives on the subject from the book What Luther Says.
- “The Holy Spirit Himself and God, the Creator of all things, is the Author of this book” (1:62).
- “Scripture, although also written of men, is not of men nor from men, but from God” (1:63).
- “He who would not read these stories in vain must firmly hold that Holy Scripture is not human but divine wisdom” (1:67).
- “The Word must stand, for God cannot lie; and heaven and earth must go to ruins before the most insignificant letter or tittle of His Word remains unfulfilled” (1:68).
- “We intend to glory in nothing but Holy Scripture, and we are certain that the Holy Spirit cannot oppose or contradict Himself” (1:72).
John Calvin strongly emphasized the importance of a commitment to Sola Scriptura. In the Institutes of the Christian Religion, he wrote:
“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.”
More to come. May all true believers in Christ remain committed to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura.
Soli deo Gloria!
