Defending Sola Scripture Alone Only Scripture Sola Scriptura

Defending Sola Scripture Alone - - Only Scripture

Sola Scriptura Emerged from The Protestant Reformation The widespread theological revolt in Europe against the harmful abuses, false teaching, and control of the masses by the Roman Catholic Church.

Other Doctrine that Emerged

Scripture Alone Practical Definition of Sola Scripture alone is authoritative and sufficient for the faith and practice of a Christian. L & L Statement of Faith “The Scriptures in their original autographs, are the fully inspired Word of God, without error, absolute in their authority and complete in their provision for godly living. ”

“Christian” Opinion of Scripture Pew Research Center, April 2017 39 percent - the literal Word of God 36 percent - spiritual truth, but not literal history 18 percent – written by fallible men, some valuable lessons 7 percent – don’t know Percent that Read Bible Weekly Evangelical Protestants – 63 Mainline Protestants – 30 Catholics - 25

Opponents of Sola Scriptura • Roman Catholic Church (tradition) • Liberal Protestants with a low view of scripture -- Eliminate/reinterpret supernatural (science rules) -- Eliminate/reinterpret to fit cultural trends • Believers in other reliable sources -- Charismatics (spiritual gifts) -- General revelation (the heavens declare) -- Angels still reveal new truth • Believers in “Prima Scriptura” (scripture above other sources)

Why is Sola Scriptura Important? What are the dangers of straying from Sola Scriptura?

Why is Sola Scriptura Important? What are the dangers of straying from Sola Scriptura? • People are deceived/abused by fallible, confused, and evil men. • Tossed to and fro; no firm foundation • Gospel is twisted and perverted • God and His Word decreases; human ideas increase • Wisdom/truth replaced with tradition and hollow/deceptive philosophy • Pride increases; humility decreases

Are You Prepared to Defend Sola Scriptura? • Does the Bible itself teach sola scriptura? • How do we know which books are divinely inspired (canon)? • What are the primary Catholic challenges to sola scriptura? • How would you respond to liberal Protestant objections to sola scriptura?

Scripture Alone Does the Bible Itself Teach Sola Scriptura?

Scripture Alone Does the Bible Itself Teach Sola Scriptura? Explicitly and Formally – No Implicitly and Logically – Yes Show me the evidence!

General Biblical Evidence for Sola Scriptura • Jesus often said look to the scriptures for truth • “It is written” stated 90 times in N. T. by Jesus and Apostles • Jesus said tradition should not be elevated above scripture • Do not go beyond what is written in the scriptures • The written Word provides all essential doctrine

General Biblical Evidence for Sola Scriptura • Jesus said look to the scriptures for truth • “It is written” stated 90 times in N. T. by Jesus and Apostles • Jesus said tradition should not be elevated above scripture • Do not go beyond what is written in the scriptures • The written Word provides all essential doctrine

Biblical Evidence for Sola Scriptura Jesus said look to the scriptures for truth Mt 22: 29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong (about marriage after the resurrection), because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. Mt 21: 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? (Ps 118: 22) Luke 10: 25 -26 25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher, ” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life? ” 26 “What is written in the Law? ” he replied. “How do you read it? ”

Biblical Evidence for Sola Scriptura The written Word provides all essential doctrine 2 Tim 3: 15 -17 from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 1 John 5: 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. Acts 18: 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. John 8: 31 Jesus: 31 If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Biblical Evidence for Sola Scriptura The written Word provides all essential doctrine 2 Tim 3: 15 -17 from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 1 John 5: 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. Acts 18: 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. John 8: 31 Jesus: 31 If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

How do we know which books are divinely inspired? Canon – Determined by God - - Discovered by Man Discovery Process – Principles of Canonicity o Is book written by a prophet or chosen Apostle? o Is author confirmed by signs/acts of God? o Is content of book truthful; consistent with other scripture? o Does book have power to edify, equip, transform?

