Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Part 1 of 3 (R.C. Sproul)

[foreverinchrist1]

Why does anyone have a problem with Scripture Alone?

[RPenta]

Think about this: for Protestantism to be true you have to accept that Jesus left no men on earth with spiritual authority over other believers who could then PASS that authority onto others-why is that important? So we know has the right to be in authority in the Church and who is just self appointed or appointed by the local congregation.

[oceanistoosmall]

@RPenta what more do you need than the bible?

[RPenta]

@oceanistoosmall What a naive question based upon history; what we all need: an authoritative living church with valid ministers to teach the authentic doctrines of Jesus based upon the Bible and Sacred Tradition.

[oceanistoosmall]

@RPenta we are all under one church! that is body of christ! and what ministers you are talking about? some infallible pope having all powers to change whatever he wants to? eg 10 commandments! And how naively they hold traditions which clearly contradicts the God breathed Scriptures! Not once Jesus spoke well about traditions and read Matthew 15:1-20

[RPenta]

@oceanistoosmall This is just the same old Protestant line for the last 500 years-of course, before that you were not around. The Body of Christ I guess has no visible head?

When you get a spare copy of the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, let me know.

[oceanistoosmall]

@RPenta well only if u were welling to listen it would have done some justice! not past 500 years, from the times of OT sola scriptura has been the norm, and when pharisees hypocritically tarnished the scriptures by their own traditions Jesus condemned it! And your statement was a blasphemy! You are partially right, head is not visible! The head of the church is the Christ not some phonies killing millions of protestants, so called church of God! Spare keys? no prob i have a spare bible for ya!

[thrufaithalone]

@RPenta If you have the Authority of God's Word, you have no need of an "authoritative church" - perhaps you should be asking why your church is so afraid of Sola Scriptura.

[RPenta]

@thrufaithalone If you look at the history of heresies you will see why "Sola Scriptura" is a scary doctrine; Jesus never taught Sola Scriptura, neither did the Apostles-it was an 16th century invention by Martin Luther. Protestants can't even agree over the nature of salvation e g Calvin vs. Arminius.

[thrufaithalone]

@RPenta To the contrary, and has already been pointed out - Jesus condemned the scribes and pharisees for their traditions. And please stay on topic.

[mjacobson73]

Luther needed to be convinced by sacred scripture? BUT WHY WHY WHY WHY did he add the word "alone" if scripture was sufficient? Why did he take so many books away from thh gospels for sooo long...if the scriptures where sufficient?

[MRGV7373]

Which traditions came down from the apostles and which did not? No one know after 2000 years. That is why tradition get difficult to believe and to decide what should be taught as Christian tradition. Tradition has a valid place but it is open to wide interpretation. Tradition sourcing is very difficult to find and explain. Scripture is more concise a nd agree upon.

[KnowTheBible559]

Where does the bible say that it itself is the only authority?

[WayOfTheMaster454]

@KnowTheBible559 --nowhere!!!

[alonzojos]

CCC 86 "Yet this Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant. It teaches only what has been handed on to it. At the divine command and with the help of the Holy Spirit, it listens to this devotedly, guards it with dedication and expounds it faithfully. All that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed is drawn from this single deposit of faith."

[alonzojos]

Bible Alone, wich interpretation? Somebody has to be in error, everybody claims the Holy Spirit, if you study the Catholic and the Orthodox Church is really far from the protestant views, cause the Orthodox and Catholic was one Church look what they teach about the Sacraments really far from the protestant opinion, remenber even if you believed or not, the Truth is the Truth, Jesus and the Church are One, col 1:18

[alonzojos]

Not everything that Jesus said was put in the reading tradition (the Bible) you dont believed me read John 21:25 thats why we have oral tradition 2 thes 2:15 suports oral tradition yes the teaching of the apostles wich Sola scritura doesnt accept, thats why we have more than 30,000 Christian groups claiming sola scriptura, some denied the Holy Spirit some baptism some even Christ, Sola scriptura what a lie, very convinien to justified anything with theyr own interpretation Jesus founded a Church

[johnthreesixteen316]

The sola scriptura debate is a moot one. Why, because everything we need to know regarding our salvation is contained within the Bible. The Bible alone is sufficient. No other texts, references or traditions of men is needed. 2 Timothy 3:15.....”And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

[delotrolado1]

2 Timothy 3:15. the new testament wasnt writen yet at the time of this passages only the old, and it was the LXX the septuagint wich contains books that you dont have, sola scriptura sounds good but is imposible it falls apart is not biblical is a lie......

2 thess 2:15

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

you see sola scriptura is a lie, it sounds good but is always where ever your interpretation is not sola

[scooner67]

@delotrolado1 You've just invalidated your own position by quoting this scripture....it reads 15So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by WORD OF MOUTH or by LETTER from US

Who is the us??? The Apostles had authority to teach both orally and by the pen...and what they taught was infallible...sola scriptura still stands becuase what they taught orally and in letter was scripture while they lived

[delotrolado1]

2 Timothy 3:15. the new testament wasnt writen yet at the time of this passages only the old, and it was the LXX the septuagint wich contains books that you dont have, sola scriptura sounds good but is imposible it falls apart is not biblical is a lie......

