S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The statement "the Bible is our only rule for faith and practice" appears in many doctrinal statements. Sometimes, it takes a similar form, stating that the Bible is "the final authority," "the onl...

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October 06 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean that the Bible should be our sole authority for faith and practice?

Two scriptural points come to my mind as to why we should let the Scriptures be our sole authority in life:

1: 2 Timothy 3:16 -17 ESV: "Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work."

2: God is the Author of the Bible. He put his thoughts into the minds of the Bible writers. Through this unique book, God has revealed his will for us. He has also revealed facets of his personality, including his love, justice, and mercy.—Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 32:4.

Just think​—the apostle said that the Bible provides knowledge that can equip or enable us to do all that is good. It can help us see things from God's point of view. And we know that God's knowledge and wisdom are far above that of anyone else.

Note that God's Word enables us to be, not partially or incompletely, but "fully competent, completely equipped." It enables one to be certain about who God is, what his purposes are, and what he requires of his servants. This is to be expected from a book authored by God. And it is the only source we can search to get accurate knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:1-5; John 17:3) 

My second Scripture is found at John 17:3: ESV: "And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ."

In prayer to God, Jesus said: "This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3) 

What is involved in "coming to know" God and Jesus? We can get to know them by studying the Bible and applying its message in our lives. The Bible reveals the thinking of our Creator, Jehovah God, who is the Giver of life. (Acts 17:24, 25) 

The Bible also tells us about his Son, Jesus, who taught "sayings of everlasting life."​—John 6:​67-​69.

To help us come to know His Son, God lovingly included the four Gospels in His Word. The Gospels contain a historical account of the life and ministry of Jesus. That account tells us what Jesus said, shows us what he did, and reveals to us how he felt. These four books help us to "consider closely" the example of Jesus. (Heb. 12:3) In effect, they contain the footsteps that Jesus left behind. So, by examining the Gospels, we can come to know Jesus better. As a result, we can closely follow his steps.

We regularly eat food to stay alive. But Jesus said: "4 But he answered and said, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."'"

Today, we find God's words in the pages of the Bible. As you study that sacred book, you will learn vital truths about humanity's past, present, and future relationship with God.

The Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice; it is the ultimate, infallible guide for Christian belief and behaviour, superseding tradition, church councils, or personal opinion, because it is seen as God's inspired Word, demanding direct engagement from believers with the Holy Spirit's help for interpretation. This doctrine asserts Scripture alone provides sufficient truth for salvation and godly living.

The Bible contains everything an individual needs to know to be saved and to live a life pleasing to God. It is considered a complete guide that does not need to be supplemented by new revelations or extra-biblical traditions.

Like the "noble Bereans" in the Book of Acts, believers are encouraged to test every teaching they hear against the written Word of God to see if it is true.

6 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report