Is the New Testament “Scripture”? Paul Peter Church Fathers, Church Councils, and Controversy

Is the New Testament “Scripture”? Paul 1 Tim 5: 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain, ” (Deut 25: 4) and, “The laborer deserves his wages” (Luke 10: 7). Peter 2 Pet 3: 15 -16 Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable men distort, as they do the other Scriptures Church Fathers, Church Councils, and Controversy Men – Clement (95), Ignatius (115), Polycarp (108), Irenaeus (185) Councils – Multiple (Hippo in A. D. 390 was key) Controversial Books - Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 John, and 3 John.

Is the Apocrypha Inspired Scripture? Apocrypha means “things hidden or secret” Books 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, Prayer of Manasseh, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees Roman Catholics – Canonized at Council of Trent (1546) Why then? Why Unreliable?

Is the Apocrypha Inspired Scripture? Apocrypha means “things hidden or secret” Books 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, Prayer of Manasseh, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees Roman Catholics – Canonized at Council of Trent (1546) Why then? Why Unreliable? • Inconsistencies/contradictions -- Prayers for and to dead (purgatory) -- Worship angels; command to use magic -- Pay alms forgiveness of sins • Not referenced by any other N. T. author; rejected by Jerome (Vulgate)

Roman Catholic Opposition to Sola Scriptura 1. Apostles supported oral tradition 2 Thes 2: 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. Why a fallacy? __________________________ 2. The Church was given teaching authority for all wisdom Eph 3: 10. . through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms Why a fallacy? ____________________

Roman Catholic Opposition to Sola Scriptura 1. Apostles supported oral tradition Why a fallacy? “We” means Apostles only, eyewitnesses, empowered Jesus said: Mt 15: 3. . “you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition. ” 2 Cor 12: 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. 2. The Church was given teaching authority for all wisdom Eph 3: 10. . through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms Why a fallacy? ______________________

Roman Catholic Opposition to Sola Scriptura 1. Apostles supported oral tradition Why a fallacy? “We” means Apostles only, eyewitnesses, empowered Jesus said: Mt 15: 3. . “you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition. ” 2 Cor 12: 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. 2. The Church was given teaching authority for all wisdom Why a fallacy? “Church” is the body of Christ, not an institution. Angelic creatures learn more about God by watching His “body” in whom He dwells (profound and mysterious)

Catholic Opposition to Sola Scriptura (cont. ) 3. Sola Scriptura promotes division and lack of unity Eph 4: 11 -14 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets. . . 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. . . 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine. . Why a fallacy? ______________________ 4. Sola Script. is unworkable; promotes anarchy and private interpretation First council in Jerusalem: Acts 15: 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us. ” Fallacy? ________________________

Catholic Opposition to Sola Scriptura (cont. ) 3. Sola Scriptura promotes division and lack of unity Why a fallacy? Opposite is true; division occurs without eternal, unchanging word; Popes are fallible and not apostles Jesus said: “It is written, ” not it will be written or spoken Jam 1: 6. . . the one who doubts is like a wave tossed by the wind. Mt 7: 24. . . The one who builds on solid rock (the word of Lord) has a firm foundation 4. Sola Script. is unworkable; promotes anarchy and private interpretation First council in Jerusalem: Acts 15: 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us. ” (Council did not act solely on scripture, Holy Spirit speaks. ) Why a fallacy? _____________________

Catholic Opposition to Sola Scriptura (cont. ) 3. Sola Scriptura promotes division and lack of unity Why a fallacy? Opposite is true; division occurs without eternal, unchanging word; Popes are fallible and not apostles Jesus said: “It is written, ” not is will be written or spoken Jam 1: 6. . . the one who doubts is like a wave tossed by the wind. Mt 7: 24. . . The one who builds on solid rock (the word of Lord) has a firm foundation 4. Sola Script. is unworkable; promotes anarchy and private interpretation Why a fallacy? Assumes Holy Spirit speaks only through Magisterium John 14: 26. . the Holy Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 16: 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.

