Sola Scriptura means “Scripture alone.” It affirms that the Bible is the only infallible rule for faith and life. All doctrines and practices must be tested by Scripture — and rejected if they contradict it.
God’s Word — the Measure of All Truth
Jesus prayed to the Father:
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17
When tempted, Jesus answered with what is written
(Matthew 4:4, 7, 10* Mt 4:4 It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Mt 4:7 It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Mt 4:10 It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.), giving us the pattern to answer with Scripture, not opinion.
Why Tradition Is Not Enough
Jesus rebuked religious leaders for elevating human tradition above God’s commandment:
“For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men.” — Mark 7:8
Paul warned against being captured by human tradition:
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men… and not after Christ.” — Colossians 2:8
Scripture Is Sufficient
Scripture is enough for salvation and godly living:
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:15–16
Biblical Patterns: How Truth Is Verified
- Jesus explained the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures Luke 24:27* And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself..
- The apostles reasoned from the Scriptures to prove Jesus is the Christ Acts 17:2–3* Paul… reasoned with them out of the scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus… is Christ..
- The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to test the message Acts 17:11* These were more noble… in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so..
What Happens When We Abandon “Scripture Alone”?
When human tradition becomes the standard, teachings without biblical foundation quickly appear. Examples include:
- Concepts of unending conscious torment that conflict with the plain testimony that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
- Saintly or angelic mediation, despite Scripture saying: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5
- Prayer directed to any being other than God, though Scripture directs prayer to God alone.
We are admonished not to go beyond what is written 1 Corinthians 4:6*…that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written….
Conclusion: Back to the Word
“Scripture alone” is not a slogan but a way of discipleship: to know God as He has revealed Himself. Therefore:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” — 1 John 4:1
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32
To return to Scripture is to return to Christ. Let us hold fast to what is written — and believe, teach, and live by the Word of God.