Is Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) Biblical?

What is Sola Scriptura (scripture alone) and is it Biblical? The crucial question is whether the Bible teaches that it is the sole, sufficient source of God's truth for humanity, and the final authority on all matters of belief and practice. To answer this question, we must consider the entirety of the Word of God, and when we do, we find that the Scripture teaches that the final authority on all spiritual matters is what has been recorded in the sacred books.

Due to the length of this blog, think of this as a digital book. I've provided the table of contents to help you find what you are looking for and to help you pick up from where you left off.

 

Sola Scriptura

The belief in Sola Scriptura (scripture alone), or the idea that the Bible is the sole source of authoritative infallible truth for Christians, is a central tenet of the Protestant tradition. This belief holds that the Bible is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice and is sufficient for guiding and instructing believers in all things. In contrast, Roman Catholicism traditionally believes in the equal authority of both scripture and “sacred tradition” for truth and guidance. However, there are a number of reasons why scripture should be held as a higher, infallible standard than sacred tradition. Sola Scriptura maintains that God is the supreme authority and His word is the highest authority to which we can appeal to on earth. It is through scripture that we can test teachings, traditions, prophecies, and spirits. Scripture is considered closed and final, serving as a foundation rather than a work in progress. Sola Scriptura does not reject all forms of tradition, but rather holds that all secondary authority, such as tradition, teachers, preachers, magisterium, church councils, and experience, should be subject to scripture. Unlike the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church, I do not see tradition or the magisterium demonstrating infallibility or the same authority as scripture. Roman Catholic teachings and traditions have evolved over time and in many instances even conflict with scripture because they are traditions of man. For us to truly honor God I believe that we should seek to follow and appeal to the God breathed infallible word rather than the traditions of man.

Is Sola Scriptura Biblical?

Most Roman Catholic apologists will immediately jump on this question and claim that because there isn’t a single verse that explicitly says “scripture alone” then it should be rejected. I find this to be a bit careless, hasty, and a bit hypocritical of a response considering that there are many things that are taught in the Roman Catholic tradition as being biblically based even though they are never explicitly stated in scripture (e.g. discipleship, the Trinity, Mary as Mediatrix, prayer to the saints, Apostolic Succession, the Papacy, and many others). As a Protestant I do believe in discipleship and the Trinity, but only because they are found in scripture even though those words are not explicitly found in scripture. While it’s true that the words “Sola Scriptura” (scripture alone), or similar phrases, are not explicitly found in scripture does not mean that the doctrine is not present. It's not the specific terminology that's important, but the teachings of the scripture on the authority of its content.

The crucial question is whether the Bible teaches that it is the sole, sufficient source of God's truth for humanity, and the final authority on all matters of belief and practice. To answer this question, we must consider the entirety of the Word of God, and when we do, we find that the Scripture teaches that the final authority on all spiritual matters is what has been recorded in the sacred books.

Who Can Speak for God?

1. Authority to Speak for God Was Limited to Certain Individuals

There was a limited period of time in history during which a select group of people had the authority to speak on God's behalf. In the Old Testament, this happened over a period of about 1000 years, beginning with Moses in 1400 B.C. and ending with the last of the Old Testament prophets in 420 B.C. In the New Testament, this right was granted only to those who saw and heard Jesus, with the exception of Paul, who was specifically chosen to bring God's word to the Gentiles. However, he also lived at the same time as Jesus’ apostles. No one is authorized to speak authoritatively on behalf of God after the death of the last of these individuals.

The scriptures indicate that Jesus made several special promises regarding the proclamation of His message to His chosen disciples. He promised that the Holy Spirit would help them to remember all that He said and did. Jesus told His disciples:

John 14:25-26 I have spoken these things while staying with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.

Jesus promised that His specially designated disciples would remember everything that He said and did, through the work of the Holy Spirit. This promise was only given to those individuals who had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry, as they were the only ones who could testify to His words and actions. Additionally, Jesus promised that after He left this world, the Holy Spirit would guide these individuals into all truth. He said:

John 16:12-13 I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.

Jesus is telling the disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them things they were not able to receive at that time. Jesus also promised that His disciples would testify about Him. They were able to do this authoritatively because they had been with Him from the beginning. He said:

John 15:26-27 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me, and you also will testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

When we consider these passages together, we can see a number of important truths. The disciples of Jesus, those who had been with Him from the beginning of His ministry, were given a unique ministry to proclaim His truth to the world. In doing so, the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth and help them to remember all that Jesus said and did. However, this promise was limited to this specific group of men who had been with Jesus from the beginning. No one else could claim this promise, and so when the last of these handpicked men died, their unique authority died with them.

2. These Select Individuals Composed Holy Scripture

Jesus chose a select group of individuals who were the only ones with the capacity and authority to compose or to approve of others writing Holy Scripture. These individuals would have been the only ones in a position to write authoritatively about Jesus or approve other writings during their lifetime. After these men died, there was no one who could testify with authority about what Jesus said or did. This is why written scripture must end with them.

Protestantism therefore holds that the scriptures alone should be the final authority on all matters of belief and practice, because they are the product of this select group of disciples who had been with Jesus from the beginning, or in the case of Paul, someone who was given a unique calling by Him.

3. The Result: the Scriptures Are Sufficient

God spoke to humanity during a limited period in history, through certain handpicked individuals. These writings, now collected as the Bible, contain everything that is necessary for the church to function properly. The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and belief that God has given. From these documents, we learn about who God is, who we are, how we can be saved from sin, and how we should live. In other words, God has given us everything that is necessary through the Bible.

The Apostle Paul explained the content of God's message in this way to the elders at the church of Ephesus:

Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole plan of God.

The apostles were taught the complete plan of God, and nothing was left out. This plan is now recorded in the Bible. All sources outside of the Bible must be subject to its authority.

The Bible is the ultimate source of answers, with no higher court of appeal. This is because the Bible comes from God Himself. As Paul wrote:

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

Scripture is sufficient because God Himself is the ultimate author of the books of the Bible. No other source, written or oral, can claim this level of authority.

Misconceptions about Sola Scriptura

It is not only important to properly understand the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, it is also essential that we clear up a number of common misconceptions about this vital truth. They can be listed as follows:

1. Sola Scriptura Means That the Bible Tells Us Everything We Need to Know: Not Everything Which We Could Know

Even though the Bible tells us everything we need to know about God and His plan for humanity, it does not reveal everything that could be known. The Bible provides sufficient truth, but not exhaustive truth.

As the Scripture itself acknowledges, it is selective in what it records. John wrote:

John 20:30-31 Jesus worked many other miracles for his disciples, and not all of them are written in this book. But these are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. If you have faith in him, you will have true life.

In another place, John said:

John 21:25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

John states that Jesus did many things that were not recorded in his gospel, but what has been recorded is sufficient for us. The fact that some things were not included does not mean the Bible is incomplete or inadequate. In fact, as Peter teaches, believers have been given everything necessary for life and godliness through scripture. He wrote:

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.

God has provided everything we need, which is recorded solely in the written Scriptures. As Paul stated to Timothy, the scriptures contain all that is necessary for instruction about salvation through Jesus Christ. He wrote:

2 Timothy 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing those from whom you learned, and that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

2. Sola Scriptura Recognizes That the Understanding of Doctrine Develops Throughout History

Even though the Scriptures contain all the information necessary for Christian beliefs and practices, the understanding of these truths has developed over time. As we continue to gain knowledge and understanding of the historical and cultural context of the Bible, it allows us to have a deeper understanding of the teachings of scripture. This development of understanding is what is meant by the "development of Christian doctrine". This is not about adding new things to the scripture but rather gaining a better understanding of the existing truths in the Bible through further study, reflection and new discoveries.

3. Sola Scriptura Does Not Mean the Rejection of All Tradition

The Bible is the sole divine authority for faith and practice, but this does not mean that tradition is completely rejected. Jesus, for example, followed some Jewish traditions and customs of his time, and most likely wore the same type of clothing as other Jewish men and attended the synagogue on the Sabbath day. However, Jesus opposed traditions that went against God's written Word. The issue isn’t if something has been passed down over time or that it was the customary practice, but whether the tradition aligns with what God has commanded in the Scripture.