Catholic Opposition to Sola Scriptura (cont. ) 5. Sola Scriptura fails when people cannot read or have no copies of scripture Rom 10: 14. . . how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Why a fallacy? _______________________

Catholic Opposition to Sola Scriptura (cont. ) 5. Sola Scriptura fails when people cannot read or have no copies of scripture Why a fallacy? Preach and teach - - YES - - but only what is taught and recorded in the Word; warned to not add or subtract from scripture Deut 4: 2 Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey Prov 5: 6 Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar. Rev 22: 18 -19 If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add. . plagues. . . 19. . if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove. . . share in the tree of life in the holy city

Doctrine Added by Catholic Oral Tradition and Authority of the Magisterium Adoration of Mary Lk 11: 27 -28 Identity of Priests 1 Pet 2: 5 -9 Observance of Days Gal 4: 9 -11 Definition of “saint” 1 Cor 1: 2 Calling men “father” Mt 23: 9

Doctrine Added by Catholic Oral Tradition and Authority of the Magisterium Adoration of Mary Lk 11: 27 -28 Jesus: “Blessed are those who obey God; rather than the womb that bore him Identity of Priests 1 Pet 2: 5 -9 Observance of Days Gal 4: 9 -11 Definition of “saint” 1 Cor 1: 2 Calling men “father” Mt 23: 9

Doctrine Added by Catholic Oral Tradition and Authority of the Magisterium Adoration of Mary Lk 11: 27 -28 Jesus: “Blessed are those who obey God, not the womb that bore him Identity of Priests 1 Pet 2: 5 -9 Peter: All believers are living stones, a royal priesthood who offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God Observance of Days Gal 4: 9 -11 Definition of “saint” 1 Cor 1: 2 Calling men “father” Mt 23: 9

Doctrine Added by Catholic Oral Tradition and Authority of the Magisterium Adoration of Mary Lk 11: 27 -28 Jesus: “Blessed are those who obey God, not the womb that bore him Identity of Priests 1 Pet 2: 5 -9 Peter: All believers are living stones, a royal priesthood who offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God Observance of Days Gal 4: 9 -11 Paul: observance of days, months, seasons - weak & worthless Definition of “saint” 1 Cor 1: 2 Calling men “father” Mt 23: 9

Doctrine Added by Catholic Oral Tradition and Authority of the Magisterium Adoration of Mary Lk 11: 27 -28 Jesus: “Blessed are those who obey God, not the womb that bore him Identity of Priests 1 Pet 2: 5 -9 Peter: All believers are living stones, a royal priesthood who offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God Observance of Days Gal 4: 9 -11 Paul: observance of days, months, seasons - weak & worthless Definition of “saint” 1 Cor 1: 2 Paul: Every believer who is part of the church is a saint Calling men “father” Mt 23: 9

Doctrine Added by Catholic Oral Tradition and Authority of the Magisterium Adoration of Mary Lk 11: 27 -28 Jesus: “Blessed are those who obey God, not the womb that bore him Identity of Priests 1 Pet 2: 5 -9 Peter: All believers are living stones, a royal priesthood who offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God Observance of Days Gal 4: 9 -11 Paul: observance of days, months, seasons - weak & worthless Definition of “saint” 1 Cor 1: 2 Paul: Every believer who is part of the church is a saint Calling men “father” Mt 23: 9 Jesus: “call no man your father on earth”

Our Response to Protestant Opposition to Sola Scriptura • Philosophical Naturalism Creation/evolution, cosmos, miracles • Cultural Influences Human sexuality, marriage, modesty, etc. • Charismatic Gifts Words of knowledge, prophecy • Angelic Revelation

Summary Sola Scriptura • • Emerged from the Reformation due to false Catholic teaching Is implicitly taught by scripture itself Is needed to protect Christians from false teaching and it is based on following: The Bible is divine in origin, God-breathed, perfect, infallible The Bible is authoritative and sufficient for faith and practice The church (body of Christ) is called to proclaim, preach, teach, what has already been written The Holy Spirit guides every Christian to understand God’s Word whether read or heard The church is warned about adding to or subtracting from scripture