2 thess 2:15

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

you see sola scriptura is a lie, it sounds good but is always where ever your interpretation is not sola

[delotrolado1]

@johnthreesixteen316 2 Timothy 3:15. the new testament wasnt writen yet at the time of this passages only the old, and it was the LXX the septuagint wich contains books that you dont have, sola scriptura sounds good but is imposible it falls apart is not biblic

2 thess 2:15

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

you see sola scriptura is a lie, it sounds good but is always where ever your interpretation is not sola

[Dystopiologist]

Nice try.

.

Unfortunately, the Bible ITSELF comes from "Tradition" - a Church Council, in fact!

.

I can't wait for part II...

[ericktiu]

If sola scriptura alone is authority itself,

then there's no need for this word "...And whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

[the13thof12]

Jesus promised us division didn't he?

[LLroomtempJ]

i can do the same thing! john 17:17 "Sanctify them in TRUTH thy WORD o Lord is TRUTH".

the church is the pillar and foundation of truth because our doctrine has its foundation in scripture. Man is fallible. Popes and councils can err...however, matt 5:18 "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."

[ericktiu]

Yes man can err.

But historically it is the Church (Catholic Church, the only Christian Church before 16th century) who selected which books to be included in the Bible under the reign of Pope Damasus I & together with the bishops(many men) in the 4th century.

And in the 16th century, Luther(one man) removed books in the O.T. & four books in the N.T. but was convinced to put the four books back.

Then the Church is divided & divided & divided upto this day coz of sola scriptura.

[ericktiu]

The Bible says "the CHURCH is the pillar and foundation of TRUTH".

[LLroomtempJ]

way to twist scripture.

[ericktiu]

1 Timothy 3:15 "..the CHURCH is the pillar and foundation of TRUTH".

[Ilovemichellefabbro]

How do you know that is the catholic church being referred to?

[TheBlackPhantom454]

We were the only church for 1500 years; who else was there to refer to?

[HermitintheRain]

@TheBlackPhantom454 Rome was not the only church for 1500 years. Rome was a political entity in league with the Roman Empire. The church is the body of believers throughout the world. From Jerusalem to Ethiopia to Europe to Asia and to places in between, the Lord's true church has been present everywhere he has sent his apostles and evangelists to preach the gospel and build congregations where it was received.

[delotrolado1]

@HermitintheRain if you look all those Churches that you talk are Catholic # f Alexandrian liturgical tradition: * Coptic Catholic Church * Ethiopic Catholic Church Maronite Church * Syrian Catholic Church * Syro-Malankara Catholic Church * Armenian Catholic Church * Albanian Byzantine Catholic Church * Belarusian Greek Catholic Church* Bulgarian Greek Catholic Church * Byzantine Church of the Eparchy of Križevci Greek Byzantine

[delotrolado1]

# Italo-Albanian Catholic Church

# Macedonian Greek Catholic Church

# Melkite Greek Catholic Church

# Romanian Church United with Rome, Greek-Catholic

# Russian Byzantine Catholic Church

# Ruthenian Catholic Church

# Slovak Greek Catholic Church

[NY1054Cool]

@TheBlackPhantom454 Eastern Orthodox claims that for itself as well. Who are we to believe ? RCC or Eastern Orthodox ? Since 1054ad the church has been split and not one as claimed there by you.

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu That is a complete fabrication and twisting of Scripture out of context to the whole of Scripture. Jesus Christ is the Truth. Jesus Christ is the Word. Jesus Christ is the only Bishop and Shepherd of the church. The pope is not the vicar of Christ. Just as Jesus condemned the Pharisees for making their traditions to be equal with the commandment of God, so does the Catholic church follow in the same steps. The commandment of God is the only authority.

[ericktiu]

@HermitintheRain @HermitintheRain @HermitintheRain Christ is the WAY, the TRUTH & the LIFE., truly! but it doesn't mean that it takes away from HIM of HIM being the TRUTH what is written in the HOLY SCRIPTURE in 1 Tim 3:15 that "..the CHURCH is the pillar & foundation of TRUTH" mean that the source of the CHURCH being the pillar & foundation of TRUTH comes from CHRIST.

[ericktiu]

@ericktiu It also written in Acts 1:20 "For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, & let no man dwell therein: & his bishoprick let another take." Phil. 1:1 "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus w/c are at Philippi, w/ the bishops and deacons".

[ericktiu]

Christ designed His Church with a shepherd when gave Simon whom name Peter in Mathew 16, and in John 21 when Christ said to Simon Peter "Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep". Pope (also a bishop)is a title given to the shepherd of universal Church. Christ gave authority to the apostles and bishops.

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu Jesus Christ alone is the Shepherd of his church. When Jesus told Peter that upon this rock he would found his church-he was not speaking of Peter being that rock, but upon the confession which he made-that being that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. the only Bishop that is head over all the universal church is Jesus Christ alone. of those elders Christ has put over various congregations; none of them are given any preeminence over another.