4. Sola Scriptura Does Not Mean the Oral Reports of Jesus by His Disciples Lacked His Authority

The doctrine of Sola Scriptura acknowledges that before the New Testament was written down, the message of Jesus was transmitted orally through the teachings of his disciples. These oral teachings carried the same authority as Jesus himself. But today, the only way we can access Jesus' words and deeds is through the New Testament, written by his immediate followers. Any oral teachings of the apostles that existed at that time, are not verifiably accessible to us today. Thus, the written Scripture is our only infallible guide and no portion of divine revelation has been solely preserved through oral tradition.

5. Sola Scriptura Does Not Mean All Christians Will Agree on Every Point of Doctrine

The belief in the sufficiency of scripture does not mean that all believers in Jesus Christ will agree on every single doctrine. There may be some disagreements on secondary issues but the key issues are agreed upon among Bible believers. In situations where the Bible doesn't provide enough information to come to a definite conclusion, it does not mean that the scripture is deficient. Sometimes, it simply means that God did not see it necessary for us to know about it. In such cases, humans should not try to fill in the gaps. Other times, the problem lies in not studying the subject enough, rather than any insufficiency in the scripture.

6. Sola Scriptura Does Not Remove the Role of the Church in Its Mission to the World

Even though the Bible is the final authority on matters of faith and practice, the church still plays an important role in fulfilling God’s mission.

Paul wrote to Timothy:

1 Timothy 3:14-15 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

Paul calls the church "a pillar and buttress (some translations say “foundation”) of the truth." This analogy is similar to that of Jacob in Genesis 28:22: "this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. …" Those seeking additional authority for "the Church," or the human leaders of a particular denomination, often use this expression. However, the context shows this to be the opposite of Paul's intent. In verse 14, Paul makes it clear that the real authority resides in the written words (e.g. Scripture).

It is also important to note Paul's use of particular Greek words here. Stylos means a "pillar, column, prop, or support" and is used only here, in Revelation 3:12, and in Revelation 10:1. Hedraiōma means a "prop or support" and appears only in this New Testament verse. Both words come from Greek roots which refer to something that steadies or stiffens or holds. More to the point, these are completely different words than used for other occurrences of "foundation" in English Bibles. First Corinthians 3:11, for instance, uses the word themelion, literally meaning the "foundation of a building" or "initial and founding principles of an idea," in reference to Christ. 

Paul's point is not that the church, or its human leaders, are the source of spiritual truth or that its leaders have ultimate authority as arbiters over God's word. Instead, the church serves as a support system, connecting the foundation of Christ's teachings to the world. The church serves as a means to disseminate and uphold the teachings of God as recorded in the scripture, rather than being an equal authority.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.

7. Sola Scriptura Does Not Deny the Role of the Holy Spirit in Understanding the Message of Scripture

When we affirm the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, we are not rejecting the role of the Holy Spirit in interpreting the Scriptures. In fact, it is the work of the Holy Spirit to guide believers in understanding and interpreting Scripture. The Holy Spirit, not the church, holds the authority to teach and lead us into the truth of God.

The Bible teaches that every believer has the indwelling Holy Spirit. Paul wrote:

Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

By definition, a Christian is someone with whom the Holy Spirit dwells. Paul also wrote:

Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation—in Him when you believed—were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.

The Apostle Paul told Timothy that the Lord will give us the understanding of His truth:

2 Timothy 2:7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will give you understanding in all these things.

The understanding of God's word comes from the work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, to fully grasp the meaning and significance of Scripture, we rely on both the infallible source of truth, the Bible, and the guidance of the Spirit of God.

Pastor Chuck Smith wrote on the topic of the Holy Spirit in his book Living Water. I believe he makes a good point in chapter 6 about how the Holy Spirit teaches us. Chuck Smith wrote:

"First John 2:27 says, "But the anointing which you have received from Him [the Holy Spirit] abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you." This is interesting because practically every cult insists that you do need man to teach you. These cults are strong on selling you their books and getting you to read their materials. Why is this so necessary? Because you would never come to their screwy interpretations unless you were led to them by their books.

l am not at all afraid of what someone will come to believe if he reads only the Bible. I have no qualms about saying, "Just read the Word." I believe that as we read the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to teach and instruct our hearts, He will lead us into all truth. 

Of course, God has given teachers and pastors to the church "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). But even though a gifted teacher may be truly explaining the truth of God's Word, unless the Holy Spirit bears witness to the truth in your own heart, you will not learn. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us the Scriptures. How marvelous it is to have the Author of the Scriptures Himself to help us understand what He wrote!"

The doctrine of Sola Scriptura acknowledges that the Scripture contains all that is necessary for our spiritual growth and understanding, but it cannot be properly interpreted without the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit serves as a guide and teacher for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

This doctrine of Sola Scriptura aligns with what God has revealed about Himself in the Bible. The written word of God is the final authority on all matters of belief and practice as it is the only means by which we can truly know and understand who God is, who we are, and what He desires from us.

Authority of Scripture

Scripture is widely recognized as having a unique authority within the Christian faith. The Bible is considered to be the inspired word of God and is therefore seen as the ultimate authority on matters of faith and practice. This is reflected in the way that scripture is often referred to and held up as a higher standard than any other authority. For example, Jesus frequently appealed to the authority of scripture when he taught and debated with others, and he frequently used the phrase "it is written" to emphasize the reliability and truth of the Bible. In addition, many passages in the Bible itself speak to the unique authority of scripture and its central role in the life of the believer for truth and guidance.

Biblical appeal to Scripture

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Acts 17:2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Acts 17:11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

• When the apostle Paul is teaching in the synagogues of Berea he notices his listeners are searching the scriptures daily to test the veracity of an apostle's teaching. Paul didn’t get upset but commended them. We should test every man's teaching with the authority of scripture.

Acts 18:28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Ephesians 6:11-17 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

• 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

• The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon used by soldiers or warriors. In this case it is a weapon belonging to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit uses the power of the Word to save souls and then to give them spiritual strength to be mature soldiers for the Lord in fighting this corrupt and evil world we live in. The more we know and understand the Word of God, the more useful we will be in doing the will of God and the more effective we will be in standing against the enemy.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

1 Timothy 1:3-7 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

2 Timothy 2:14-16 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

• This verse speaks volumes on this topic. The Greek word translated as "breathed out" (inspired) in 2 Timothy 3:16 is theopneustos, and Scripture is the only thing described as such by the Apostles. God breathed scripture is able to make a person wise unto salvation. And it includes the inherent ability to make a person complete in belief and practice.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.

2 John 1:9-11 Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. 11 Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

2 Peter 3:15-16 Also, regard the patience of our Lord as an opportunity for salvation, just as our dear brother Paul has written to you according to the wisdom given to him. 16 He speaks about these things in all his letters in which there are some matters that are hard to understand. The untaught and unstable twist them to their own destruction, as they also do with the rest of the Scriptures.

Jesus Appealed to the Authority of Scripture

Jesus appealed to scripture above tradition to prove or defend truth. Jesus quotes the Old Testament over 40 times in the Gospels, and he quotes specific passages from the books of Isaiah, Psalms, and Hosea more than a dozen times each. He also references over 100 other passages in the Old Testament. Below are just a few examples.

1. Matthew 5:18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

2. Matthew 11:10 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’

3. Matthew 15:4 "For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him surely die.'"

4. Matthew 21:13 "And he said to them, 'It is written, "My house shall be called a house of prayer," but you make it a den of robbers.'"

5. Matthew 22:29 "But Jesus answered them, 'You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.'"

6. Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

7. Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

8. Mark 7:6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;

9. Mark 10:19 "You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'"

10. Mark 12:10 "And have you not read this Scripture: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'"

11. Mark 12:24 Jesus told them, “Are you not deceived because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God?”

12. Mark 14:27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

13. Luke 4:4 "And Jesus answered him, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone."'"

14. Luke 4:8 "And Jesus answered him, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'"

15. Luke 11:28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

16. John 8:17 "In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true."

17. John 17:17 ​​Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

18. Luke 7:27 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.

19. Luke 10:26 "He said to him, 'What is written in the Law? How do you read it?'"

20. Luke 19:46 saying to them, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”

21. Luke 24:46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,

22. John 6:45 "It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me."

23. John 7:38 " Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"

Jesus Defeated Satan Using It

1. Matthew 4:4 "But he answered, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."'"

2. Matthew 4:7 "Jesus said to him, 'Again it is written, "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."'"

3. Matthew 4:10 "Then Jesus said to him, 'Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."'"

Jesus Will Judge By His Words

The words of Christ are only known to us today from scripture and we will be judged by them.

