Lord’s Library contributor Jared Helms offers a simple Sola Scriptura meaning in English for Christians with Bible verses and key Scripture. Check out Jared’s YouTube channel and two blogs: A Light in the Darkness and Blind Faith Examples. Lord’s Library’s Ministry Leaders Series is a collection of contributed articles written by ministry leaders on key Christian topics.
The Five Solas include both direct and indirect support throughout Scripture. This is the very reason we hold these distinct doctrines as Protestants, they are thoroughly Biblical. So when asked to provide proof texts for the Five Solas of the Reformation, our first thought is to point to the whole of Scripture; and we maintain this is a valid response. However, there are a few clear passages to support Sola Scriptura below.
In this resource, we offer a Sola Scriptura meaning by citing the clearest and most direct Bible verses. Providing a Soli Deo Gloria meaning from the Scripture is fairly simple. It’s also important to note that some verses will appear in support of multiple Solas, but this does not indicate that we are lacking proof texts. Rather, it shows that the Solas are connected and that their connection is Bibiblical and not of human origin.
Note: To help draw out the connections and provide a basic Soli Deo Gloria meaning, we will use a classic formulation as our header below.
Sola Scriptura Meaning
Sola Scriptura Meaning: According to the (final authority of) Scripture Alone
Sola Scriptura means that the Word of God is our ultimate and final authority. This we believe because we believe as 2 Timothy 3:16 clearly says; that the Bible is the breathed-out word of God: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” As such it has unparalleled authority.
So, if a Pope or council should contradict scripture, that Pope or council is in error and must be reconciled to God’s Word. The same goes for science; when science contradicts scripture, God’s Word is correct and science must be reconciled to it.
We must stress here that tradition, while helpful, is not equal to Scripture as the Romish church continues to teach. This does not mean that every book is worthless, only that they must all answer to Scripture. The reformers themselves often drew on the writings of Augustine and other early saints in their work. We too can gain from extra-Biblical sources in our studies of science, history, theology, and every other field as we measure each offering against the standard of Scripture. Consequently, if there is one book, we ought to know most thoroughly it is the Holy Bible.
Sola Scriptura Meaning: Bible Verses
2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Peter 1:21: “These verses affirm the divine inspiration of scripture, and so it ultimate authority. We might also be encouraged in our adherence to scripture as our ultimate authority by passages like: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Psalm 19:7-11: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”
Isaiah 55:11: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
Final Thoughts
As we have said, this is not an exhaustive list of Sola Fide meaning supporting Scriptures as that list would just have one entry for the Five Solas of the Reformation: “Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21.” The Solas are not man-made ideas, but rather man’s summation of God’s good news to all of us. Any of us can be saved from the eternal death we deserve by grace through Jesus Christ alone. God’s own word tells us so. To God be all glory. Amen.
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