Sola Scriptura | The Sufficient Word of God
Scripture and the canonical 66 books of the Bible are the authoritative word of God. Throughout history, multiple sources of ruling have set themselves up as authoritative in the church, some legitimate and some not. At some points, the creeds sought to define and become the authoritative word of God. At another point, the papacy set itself up as on par with scripture. Now, as individualism and humanistic tendencies are on the rise, emotion has become the North Star of faith for Christians believing that the yearning of their heart produces the word of God within us. We hold to an optimistic and idealistic view of ourselves and mankind’s ability while ignoring the fact that “now we see in a mirror dimly… now [we] know in part.” (1 Corinthians 13:12, ESV)
Do not misunderstand, God placed spiritual authority in our lives for our protection. The Creeds served as the boundaries of true faith based on enduring study into the words of scripture submitting to the truth of scripture. Yet, even the creeds have been altered as the understanding of scripture grew. The papacy and other priests, pastors, and church leaders have been sent by God as shepherds for the flock, caring for, teaching, and training the believers for every good work. Yet, even the best pastor had to walk back some parts of their teaching when held up to the truth of scripture. Finally, God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit and the deep groaning of the heart, spurring our emotions and our heart towards the will of God. Yet, the winds of the world away our emotions from this way to that, mishearing and twisting the words of God. Scripture is all sufficient for salvation and for mankind to come to a right, true and proper understanding of scripture. Where other authority originates from within the heart of man, scripture is first and foremost God-breathed.
Adding to Scripture
The temptation of mankind frequently becomes to put words into the mouth of God. We see this throughout the Old Testament Narratives where the false prophets claimed to speak on behalf of God and yet vastly misrepresented the mind and will of God. “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24, ESV) When we attempt to add to the word of God and add to the scriptures beyond the canonical 66 books, we lessen the authority and impact of the word of God by elevating our word as on par with our heavenly Father. This presents a dangerous place for the believer to be. Rather than adding to scripture through our works, those who remain obedient to the idea of Sola Scriptura, submit their thoughts to the authority, inspiration, and inerrancy of the word of God.
The heart of Sola Scripture builds on the foundation that scripture, and scripture alone, provides the ultimately authority of God’s own self-revelation. Furthermore, the canon of scripture is closed. No other books will be added to scripture, nor should they be. We have the full picture from the beginning of time until the end of time when we will see Christ return in victory and live with him forever. As believers, we should be weary of those new authorities that place themselves as on par with God’s Holy Scripture as elevating mankind to the level of God. In truth, scripture serves as the sufficient authority because it’s origin comes from God delivered to man and not man attempting to define and dictate the person and role of God in the world. We do not get to define truth. Only God can define truth. Our role remains to live within the bounds of truth and design as created by God, setting His word up as sufficient and authoritative to us.
Scripture As A Sufficient Gift From God
As we wrap up looking at Sola Scriptura, our view of scripture should immediately come in contrast to the desires and wants of our flesh. Normally, we would think of the “flesh” as this obviously dirty and grimy aspect of our lives. While this may not necessarily be wrong, often times our fleshly nature masks itself as pure and good intentioned. We attempt to form God into the person we want Him to be by defining what God does and does not value and how we feel that God would express it. When we approach scripture understanding it to be the only work that stands above all others as God’s divine self-revelation, we confront our own thoughts to the truth of God, allowing His word to lead us to salvation and fullness of life according the perfect design coming from above.
Scripture is a gift for the people of God. Reading scripture should not be viewed as a chore or as something the Christian is obligated to do. Instead, we can approaching scripture knowing that God reveals Himself to us in order to know us and be known by us. Other religions paint a picture of a God who must be satisfied in order to grant their people any blessing or understanding. Insight must be earned in other religions. Our God, the one true God, seeks out the hearts of men first in order that we could return to paradise for all eternity. The Gospel shows us our great need for a Savior and the whole of scripture reveals the purpose and plan of God throughout the span of human history. We need the objective truth of God to speak us and give us a greater understanding of the grace that comes from Jesus Christ. God desires to reveal Himself to us and makes Himself known through this word to us. Therefore, study the scriptures vigorously as they provide the all sufficient self-revelation of Jesus Christ. Approach scriptures with the gladness of heart that comes from hearing and responding to the Gospel.