John 12:48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

• Deuteronomy 18:18-19 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.

• Jesus is the prophet that spoke all the words that were commanded him and what we need to hear is recorded in God-breathed scripture.

The New Testament Quotes Itself as Authoritative Scripture

On two separate occasions we find one part of the New Testament quoting another part of the New Testament as authoritative Scripture. On the first occasion, we have Peter recognizing Paul, while on the second occasion we find Paul quoting Luke.

1. Peter Recognizes Paul as Writing Scripture

Peter recognized the writings of the Apostle Paul as Holy Scripture. He wrote the following to the believers:

2 Peter 3:15-16 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

This statement of Peter tells us several things.

First there were a number of Paul’s letters that were circulating. Peter speaks of his “letters.” While he does not give the exact number of these letters, they were circulating as a group.

Second, these writings of Paul were well-known by Peter and the other believers. The fact that he could speak of these letters to his audience in this particular way assumes that they were familiar with them.

Third, Peter placed these writings of Paul on the same level as the Old Testament Scripture. He used the Greek word graphe to refer to Paul’s writings. This Greek word is used fifty-one times in the New Testament, and it refers to the Old Testament writings in every other occurrence. Consequently, “Scripture” was a technical term that the New Testament used to refer to God’s authoritative writings.

2. Paul Quotes the Gospel of Luke as Scripture

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he quoted a passage from Luke and called it “Scripture.”

We read the following passage:

For the Scripture says, “Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” (1 Timothy 5:18 NLT)

There are two verses that Paul quotes here when he cites Scripture. The first one quoted is from Deuteronomy 25:4. However, the second verse is a quotation of one of our Lord’s statements recorded by Luke. It reads as follows:

Luke 10:7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house.

This saying of Jesus, variously translated, “those who work deserve their pay,” or “the laborer deserves to be paid,” is not found in the Old Testament—it is a unique saying of Jesus. In citing the phrase, Paul uses the exact same Greek words that Luke used. Consequently, it seems that Paul knew of Luke’s written gospel at this time, and considered it Scripture. If true, then Paul quotes Luke’s gospel on the same level as the writings of Moses. This implied equivalence between the two writings.

There is something else. On another occasion Paul quotes this same verse, Deuteronomy 25:4, and describes it as follows:

1 Corinthians 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about?

Here, when writing to the Corinthians, Paul attributes this saying to the Law of Moses. When he quoted this Old Testament verse to Timothy, along with the other phrase, “the laborer is worthy of his wages.” Paul attributed both of these phrases to “Scripture.” This is another indication that he considered the writings of Luke to be sacred Scripture like the Law of Moses.

There is still more. This is a second instance of a New Testament writer using the technical term graphe when referring to another New Testament work.

This is significant because neither Paul nor Luke were among the Twelve Apostles. Yet the writings of both of them are called Scripture by other New Testament writers. Thus, from these two passages, we have the letters of Paul, and the writings of Luke (Luke/Acts) considered Scripture.

Some Disagree That Paul Called Luke’s Writing Scripture

We must note that there are those who do not believe Paul is calling Luke’s writing Scripture. They see the phrase, “the Scripture says” as referring to the first quotation from Deuteronomy. The second statement, they say, is merely an explanation of the first statement, and not a citing of Luke’s gospel as Scripture. However, this does not seem to be the natural way of understanding the quotation. It seems much better to see this as Paul quoting Luke.

Some say that even if Paul is not directly quoting Luke’s gospel, he is directly quoting the exact words of Jesus. This shows, that at an early date, the words of Jesus were given the same authority as the Old Testament Scripture.

However, since the word Scripture is used, it refers to something written. There is no example of oral tradition being called Scripture. The word Scripture, when used in the New Testament, always refers to something written.

3. There Was Early Acceptance of the Idea of a New Testament Canon

The evidence, therefore, is that very early in the history of the church the concept of a New Testament canon appeared. The believers were accepting new writings as Holy Scripture. These writings held absolute authority for them.

Finally, it also shows that more Scripture is to be expected. Additional writings were in the process of being made. Thus, the sacred writings of the Old Testament will have additions in a “New” Testament. Each testament would have God’s authority behind it.

Summary

Does the New Testament Ever Quote Itself as Authoritative Scripture?

The New Testament is quoted twice as Scripture. Peter acknowledged the writings of Paul were considered to be Holy Scripture. Paul quoted a saying of Jesus from Luke’s gospel and called it Scripture.

While there are some who dispute this second reference, it seems best to see it as a direct quotation of Jesus’ words. There are two things we can learn from this. First, it shows that the idea of adding new Scripture, apart from the Old Testament, was already occurring in the early years of the church. Second, it also tells us that Christians were expecting more Scripture to be added.

Written Scripture Gives Certainty

Luke wrote a letter to Theophilus so that he would have certainty about the things Theophilus had been taught. Without the written God breathed scripture we don’t have certainty of teachings or traditions.

Luke 1:1-4 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

In the passage below John states his purpose for writing the Gospel of John. The Bible provides sufficient truth.

John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.

Paul declares that Christians, in Corinth and all others, should see the discipline of the Israelites in the desert as an example relevant to their own lives. Each of these stories was recorded in written form for the instruction of modern believers who find themselves at the end of the ages.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy as he awaited execution. As he exhorted Timothy to boldness, endurance, and faithfulness in the face of false teaching, Paul showed his customary concern for sound doctrine. Paul said that Scripture is “breathed out by God” and is sufficient in all things pertaining to the faith and practice of Christians (3:16-17). He asked Timothy to remind them of these things he had written and to rightly handle the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:14-15 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Peter wrote this letter to encourage his readers and to confirm and declare the true grace of God. We have the written word to know and defend the truth.

• 1 Peter 5:12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

In Peter's second letter, he describes (ch. 2) some twisted versions of Christian truth being taught, but he wrote to remind his readers of the truth of gospel, predictions, and the commandments. He also acknowledges that he is not going to say anything new, which his readers don’t already know. This serves as an antidote to the false teachers. Peter wants his readers to be satisfied with these essential truths and to come back to them again and again, even after he is gone. Scripture is how we are reminded of and prove oral tradition.

• 2 Peter 1:12-15 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

• 2 Peter 3:1-2 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,

John wrote a general letter to congregations across Asia Minor (now Turkey) so their joy may be complete, so they may not sin, and have assurance of salvation.

• 1 John 1:4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

• 1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.

• 1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Scripture provides us with certainty of what has been taught, is sufficient truth for belief, is used for correction, and is God-breathed. It serves as a reminder of the truth, is the word of truth, and it exhorts us. It declares the true grace of God, serves as an antidote to false teachings, and is written so that our joy may be complete, to prevent sin, and to know we have eternal life. It is useful for instruction, conviction, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Don’t Go Beyond What is Written

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

2 John 1:9 Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it, does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son.

1 Corinthians 4:6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.

In saying, “Do not go beyond what is written,” Paul wants his readers to understand that the words and teachings of Scripture are ultimately sufficient and true. In the first century AD, the Corinthian church was full of many problems, including factional divisions and favoritism. Some in the church only wanted to follow or listen to certain leaders (such as Paul or Apollos) rather than Christ alone (1 Corinthians 1:12). As a result of their sectarianism, it appears that some of the believers conducted themselves in a way that “went beyond “ what was appropriate as followers of Jesus. We might say that they were listening to the words of their preferred leader more than they were to the words of Scripture itself. Paul challenged this mindset among the Corinthians by stating his desire among them was to know nothing “except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

So, to “not go beyond what is written” means to focus on Jesus and His Word above all else. It means to trust that the Bible has all the answers and truths we need to live a holy and pleasing life before God. Scripture is the word of truth in which we can verify and compare things to in order to know what God desires for his people.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

Early Church

Roman Catholics routinely claim that their church is the true church that possesses the authority of the apostles and of Christ. As a result of this, the Roman Catholic Church claims to be able to teach doctrine and pulls out of its sacred tradition, teachings that are not found in the New Testament. If the Roman Catholic Church properly represents Christ and the true teachings of the Christian church, then are what it teaches found in the early church? Now, Roman Catholics will automatically assume that the phrase “early church” refers to the church fathers whom they claim unanimously agree with Roman Catholic teachings. This is clearly not the case to anyone who seriously studies the church fathers (see next section on Church Fathers). Nevertheless, if the Roman Catholics want to go back to the earliest times (Early Church Fathers) in support of their theology, then why don’t we go back before them to the first Christians of the first century who lived during the time of the apostles?

