Theological Term of the Week: Sola Scriptura

sola scriptura

Literally, “scripture alone.” The reformation slogan identifying scripture as the only infallible rule of faith. The doctrine of sola scriptura affirms that everything we need to know for our salvation and spiritual life is taught, either explicitly or implicitly, in scripture.

• From scripture:

[F]rom childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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. (2 Timothy 3:15–17 ESV)

• From  The Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 3:

Q3: What is the word of God?
A3: The holy scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the word of God,[1] the only rule of faith and obedience.[2]

1. II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:19-21
2. Eph. 2:20; Rev. 22:18-19; Isa. 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Gal. 1:8-9; II Tim. 3:15-16

• From Living For God’s Glory by Joel Beeke, page 133:

The Reformers contended that all things must be tested “by Scripture alone” (sola scriptura). This explains why the Reformers accepted some parts of Roman Catholic teaching and not others. They believed Scripture is to rule in the church, for it is the Word of God and the voice of God (verbum Dei). Therefore, its authority is absolute, not derivative, they said. John Calvin said that Scripture is as authoritative as if God Himself “had been giving utterance.” A Christian should rely on and be governed by its promises, and the church should be wholly subject to its authority. In fact, all other kinds of authority—papal, creedal, and civil—must be subordinate to Scripture.

Learn more: 

1. Michael Kruger: Scripture Alone
2. Matthew Barrett: What Is Sola Scripture? (video)
3. Marty Foord: The Real Meaning of Sola Scriptura
4. Joel Ryan: What Is Sola Scriptura? 
5. W. Robert Godfrey: What Do We Mean by Sola Scriptura?
6. R. C. Sproul: Sola Scripture: What Is Reformed Theology? (video)
7. Michael Kruger: What Is Sola Scriptura Protecting Us Against? More Than You Think
8. Guy Prentiss Waters: Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide

Related terms:

• authority of scripture
• five solas 
• inerrancy scripture
• infallibility of scripture
• inspiration of scripture
• sufficiency of scripture

Filed under Scripture

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