[ericktiu]

@HermitintheRain In the Bible, Jesus Christ being the Shepherd of His Catholic Church still made Simon Peter a shepherd. Christ is the Rock, but still Christ made Simon and named him Peter/Cephas and He was talking to Peter directly bcoz Christ responded to Simon Peter. Like any nation or religion or fellowship, w/out someone in physical form to lead & decide will not work as one. A house w/out parent/s or someone in physical authority what will happen to the child/ren?

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu the priestcraft of the pope was something later created, and has nothing whatsoever to do with what was taught by the apostles or the Lord Jesus. it has no evidence either in any of the early Christian churches anywhere. if anything this priestcraft was a heresy that was most likely created by the works of those known as the Nicolaitans, whom the Lord in Revelation revealed that he hated. there is nothing of the government of the NT church that matches such practices found in the RCC.

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu even a careful study of the progressive history, and gradual induction of various pagan traditions and practices can be traced through the various successions of popes; who had no regard for Biblical truth whatsoever. the popes though they gave lip service to the authority of Scripture-so long as they could make it to support their traditions; have always in truth made Scripture to be subordinate to their various traditions-doing exactly as the Lord accused the Pharisees.

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. .. Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. Mark 7:9, 13

[ericktiu]

@HermitintheRain "Therefore brothers, stand FIRM and hold fast to the TRADITIONS THAT YOU WERE TAUGHT, either by an ORAL statement or by a LETTER of OURS."(2 Thessalonians 2:15).

There was no New Testament at this time. Paul wrote to the Churches that he established to correct their teaching and actions. The Gospel at this time was passed on by word of mouth, and these traditions (the Eucharist, songs, prayers, Sunday worship, etc) were passed on by the Apostles and their successors.

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu the pope and his cardinals are not those successors. the whole of the RCC system is anathema to the gospel of Jesus Christ as given to us by the apostles, just as Paul warned in his opening letter to the Galatians. the RCC system today is akin to the system of the Sadduccees, who claiming to hold the seat of Moses in their day, held nothing in their traditions that honored anything written and commanded through Moses. So it is with the RCC with regard to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[ericktiu]

@HermitintheRain

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu and sadly, the same must also be said of many Protestant churches. It is rare in this day to find a church that is faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ. it is no wonder the Lord asks the question: "..Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8b, which I believe to be a subtle reference to Isaiah 63:3-5. Why should he ask such a question? we are giving a sad example in the nation of Israel and Judah through the words of the prophets.

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu we are shown an example of what is the apostacy that would be to the last day. in the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah we are made to witness in history the reality of apostacy, in detail, the effect and the consequences of it. we see a people who are lied to by the prophets, robbed by the priests, and to make matters worse, the people love to have it so. when we look around here today, if we are honest and discerning, we will see the same thing. we see the gospel being perverted.

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu we have witnessed throughout history, by both RCC and Protestant churches, the fleecing of the people; and a people more than happy to oblige such practices; so long as they can go on in their merry way, enjoying their own sinful ways; with the confirmation and affirmation of lying pastors and covetous elders who will give them all they want for a price-even sweet lies that sound like biblical truth.

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu what was the result of Israel's and Judah's apostacy? they were lead captive into Babylon. today, the apostacy has the same result. except Babylon has moved into every apostate church-be it RCC or Protestant. thus we see the wisdom of the Lord in Revelation in revealing to his faithful saints who is Babylon, and to come out of her, wherever she may be found. the letter to the 7 churches reveals this too, but none more clearly than the letter to Thyatira where Jezebel lived and preached

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu in all of these apostate churches is the clear evidence, to those with eyes to see and ears to hear, the presence of Balaam, Jezebel, Hananiah, Korah, Cain, Diotrephes, and all other enemies of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ who have made every effort to compromise, kill, deceive, and usurp the clear teaching, proclamation, hope and power of the gospel of God. but the result always has been to only reveal them for who they are; for as the Lord reveals in his word:

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. Prov 21:30

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu when men approach the word of God; many will deny it; many will revile it; many will even attempt to change what it is saying. but all such responses will in no way change the word of God-its wisdom, its understanding, its truth. for the word of God is that Rock which no hammer can effect, no chisel can alter its shape, no fire can destroy it. it is that Rock upon which either, as the Lord Jesus says himself:

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. Matt 21:44

everyday, even every moment, the child of God, the true disciple of Jesus Christ, must seek the Lord that his word would break him as the foolish clay that he is, and reshape him by his word, according to his word; to teach him as he elsewhere says:

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu for everyone that approaches the word of God-that stone-a simple, ongoing question needs to be asked every time: am i being broken, or is it grinding me to powder? do i know the difference? do you know the sweetness of that prayer which is offered by a broken and contrite heart? do you know the weaping that endures for a night but is regularly renewed in the morning with joy and praise? have you experienced Jeremiah's praise when he said:

[HermitintheRain]

@ericktiu It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:22-24

many other such passages tell a similar testimony. the closing prayer in Habakkuk is another instance.

[jphilapy]

Is there anyway for me to download the Sola Scriptura videos?

Jeff