Did the first Christians teach Roman Catholicism?

Believers were first called Christians in Acts 11:26 and were referred to later as such (1 Pet. 4:16). The New Testament records their earliest beliefs and practices. If the first Christians were really members of the one true Roman Catholic Church, then where do we find in the New Testament where those first Christians practiced or believed in such Roman Catholic teachings in the following list?

Note: you can check each paragraph in the catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm.  You can go there and just type in paragraph number.

Nevertheless, if the Roman Catholic Church is the true church, did the earliest Christians teach the following?

1. The Roman Catholic Church is the one true church (CCC 2105)

2. The infallibility of the Roman Catholic Church (CCC 2035)

3. Only the Roman Catholic Church has the authority to interpret Scripture (CCC 100)

4. The Roman Catholic Church is necessary for salvation (CCC 846)

5. The full benefit of salvation is only through the Roman Catholic Church (Vatican 2, Decree on Ecumenism, 3)

6. Grace can be merited (CCC 2010 CCC 2027)

7. Grace is something infused into the soul (CCC 1999, 2023)

8. Indulgences (CCC 1471, 1478, 1498, 1472)

9. Penance is necessary for salvation (CCC 980)

10. The Mass is a re-sacrifice of Christ can be applied to the dead (CCC 1366, 1367,1414)

11. The merit of Mary and the Saints can be applied to others (CCC 1477)

12. Mary brings us the gifts of eternal salvation (CCC 969)

13. Mary delivers souls from death (CCC 966)

14. In regards to the church, there is no better way than to look to Mary (CCC 972)

15. Veneration of relics (CCC 1674)

16. Seven sacraments (CCC 1113)

17. Rosary beads

18. Scapulars

19. Holy water

I see none of these “Sacred Traditions” in the New Testament.

No apostolic succession of authority with the Bereans

Roman Catholics routinely claim that they have an ancient pedigree tracing their lineage of authority back to the apostles. Even if such a claim could somehow be shown to be true, does a pedigree mean that the Roman Catholic church is correct in everything it teaches? Of course not. Truth is not measured by a Church’s self-asserting authority found in a lineage back to the apostles. Instead, truth is measured by what is in Scripture.

Acts 17:11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so,

The First Christians used Scripture to validate the apostles’ teachings. But, where did the Bereans get the authority to interpret Scripture and validate what Paul and Silas were teaching (Acts 17:10)? No authority was ever mentioned or assumed. Were the Bereans members of the “true church”? Did they appeal to their pedigree of authority and succession? No. In fact, while the apostles were still alive, they subjected the teachings of Paul and Silas to the Scriptures. And, they were considered noble-minded for doing so. But, where was their so-called authority to judge what Paul and Silas said against God’s word? It wasn’t there. It wasn’t an issue. The Roman Catholic church has made up the issue of authority, in my opinion, to bolster its position as well as exercise control over its adherents’ lives and beliefs.

Church Fathers

The Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox both assert that the Early Church Fathers were unanimous in their teachings about tradition and scripture being, basically, equal in authority. They further assert that the early church fathers did not teach Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) as the final authority for spiritual truth. They say this doctrine didn’t come about until the 1500s during the Protestant Reformation.  Are they correct?  See for yourself.

Irenaeus and Tartullian

It is with the writings of Irenaeus and Tertullian in the mid to late second century that we first encounter the concept of Apostolic Tradition (tradition handed down in the Church from the apostles in oral form). The word tradition simply means teaching. Irenaeus and Tertullian state emphatically that all the teachings of the Bishops that was given orally was rooted in Scripture and could be proven from the written Scriptures.

Both men give the actual doctrinal content of the Apostolic Tradition that was orally preached in the churches. From this, it can be seen clearly that all their doctrine was derived from Scripture. There was no doctrine in what they refer to as apostolic Tradition that is not found in Scripture.

In other words, the apostolic Tradition defined by Irenaeus and Tertullian is simply the teaching of Scripture. It was Irenaeus who stated that while the Apostles at first preached orally, their teaching was later committed to writing (the Scriptures), and the Scriptures had since that day become the pillar and ground of the Church's faith. His exact statement is as follows:

Irenaeus of Lyons (130-202)

“We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith. (Against Heresies, 3.1.1)

Tertullian of Carthage (c. 160–235)

It will be your duty, however, to adduce your proofs out of the Scriptures as plainly as we do, when we prove that He made His Word a Son to Himself. . . . All the Scriptures attest the clear existence of, and distinction in (the Persons of) the Trinity, and indeed furnish us with our Rule of faith. (Against Praxeas, 11)

Tradition, when referring to oral proclamation such as preaching or teaching, was viewed primarily as the oral presentation of Scriptural truth, or the codifying of biblical truth into creedal expression. There is no appeal in the writings of Irenaeus or Tertullian to a Tradition on issues of doctrine that are not found in Scripture.

Rather, these men had to contend with the Gnostics who were the very first to suggest and teach that they possessed an Apostolic oral Tradition that was independent from Scripture. Irenaeus and Tertullian rejected such a notion and appealed to Scripture alone for the proclamation and defense of doctrine. Church historian, Ellen Flessman-van Leer affirms this fact:

"For Tertullian, Scripture is the only means for refuting or validating a doctrine as regards its content… For Irenaeus, the Church doctrine is certainly never purely traditional; on the contrary, the thought that there could be some truth, transmitted exclusively viva voce (orally), is a Gnostic line of thought… If Irenaeus wants to prove the truth of a doctrine materially, he turns to Scripture, because therein the teaching of the apostles is objectively accessible. Proof from tradition and Scripture serve one and the same end: to identify the teaching of the Church as the original apostolic teaching. The first establishes that the teaching of the Church is this apostolic teaching, and the second, what this apostolic teaching is."

Other Church Fathers

1. Hippolytus (d. 235)

There is, brethren, one God, the knowledge of whom we gain from the Holy Scriptures, and from no other source. For just as a man if he wishes to be skilled in the wisdom of this world will find himself unable to get at it in any other way than by mastering the dogmas of philosophers, so all of us who wish to practice piety will be unable to learn its practice from any quarter than the oracles of God. Whatever things then the Holy Scriptures declare, at these let us look; and whatsoever things they teach these let us learn. (Against Heresies, 9)

2. Dionysius of Alexandria (ca. 265)

We did not evade objections, but we endeavored as far as possible to hold to and confirm the things which lay before us, and if the reason given satisfied us, we were not ashamed to change our opinions and agree with others; but on the contrary, conscientiously and sincerely, and with hearts laid open before God, we accepted whatever was established by the proofs and teachings of the Holy Scriptures. (Cited from Eusebius, Church History, 7.24.7–9)

3. Athanasius of Alexandria (296–373)

1. These are fountains of salvation, that they who thirst may be satisfied with the living words they contain. In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these. For concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said, ‘Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.’ And He reproved the Jews, saying, ‘Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me.’ (Festal Letter 39, 6–7)

2. “The Holy Scriptures, given by inspiration of God, are of themselves sufficient toward the discovery of truth. (Orat. adv. Gent., ad cap.) The Catholic Christians will neither speak nor endure to hear anything in religion that is a stranger to Scripture; it being an evil heart of immodesty to speak those things which are not written,” (Athanasius, Exhort. ad Monachas).

3. “After speaking of the books of the Old and New Testament he says, “These are fountains of salvation, that they who thirst may be satisfied with the living words they contain. In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these. For concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said, ‘Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.’ And He reproved the Jews, saying, ‘Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me.”  (https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf204.xxv.iii.iii.xxv.html)Waste  your time

4. “Again it is not tedious to speak of the [books] of the New Testament. These are, the four Gospels, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Afterwards, the Acts of the Apostles and Epistles (called Catholic), seven, viz., of James, one; of Peter, two; of John, three; after these, one of Jude. In addition, there are fourteen Epistles of Paul, written in this order. The first, to the Romans; then two to the Corinthians; after these, to the Galatians; next, to the Ephesians; then to the Philippians; then to the Colossians; after these, two to the Thessalonians, and that to the Hebrews; and again, two to Timothy; one to Titus; and lastly, that to Philemon. And besides, the Revelation of John. 6 These are fountains of salvation, that they who thirst may be satisfied with the living words they contain. In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these. For concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said, ‘Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.’ And He reproved the Jews, saying, ‘Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me.’ ” (Athanasius, Festal Letter 39:5-6).

