Sola Scriptura. Scripture alone.
As believers, this foundational belief makes up what we believe and how we live our lives. It is the belief in the sufficiency of the scripture.
“the sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contains all the words of God we need for salvation, for trusting him perfectly and for obeying him perfectly” (Grudem, 2020)
Everything God has done and will do has a purpose. In His kindness and graciousness, he has given us His word.
“..the sufficiency of Scripture is limited to its purpose, which is to instruct nonbelievers in the way of salvation and prepare believers for every good work so as to fully please God.” (Allison, 2018)
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” Psalms 119:1 ESV
“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 3:16-17 ESV
God has not left us totally in the dark. He has given us light to navigate this dark world. God took the initiative to reveal Himself to us. We should not treat the Bible like Google. The Bible does not answer every question humans try to think up to “stump” God. The fact is, God does not tell us everything. “There are issues and situations for which God has not provided the precise direction or rules that we sometimes desire” (Grudem, 2005)
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV
The secret things of God are not for us to know. This is why we should not try to add to what God has already given to us.
“The sufficiency of Scripture reminds us that we are to as nothing to scripture and that we are to consider no other writings of equal value to Scripture” (Grudem, 2020). No other writings are equal in the value of Scripture. When you equate other writings with scripture, there is often a shift in the importance of the Bible and the start of teaching beliefs that are contrary to Scripture. We should not long for something more than the Bible. The Bible is not incomplete in its revelation to us.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6 ESV
As we open our Bibles each day, let’s remember that this is God’s Word for us. It is our way of learning His character. We know how we can be saved and live a life that pleases and glorifies Him.
References
Allison, G. R. (2018) 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding and Teaching Theology
Grudem, W (2005) Christian Beliefs: twenty basic beliefs every Christian should know
Grudem, W (2020) Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine 2nd Edition
