The Reformation doctrine sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) has stirred up much controversy, not merely in religious contexts, but also with those outside the church. This idea essentially conveys that the single ultimate authority known to mankind is the Bible–every word of all the 66 books, and nothing more. Only it is reliable to provide objective truth in every page.
First, the Bible alone has a Divine source, so it does not err since God cannot lie (Num 23:19). The Holy Spirit inspired the human authors to write the words documented in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21). Then, He caused people throughout the ages to carefully preserve, copy, and translate those documents more than any other in world history.
Secondly, all prophecies should be understood as God’s revealing of Himself, and the entire Bible is the “prophetic word” of God (1 Pet 1:19). Its overarching narrative is that God created humans to dwell in perfect, harmonious fellowship with Him. When they sinned, they ruined that relationship, and since God is Life, they face eternal death. But, since God created us for Himself, He gave us His Word to show us what He is like and how to draw near to Him. He then sent Jesus to further reveal Himself and die as our substitute. He revealed that all who believe in Christ’s resurrection will live eternally (Jn 3:16; 1 Cor 15:13-14).
Thirdly, tradition ought never to usurp Scripture’s authority. In Mark 7, Jesus accused the religious leaders of doing this very thing. He concluded they were “invalidating the Word of God” by their tradition (verse 13). Many today likewise assume that tradition/culture stands equally to Scripture. The problem is that we gravitate to what makes most sense to us in our cultural setting, thus exalting tradition over the Bible. We may do this by misinterpreting certain passages, ignoring or diluting others, or outright clinging to our traditions over the Bible. In whatever case, we interpret Scripture through our ideas and not vice versa (Deut 4:2; Prov 30:6). Although tradition will and should have some authority in each setting, only Scripture has ultimate, universal, timeless authority, binding the conscience.
Finally, one would benefit noting that God’s Word has never changed. Suffice it to say that it was not His Word that changed, but His covenant. In other words, the means by which God holds a relationship with His people has changed, but never has His revelation. Isaiah said, “The Word of our God stands forever” (40:8). However, during the last supper, Jesus took the cup and said, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant of my blood,” (Lk 22:20). Therefore, the Bible alone is the complete revelation of God. We need nothing more. When tradition contradicts Scripture, one must recognize Scripture as the greater authority.
To conclude, as Psalm 119:9 asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word.”