5. “Vainly then do they run about with the pretext that they have demanded Councils for the faith’s sake; for divine Scripture is sufficient above all things; but if a Council be needed on the point, there are the proceedings of the Fathers, for the Nicene Bishops did not neglect this matter, but stated the doctrine so exactly, that persons reading their words honestly, cannot but be reminded by them of the religion towards Christ announced in divine Scripture.” (Athanasius, De Synodis, 6).

4. Cyril of Jerusalem (315–386)

The fact that the early Church was faithful to the principle of sola Scriptura is clearly seen from the writings of Cyril of Jerusalem (the bishop of Jerusalem in the mid 4th century). He is the author of what is known as the Catechetical Lectures. This work is an extensive series of lectures given to new believers expounding the principle doctrines of the faith. It is a complete explanation of the faith of the Church of his day. His teaching is thoroughly grounded in Scripture. There is in fact not one appeal in the entirety of the Lectures to an oral apostolic Tradition that is independent of Scripture.

He states in explicit terms that if he were to present any teaching to these catechumens which could not be validated from Scripture, they were to reject it. This fact confirms that his authority as a bishop was subject to his conformity to the written Scriptures in his teaching. The following excerpts are some of his statements on the final authority of Scripture from these lectures.

“This seal have thou ever on thy mind; which now by way of summary has been touched on in its heads, and if the Lord grant, shall hereafter be set forth according to our power, with Scripture proofs. For concerning the divine and sacred Mysteries of the Faith, we ought not to deliver even the most casual remark without the Holy Scriptures: nor be drawn aside by mere probabilities and the artifices of argument. Do not then believe me because I tell thee these things, unless thou receive from the Holy Scriptures the proof of what is set forth: for this salvation, which is of our faith, is not by ingenious reasonings, but by proof from the Holy Scriptures...Let us then speak nothing concerning the Holy Ghost but what is written; and if anything be not written, let us not busy ourselves about it. The Holy Ghost Himself spoke the Scriptures; He has also spoken concerning Himself as much as He pleased, or as much as we could receive. Be those things therefore spoken, which He has said; for whatsoever He has not said, we dare not say.” (Catechetical Lectures, 4.17ff)

“But take thou and hold that faith only as a learner and in profession, which is by the Church delivered to thee, and is established from all Scripture. For since all cannot read the Scripture, but some as being unlearned, others by business, are hindered from the knowledge of them; in order that the soul may not perish for lack of instruction, in the Articles which are few we comprehend the whole doctrine of Faith…And for the present, commit to memory the Faith, merely listening to the words; and expect at the fitting season the proof of each of its parts from the Divine Scriptures. For the Articles of the Faith were not composed at the good pleasure of men: but the most important points chosen from all Scriptures, make up the one teaching of the Faith. And, as the mustard seed in a little grain contains many branches, thus also this Faith, in a few words, hath enfolded in its bosom the whole knowledge of godliness contained both in the Old and New Testaments. Behold, therefore, brethren and hold the traditions which ye now receive, and write them on the table of your hearts”. (Catechetical Lectures, 5.12ff)

Notice in the above passage that Cyril states that catechumens are receiving tradition, and he exhorts them to hold to the traditions, which they are now receiving. From what source is this tradition derived? Obviously it is derived from the Scriptures, the teaching or tradition or revelation of God, which was committed to the Apostles and passed on to the Church, and which is now accessible in Scripture alone.

It is significant that Cyril of Jerusalem, who is communicating the entirety of the faith to these new believers, did not make a single appeal to an oral tradition to support his teachings. The entirety of the faith is grounded upon Scripture and Scripture alone.

5. John Chrysostom (344–407)

Let us not therefore carry about the notions of the many, but examine into the facts. For how is it not absurd that in respect to money, indeed, we do not trust to others, but refer this to figures and calculation; but in calculating upon facts we are lightly drawn aside by the notions of others; and that too, though we possess an exact balance, and square and rule for all things, the declaration of the divine laws? Wherefore I exhort and entreat you all, disregard what this man and that man thinks about these things, and inquire from the Scriptures all these things; and having learnt what are the true riches, let us pursue after them that we may obtain also the eternal good things; which may we all obtain, through the grace and love towards men of our Lord Jesus Christ, with Whom, to the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory, might, and honor, now and ever, and world without end. Amen.” (Homily on 2 Corinthians, 13.4)

6. Augustine of Hippo (354–430)

1. Whereas, therefore, in every question, which relates to life and conduct, not only teaching, but exhortation also is necessary; in order that by teaching we may know what is to be done, and by exhortation may be incited not to think it irksome to do what we already know is to be done; what more can I teach you, than what we read in the Apostle? For holy Scripture establishes a rule to our teaching, that we dare not “be wiser than we ought;” but be wise, as he himself says, “unto soberness, according as unto each God hath allotted the measure of faith.” Be it not therefore for me to teach you any other thing, save to expound to you the words of the Teacher, and to treat of them as the Lord shall have given to me. (The Good of Widowhood, 2)

2. For the reasonings of any men whatsoever, even though they be [true Christians], and of high reputation, are not to be treated by us in the same way as the canonical Scriptures are treated. We are at liberty, without doing any violence to the respect which these men deserve, to condemn and reject anything in their writings, if perchance we shall find that they have entertained opinions differing from that which others or we ourselves have, by the divine help, discovered to be the truth. I deal thus with the writings of others, and I wish my intelligent readers to deal thus with mine. (Augustine,Letters, 148.15)

7. Clement of Alexandria (150?-213?)

“They that are ready to spend their time in the best things will not give over seeking for truth until they have found the demonstration from the Scriptures themselves,” (Stromata 7:16:3).

8. Cyprian of Carthage (200?-258)

“Whence comes this tradition? Does it descend from the Lord’s authority, or from the commands and epistles of the apostles? For those things are to be done which are there written . . . If it be commanded in the gospels or the epistles and Acts of the Apostles, then let this holy tradition be observed,” (Cyprian of Carthage, Ep. 74 ad Pompeium).

9. Jerome (342?-420)

“Those things which they make and find, as it were, by apostolical tradition, without the authority and testimony of Scripture, the word of God smites. (ad Aggai 1) As we deny not those things that are written, so we refuse those things that are not written. That God was born of a virgin we believe, because we read it; that Mary did marry after she was delivered we believe not, because we do not read it,” (Adv. Helvidium).

10. Gregory of Nyssa (335-395)

"The generality of men still fluctuate in their opinions about this, which are as erroneous as they are numerous. As for ourselves, if the Gentile philosophy, which deals methodically with all these points, were really adequate for a demonstration, it would certainly be superfluous to add a discussion on the soul to those speculations. But while the latter proceeded, on the subject of the soul, as far in the direction of supposed consequences as the thinker pleased, we are not entitled to such license, I mean that of affirming what we please; we make the Holy Scriptures the rule and the measure of every tenet; we necessarily fix our eyes upon that, and approve that alone which may be made to harmonize with the intention of those writings." (Gregory of Nyssa: Dogmatic Treatises, "On the Soul and the Resurrection", p. 439.)

Illustration of the Principle of Sola Scriptura

In his denial of the deity of Christ, Arius was arguably the most notorious heretic of the early church.

Though Arius’s heretical views were soundly condemned by the Council of Nicaea (in A.D. 325), the controversy he sparked raged for another fifty years throughout the Roman Empire. During those tumultuous decades, the defenders of Trinitarian orthodoxy often found themselves outnumbered and out of favor with the imperial court. Yet they refused to compromise.

Among them, most famously, stood Athanasius of Alexandria—exiled on five different occasions for his unwavering commitment to the truth. He was joined by the Cappadocian Fathers: Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzas, and Gregory of Nyssa.

But how did these early Christian leaders know that the doctrine they were defending was, in fact, a truth worth fighting for? How did they know they were right and the Arians were wrong? Was it on the basis of oral tradition, a previous church council, or an edict from the bishop of Rome?

No. They ultimately defended the truth by appealing to the Scriptures.

