Sola Scriptura

Sola Scriptura the doctrine of Scriptures Alone. This doctrine states that The Bible is the sole final authority!

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)

Sola

Sola is Latin meaning alone or single. Think of it when you sing a song by yourself it is called a solo. Forms of this word are Per the Latin Dictionary these are the forms of this word for Alone.

  • Sola
  • Solus
  • Solum
  • Solius
  • Soli
  • Solam
  • Solum
  • Solo
  • Sole

Scriptura

Scriptura is Latin too. This Latin word means Scriptures. When you put both “Sola” and “Scriptura” together you get Sola Sciptura which means Scripture Alone.

Sola Scriptura

The doctrine of Scripture Alone

Scripture alone was one of the main sayings of Reformers. This is also included in one of the five solas. This doctrine states that it is only by scripture and scripture alone is the ultimate authority for Christians. Today people have taken on Science instead of the Bible for their beliefs. When we need the answers to life it is found within the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word! It is without error! It is infallible. God’s Word will never fail! See Luke 1:37, Matthew 24:35

Not to mention, Martin Luther was one of the main advocates for sola scritpura against the Catholic Church. October 31, 2017 will mark the 500th Anniversary where Martin Luther nailed the 95 Thesis to the Church door.

A quick summary can sum up Scripture Alone as … The Bible is complete, authoritative, and true. We cannot use any other kind of book to learn about God and His Son Jesus Christ who died for our sins. All our beliefs, doctrines, covenants must be based on Biblical truths. Being backed by what the Bible says!

God spoke it and gave us His Word in the Form of the Bible, the Scriptures! We are to honor and obey God’s Word! We are to back up everything we do based on Scripture and Scripture alone.

Using Scripture Alone as our only foundation.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Quote by Augustine

“Among those things which are said openly in Scripture are to be found all those teachings which involve faith, the mores of living, and that hope and charity which we have discussed.”Augustine, On Christian Doctrine trans. by D.W. Roberston, Jr. (New York: Liberal Arts Press, 1958) 11:9.

Quote by John Wesley

“The Church is to be judged by the Scriptures, not the Scriptures by the Church.”John Wesley

Westminster Confession of Faith

“The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word: and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.”

Quote by John Gill

“The scriptures are the only external guide in matters of religion; they are the way-posts we should look up unto, and take our direction from, and should steer our course accordingly: To the law and to the testimony: if men speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isa. 8:20); we should not believe every spirit, but try them, whether they are of God (1 John 4:1); and the trial should be made according to the word of God; the scriptures should be searched, as they were by the noble Bereans, to see whether the things delivered to consideration are so or no; the inscriptions on these way-posts should be read, which are written so plain, that he that runs may read them; and they direct to a way, in which men, though fools, shall not err” 

John Gill, “The Scriptures the Only Guide in Matters of Religion”

Sources:
  1. Creation.com
  2. WikiPedia
  3. Got Questions?
  4. Theopedia
  5. Founders.org

Be sure to check out this blog post by Justin Breeden from the Word of the Week on The Bible.

Sola Series

  1. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)
  2. Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
  3. Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
  4. Solus Christus or Solo Christo (Christ Alone)
  5. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)

About the Author

Author: Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

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