The term "Sola Scriptura" (or Scripture alone) emerged from the Protestant Reformation as one of the five "solas." Although the terminology is derived from the Reformation the concept of Sola Scriptura is as old as the Old Testament itself. Religious bodies that represented Christ's body since the apostolic churches have never once failed to uphold the principles of Sola Scriptura. In fact Baptists consider this to be the First Distinctive. Here is a summary list of what it means to believe in "Sola Scriptura."
1. In a positive sense - The Bible is the final rule of authority for faith and practice.
2. In a negative sense - No doctrine contrary to the Scriptures are to be received.
3. This does not mean that we advocate private interpretation.
4. Sola Scriptura negates the formation of new doctrines.
5. The Bible is clear in the most important matters like Salvation and Sanctification.
6. Because the Bible is given by inspiration they are sufficient, infallible, and inerrant, and preserved.
7. The authority of the Scriptures are derived from God not from a council or church.
8. The Scriptures recognizes other sources of authority and truth, however they cannot be elevated to the status of the Scriptures themselves.
9. A functional canon of oral tradition is acknowledged as necessary prior to the enscripturation and close of the canon.
1. In a positive sense - The Bible is the final rule of authority for faith and practice.
2. In a negative sense - No doctrine contrary to the Scriptures are to be received.
3. This does not mean that we advocate private interpretation.
4. Sola Scriptura negates the formation of new doctrines.
5. The Bible is clear in the most important matters like Salvation and Sanctification.
6. Because the Bible is given by inspiration they are sufficient, infallible, and inerrant, and preserved.
7. The authority of the Scriptures are derived from God not from a council or church.
8. The Scriptures recognizes other sources of authority and truth, however they cannot be elevated to the status of the Scriptures themselves.
9. A functional canon of oral tradition is acknowledged as necessary prior to the enscripturation and close of the canon.
2 comments:
Great article. What's interesting is that those who hold to reformed theology today claim a Protestant heritage that was supposedly "sola scriptura" but also depended upon the teachings of their man-written creeds.
Personally I would rather be "solo Scriptura" - just Bible. Your points are valid. Thank you for commenting.
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