Gregory of Nyssa makes that point explicit in a letter to Eustathius. The Arians claimed that their tradition (or “custom”) did not allow for the Trinitarian position. Gregory responded with the following:

“What then is our reply? We do not think that it is right to make their prevailing custom the law and rule of sound doctrine. For if custom is to avail for proof of soundness, we too, surely, may advance our prevailing custom; and if they reject this, we are surely not bound to follow theirs. Let the inspired Scripture, then, be our umpire, and the vote of truth will surely be given to those whose dogmas are found to agree with the Divine words.” (Dogmatic Treatises, Book 12. On the Trinity, To Eustathius.)

When Arian custom ran contrary to Trinitarian custom, to what authority did Gregory appeal? The Scriptures. As Gregory rightly understood, Scripture is a higher authority than tradition. That is why he appealed to the Word of God as the final arbiter in the debate over Arianism. In so doing, Gregory provides a vivid illustration of the principle of Sola Scriptura, twelve centuries before the Reformation.

Final Thoughts

The Bible was the ultimate authority for the Church of the Early Church . It was materially sufficient, and the final arbiter in all matters of doctrinal truth. As J.N.D. Kelly has pointed out:

"The clearest token of the prestige enjoyed by Scripture is the fact that almost the entire theological effort of the Fathers, whether their aims were polemical or constructive, was expended upon what amounted to the exposition of the Bible. Further, it was everywhere taken for granted that, for any doctrine to win acceptance, it had first to establish its Scriptural basis".

Heiko Oberman comments about the relationship between Scripture and Tradition in the Early Church:

"Scripture and tradition were for the Early Church in no sense mutually exclusive: kerygma (the message of the gospel), Scripture and Tradition coincided entirely. The Church preached the kerygma, which is found in toto in written form in the canonical books. The tradition was not understood as an addition to the kerygma contained in Scripture but as handing down that same kerygma in living form: in other words everything was to be found in Scripture and at the same time everything was in living Tradition".

I don’t deny that there were some early church fathers that didn’t hold to Sola Scriptura but as you can see, some of the earliest church fathers did teach the doctrine of Sola Scriptura and the belief was there long before the Protestant Reformation.

Sacred Tradition

After the apostles passed away, the only way to determine if a certain extra biblical tradition aligns with their teachings and beliefs is to refer to the written Word of God. It is important to note that not all extra biblical claims were historically accurate or true, even during the time of the apostles (John 21:22-23). Bowman points out, there is no indication in the New Testament that the church was tasked with preserving and transmitting oral traditions that are not found in the Bible, nor any guarantee that they would do so without error.

The word “tradition” is paradosis in Greek and it occurs 13 times in the New Testament. The following is every occurrence of the word in the New Testament.

1. Matt. 15:2, “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

2. Matt. 15:3, “And He answered and said to them, “And why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?”

3. Matt. 15:6, “he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And thus you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition.”

4. Mark 7:3, “For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders.”

5. Mark 7:5, “And the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, ‘Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?'”

6. Mark 7:8, “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”

7. Mark 7:9, “He was also saying to them, “You nicely set aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.”

8. Mark 7:13, “thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

9. 1 Cor. 11:2, “Now I praise you because you remember me in everything, and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.”

10. Gal. 1:14, ” and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.”

11. Col. 2:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”

12. 2 Thess 2:15, “so then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.”

13. 2 Thess. 3:6, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.”

Of the 13 occurrences of the word “tradition” in the New Testament, one is where the Pharisees ask Jesus why his disciples didn’t follow the tradition of the elders (Matt 15:3). One is a comment by Mark of how the Pharisees washed before eating (Mark 7:3). In each of the remaining accounts in Matthew and Mark (six occurrences), Jesus responds to the Pharisees by condemning them for their traditions (Matt 15:3,6; Mark 7:5,8,9,13) and thus negating the word of God. This is hugely important because Jesus is telling us that traditions are not to contradict God’s word.

This leaves us with five other occurrences. Of those, Gal. 1:14 is where Paul mentions his ancestral traditions. He is not referring generically to the traditions of Israel, but of the Pharisees. Col. 2:8 is speaking generically of the “traditions of men” as contrasted against the Gospel of Christ.

This leaves us with three verses (1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Thess. 3:6) that use the word tradition in a good sense, and it is from these three verses that the Roman Catholic Church attempts to support its view that the Sacred Tradition of the Church is to be followed. Let’s take a look at the context of the first of these three verses.

Common Proof Texts

1. 1 Corinthians 11:1-2

1 Corinthians 11:1-2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything, and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.

In 1 Cor. 10, Paul warns the Corinthians to avoid Israel’s mistakes and not fall into idolatry. In verse 14 Paul continues to tell the Corinthians to flee idolatry. In v. 23 he says that all things are lawful, though not profitable, and he tells the Corinthians about the do’s and don’ts of eating meat sacrificed to idols. Paul then tells them in 11:2 to hold firmly to the traditions that he delivered to them. There is no mention in the previous context about any traditions. He’s talking about fleeing from idolatry. This would be a natural teaching on which the Old Testament is very clear. So, if this is the tradition spoken of (traditions are from the past), it is concerning what has already been revealed in the Old Testament regarding avoiding idolatry. But, let’s continue.

This brings us to the context that follows verse 2. In verses 3 -16, Paul speaks about headship, head coverings, and prayer. In verses 17-22 Paul mentions the problem of division and eating the Lord’s Supper. Then in verse 23, he says, “I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you.” He then speaks about Christ instituting the Supper.

If the Roman Catholic Church wants to say that the tradition being spoken of is not the Old Testament warnings against idolatry, then the only other option we can derive from the context is where Paul is speaking of praying, authority, and head coverings. Contextually, what else is there? We cannot simply accept the idea that Paul is referring to Sacred Tradition, because the context doesn’t warrant it. It is not proper to read into the word “tradition” the whole concept of Roman Catholic “Sacred Tradition” without a contextual warrant.

Conclusion 

1 Corinthians 11:2 Does Not Support Roman Catholic Tradition. When Paul tells the Corinthians to hold to the traditions that he delivered to them, there is no mention whatsoever, about any “sacred tradition.” There is no mention about traditions for future new-to-be-revealed doctrines. Instead, they are the traditions “delivered” in the past and, from the context, it appears that Paul is either referring to avoiding idolatry or he is restating the tradition concerning head-coverings, authority, and prayer. If the Roman Catholic Church wants to deny that these options are contextually relevant, then please tell us what the word of God is “really” saying? And if it does, is 1 Corinthians 11:2 infallibly interpreted by the Roman Catholic Church?

There is no mention whatsoever of any so-called “sacred tradition” that the Roman Catholic Church is supported by in 1 Corinthians 11:2. It just isn’t there.

2. 2 Thessalonians 2:15

2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

In the New American Bible and the KJV, the verse begins with “therefore.” In the NASB it says “so then.” This means that we must look at the preceding context to see what Paul was talking about. If we do this, we clearly see that Paul is telling the Thessalonians to stand firm in what they had been taught about the second coming of Christ since that is the context. It is not about Sacred Tradition. Let’s take a look.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Paul says, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” Obviously, Paul is speaking about the return of Christ. He continues and warns the Thessalonians not to be deceived because the return of Christ won’t happen until after the apostasy (v. 3). Paul had already instructed them about this in v. 5. He then speaks of the Man of Lawlessness in v 6-10 and the coming delusion (v. 11-12). Then Paul says that God has chosen them for salvation (v. 13) and called them through the gospel (v. 14). It is after this that Paul then tells the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught. He is telling the Thessalonians to stand firm in the teaching of the return of Christ.

Conclusion

The Tradition being spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 is the teaching about the second coming of Christ. There is nothing in the text about continuing tradition or oral tradition being passed down from one person to another for 2,000 years. For the Roman Catholic church to lift the issue of tradition out of its context and apply it to its own “Sacred Tradition” is a clear violation of what the verse is saying.

3. 2 Thessalonians 3:6

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

At the beginning of Chapter 3 (verses 1-2) Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for him. In verse 3 he says that the Lord is faithful. In verse 4 he says his confidence is in the Lord. In verse 5, he offers a blessing that the Thessalonians would love God. Then in verse 6, the verse under discussion, we see a change of topic because Paul says “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.” Paul then elaborates on what he meant by such tradition. He goes on to say in verse 7 that the Thessalonians should follow his example because Paul did not act in an “undisciplined manner.” In verses 8-9 he speaks about how he worked day and night so as not to be a burden on them. Then in verse 10 he writes that if someone would not work, neither should he eat. In verses 11-15, Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to work hard, not to be weary in well doing, and to avoid those who would refuse what he had written.

Conclusion

The context shows us that the tradition Paul is speaking of is the tradition of working hard and not being idle. This admonition is presumably related to what he wrote about in the preceding chapter (chapter 2) regarding the false teaching that Jesus had already returned. People had probably decided to give up their livelihoods and stop working. Paul warns them not to do that. Instead, they are to keep the traditions that they have been taught; namely, to work hard and not be idle.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 has nothing to do with the “Sacred Tradition” claimed by the Roman Catholic Church. It is about not being idle and failing to work. But that hasn’t stopped the Roman Catholic church from reading into the scripture the idea that “tradition” means apostolic pronouncements that were orally deposited to the Roman Catholic Church which then releases them over time. They should stick with what the text actually says, and not what it does not.

Additional Thoughts

The Roman Catholic Church claims to have an oral apostolic Tradition which is independent of Scripture that is binding on believers. Rome asserts that, based on Paul's teaching in these passages, the teaching of sola Scriptura is false, since he handed on teachings to the Church of Corinth and the Thessalonians in both oral and written form. But what is interesting in such an assertion is that Roman apologists never document the specific oral doctrines to which they believe Paul is referring that they claim to possess. From Francis de Sales to the writings of Karl Keating and Robert Sungenis there is a very conspicuous absence of documentation of the specific doctrines to which they claim the Apostle Paul is referring.

Sungenis edited a work recently on a defense of the Roman Catholic teaching of tradition entitled Not By Scripture Alone. It is touted as a definitive refutation of the Protestant teaching of sola Scriptura. His book is 627 pages in length. Not once in the entire book does any author define the doctrinal content of this supposed apostolic Tradition that is binding to all believers! Yet, we are told that it exists, that the Roman Catholic Church possesses it, and that we are bound, therefore, to submit to this church which alone possesses the fullness of God's revelation from the Apostles.

If such oral sacred traditions existed that were independent from scripture and were of such importance why did Cyril of Jerusalem not mention them in his Catechetical Lectures? The only special revelation man possesses today from God that was committed to the Apostles is the written Scriptures.

This was the belief and practice of the early Church. This principle was adhered to by the Reformers. They sought to restore it to the Church after doctrinal corruption had entered through the door of tradition.

The teaching of a separate body of apostolic revelation known as “Sacred Tradition” that is oral in nature originated not with the Christian Church but rather with Gnosticism. This was an attempt by the Gnostics to bolster their authority by asserting that the Scriptures were not sufficient. They stated that they possessed the fullness of Apostolic revelation because they not only had the written revelation of the Apostles in the Scriptures but also their oral tradition, and additionally, the key for interpreting and understanding that revelation.

Just as the Early Church Fathers repudiated that teaching and claim by an exclusive reliance upon and appeal to the written Scriptures, so must we.

Traditions of Man

The Bible is for tradition where it is consistent with biblical revelation and supports the teachings of the apostles (2 Thess. 2:15). However, it is against tradition when it transgresses the commands of God (Matt. 15:3). By Jesus’ own words, tradition is not to transgress (Greek: parabainó), to go by the side of, to go past, overstep, or violate the commands of God. In other words, it should be in harmony with biblical teaching and not oppose it in any way.

Even though the Roman Catholic Church officially states that Sacred Tradition should not contradict Scripture, Protestants see much of the teaching from this Sacred Tradition as doing just that. It is not sufficient for Roman Catholics to claim that their church is the true church, that they have the apostolic tradition, that they hold the keys to the truth, and that they have doctrines consistent with biblical revelation. Similarly, it is not enough for Protestants to judge Roman Catholic doctrines simply because they are Roman Catholic and derived from Sacred Tradition.

I don’t believe it’s sufficient to simply claim that Sacred Tradition is equivalent to Scripture based upon the decree of the Roman Catholic Magisterium. Like any spiritual teaching, I must compare it to the Bible. Jesus' own words in Matt. 15:3 support the idea of subjecting the teachings of Sacred Tradition to the pruning of God's word. In other words, do the teachings of the Roman Catholic church that are derived through tradition transgress, go by the side of, go past, overstep, or violate the commands of God? Roman Catholics will argue that they don't.

It is worth noting that in Matthew 15:1-6, Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees for not understanding God's word. They were appealing to the traditions of the elders who had passed down oral and written traditions. Jesus, on the other hand, exposed their error by citing scripture. Please take note of what He said in Matt. 15:1-9.

Matthew 15:1-9 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— 6 then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

This passage highlights that the tradition of the religious leaders was subject to the Word of God. Are the religious leaders of the Roman Catholic Church exempt from subjection to the Word of God? And likewise, is their Sacred Tradition also exempt? No one should be exempt from this.

Where the Protestants would interpret Tradition in light of Scripture, it seems that the Roman Catholic Church does the opposite. Consider the following, “The Second Vatican Council indicates three criteria for interpreting Scripture in accordance with the Spirit who inspired it. 1. Be especially attentive to the content and unity of the whole Scripture.’. . . 2. Read the Scripture within the living Tradition of the whole Church.’ … 3. Be attentive to the analogy of faith.” (Par. 111, 112, 13, 114).

I believe that number 2 is the main concern. What does it mean to read Scripture “within the living Tradition of the whole Church?” If Scripture is “within the living Tradition,” then Tradition encompasses Scripture. In other words, it is the tradition of the Church that interprets Scripture. This is in contradiction to the Word of God spoken by Jesus in Matt. 15:1-6.

Some object and say that the Pharisees didn’t have apostolic authority and succession that was ordained by the apostles as does the Roman Catholic Church and, therefore, Matt. 15:1-6 cannot be used to nullify Sacred Tradition.

The issue in Matt. 15:1-6 is not about a succession of authority, but about the traditions of men being used in opposition to the truth of the Word of God. The Pharisees were interpreting the Word of God through their sacred tradition, while Jesus used the Word of God to judge their traditions. Similarly, the apostles continually encouraged their followers to compare their teachings to the Scripture (Acts 17:11), emphasizing that even their teachings were subject to the authority of God's Word. No doctrine should contradict biblical revelation, and the Sacred Word of God is the final authority in all spiritual matters. The Roman Catholic Church’s position and teachings based on Sacred Tradition are no different. They must also be compared to Scripture.

Other Examples

Mark 2:23-28 On the Sabbath He was going through the grainfields, and His disciples began to make their way picking some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25 He said to them, “Have you never read what David and those who were with him did when he was in need and hungry— 26 how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the sacred bread—which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests—and also gave some to his companions?” 27 Then He told them, “The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Mark 7:1-9 The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Him. 2 They observed that some of His disciples were eating their bread with unclean—that is, unwashed—hands. 3 (For the Pharisees, in fact all the Jews, will not eat unless they wash their hands ritually, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they have washed. And there are many other customs they have received and keep, like the washing of cups, jugs, copper utensils, and dining couches.) 5 Then the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why don’t Your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders, instead of eating bread with ritually unclean hands?” 6 He answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men.

8 Disregarding the command of God, you keep the tradition of men.” 9 He also said to them, “You completely invalidate God’s command in order to maintain your tradition!”

Mark 7:13 “You revoke God’s word by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many other similar things.”

Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 20:29-31 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 And men will rise up from your own number with deviant doctrines to lure the disciples into following them. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I did not stop warning each one of you with tears.

Galatians 1:13-14 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.

Colossians 2:8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ.

Colossians 2:20-23 If you died with the Messiah to the elemental forces of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: 21 “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”? 22 All these regulations refer to what is destroyed by being used up; they are commands and doctrines of men. 23 Although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.

Titus 1:13-14 This testimony is true. So, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith 14 and may not pay attention to Jewish myths and the commands of men who reject the truth.

Hebrews 13:9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.

Problems with “Sacred Tradition”

Roman Catholicism's “Sacred Traditions” and dogmas have evolved over time. If it was passed by apostolic succession then there shouldn’t be change or new development of practices. If you accept new “Sacred Traditions” then it’s not really a sacred tradition as it is a new revelation.

The list below is not extensive and the dates are in many cases approximate. Many of these unbiblical practices had been current in the Church years before, but only when they were officially adopted by a Church council and proclaimed by the pope as dogma of faith, did they become binding on Roman Catholics.

Nevertheless, if the Roman Catholic Church is the true church, did the earliest Christians teach the following?

1. Prayers for the dead and the sign of the Cross. - year 310

1. The practice of praying for the dead has continued to evolve over time in the Roman Catholic Church, taking various forms such as the offering of Mass for the dead, the recitation of the Rosary for the dead, the visitation of cemeteries, etc.

2. Veneration of angels and dead saints - year 375

1. During the Middle Ages, the veneration of saints and angels became more widespread and institutionalized. The Church began to canonize saints, which is the act of declaring that a deceased person is in heaven, and thus worthy of public veneration, and this process became more formalized over time.

3. The doctrine of Purgatory was first established by Gregory the Great - year 593

1. The Roman Catholic Church officially defined the doctrine of purgatory at the Councils of Florence and Trent in the 15th and 16th century respectively. The Council of Florence (1439–1445) defined that the souls in purgatory are helped by the prayers of the living, and the Council of Trent (1545–1563) affirmed the existence of purgatory and the efficacy of indulgences in helping the souls in purgatory.

4. The Latin language, as the language of prayer and worship in churches, was also imposed by Pope Gregory I - year 600

1. During the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), the Roman Catholic Church decided to allow for the use of vernacular languages (languages spoken by the people)

5. Prayers directed to Mary, or to dead saints - year 600

6. The title of pope or universal bishop, was first given to the bishop of Rome by the emperor Phocas. - year 610

1. This he did to spite Bishop Ciriacus of Constantinople, who had justly excommunicated him for having caused the assassination of his predecessor emperor Mauritius. Gregory 1, then bishop of Rome, refused the title, but his successor, Boniface III, first assumed the title "pope."

7. Veneration of the cross, images and relics (CCC 1674) - year 788

8. Holy Water - year 850

9. Veneration of St. Joseph - year 890

10. Canonization of dead saints, first by Pope John XV - year 995

11. Fasting on Fridays and during Lent (some authorities say, began in the year 700) - year 998

12. The celibacy of the priesthood was decreed by Pope Hildebrand, Boniface VII - year 1079

13. Rosary beads were introduced by Peter the Hermit - year 1090

14. The sale of Indulgences, commonly regarded as a purchase of forgiveness and a permit to indulge in sin  (CCC 1471, 1478, 1498, 1472) - year 1190

15. The dogma of Transubstantiation was decreed by Pope Innocent III - year 1215

16. Confession of sin to the priest at least once a year was instituted by Pope Innocent III., in the Lateran Council - year 1215

17. The Roman Catholic Church is necessary for salvation (CCC 846) - year 1215

1. Also known as extra Ecclesiam nulla salus

18. Scapulars - between 1201-1300

19. Pope Boniface VIII taught that all must submit themselves to the authority of the pope to be saved. - year 1302

20. The doctrine of 7 Sacraments affirmed (CCC 1113) - year 1439

21. The Council of Trent declared that Tradition is of equal authority with the Bible - year 1545

22. The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX - year 1854

23. Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of Papal Infallibility (CCC 2035) - year 1870

24. Pope Pius XII proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - year 1950

25. The full benefit of salvation is only through the Roman Catholic Church (Vatican 2, Decree on Ecumenism, 3) - year 1964

26. Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture forming one sacred deposit - 1965

1. Dei verbum, the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, was promulgated by Pope Paul VI

27. Penance is necessary for salvation (CCC 980) - between 1962-1965

1. Following Vatican II, the church began to emphasize penance as a process of reconciliation as a means of obtaining pardon from God.

20. Only the Roman Catholic Church has the authority to interpret Scripture (CCC 100) - year ?

1. According to the 1992 Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church, the task of interpretation is vested uniquely in the Pope and the bishops, though the concept has a complex history of development.

2. Can be traced back to the writings of the Church Fathers in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, but the formalization and definition of the doctrine of the Magisterium, as we know it today, developed over time. It was defined and affirmed by the Councils of the Church, especially in the Council of Trent (1545-1563) and Vatican Council I (1869-1870).

21. Grace can be merited (CCC 2010, 2027) - year ?

22. Grace is something infused into the soul (CCC 1999, 2023) - year ?

23. The Mass is a re-sacrifice of Christ can be applied to the dead (CCC 1366, 1367,1414) - year ?

1. This belief was further developed and formalized in the Middle Ages, especially by the theologians such as Thomas Aquinas.

24. The merit of Mary and the Saints can be applied to others (CCC 1477) - year ? 

1. The doctrine of the Communion of Saints was further developed and formalized in the Middle Ages, and it was affirmed by the Council of Trent (1545-1563).

25. The Roman Catholic Church is the one true church (CCC 2105) - year ?

1. The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek word "katholikos," which means "universal." In the context of Christianity, "Catholic" is used to refer to the universal Church, which is the body of believers in Jesus Christ throughout the world. Protestants would agree with the original definition since we believe that the one Church is the corporate body of all believers rather than a specific institution. But, the concept of the Roman Catholic Church as the one true Church was further developed and formalized in the Middle Ages, and it was affirmed by the Council of Florence in 1438-1445.

Sacred Traditions: Mary

Mary has been exalted to an extremely high position in the Roman Catholic Church. But, what Roman Catholicism teaches concerning her is not found in God’s inspired word. Instead, Roman Catholicism claims that through its authority to interpret scripture and tradition, it is then revealed many new truths not found in God’s inspired word. Following is a list of some of the things taught about Mary in the Roman Catholic Church. As you read them, ask yourself if any of these are found in Scripture.

• Mary is the all holy one (CCC 2677)

• Mary is second to Eve (Mystici Corpois Christ, par. 110)

• Mary is prayed to (CCC 2679)

• Mary sits at the right hand of Christ (Pope Pius X, 1835-1914, Ad Diem Illum Laetissimum, 14)

• Mary is Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix (CCC 969)

• A movement to declare a fifth Marian dogma for "Mediatrix" and "Co-Redemptrix" was underway in the 1990s, but had been opposed by the bishops at Vatican II and has faced strong opposition since.

• Mary is the mother of the members of Christ (CCC 963)

• Mary Queen over all things (CCC 966)

• Mary brings eternal life by her intercession (CCC 969)

• Mary helped make atonement for sins (Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, Ott, page 213)

• Mary crushed the head of the serpent (Pope Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus)

• Mary delivers souls from death (CCC 966).

• When considering the Church, there is no better way than to look to Mary, (CCC 972).

• Roman Catholics entrust themselves to Mary’s prayer (CCC 2677).

• No man goeth to Christ but by His Mother,” (Vatican Website: Encyclical of Pope Leo 13th on the Rosary, Octobri Mense, Pope Leo 13th, 1903-1914).

Brief Conclusion

I’m not denying the importance of certain traditions or secondary authorities such as teachers, preachers, church councils, and experience, but none of these dynamics are co-authoritative with the rule of Scripture. All secondary authority should be subject to scripture.

Sola Scriptura is not about the Bible being the only authority but the Bible being the only infallible authority in all matters concerning the church. All truth necessary for one’s salvation and Christian life is taught explicitly or implicitly in Scripture.

Scripture provides us with certainty of what has been taught, is sufficient truth for belief, is used for correction, and is God-breathed. It serves as a reminder of the truth, is the word of truth, and it exhorts us. It declares the true grace of God, serves as an antidote to false teachings, and is written so that our joy may be complete, to prevent sin, and to know we have eternal life. It is useful for instruction, conviction, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

God's words are perfect because He is perfect but we are never told that tradition or man is perfect (infallible). In fact we see many instances where Jesus was correcting unwritten oral traditions by the most religious people, the Pharisees. But, with Scripture, the word of truth, we can verify and compare teachings in order to know what God actually desires for his people.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

As I’ve demonstrated, the passages that Roman Catholics use to support “Sacred Tradition” do not not in fact support their claims. The Roman Catholic Church’s “Sacred Traditions” and dogmas have developed over time and do not accurately display what the early church taught. The only way we can accurately know and follow the teachings of Christ and the apostles is by using scripture. 

As believers, I believe we should strive to know and trust the Bible as God’s Word and hold it as the supreme infallible authority that God has given to us on earth. No other authority is infallible but must be compared and subjected to what God has given us, His God breathed word.