Sola Scriptura Introduction Forerunners to the Reformation Martin Luther 4 Attributes of Scripture (S.C.A.N.) 1
Introduction Sola Scriptura ( Scripture alone ) Sola Fide ( faith alone ) Sola Gratia ( grace alone ) Solus Christus ( Christ alone ) Soli Deo Gloria ( to the glory of God alone ) 2
John Wycliffe (1320-1384) The Morningstar of the Reformation Oxford professor, scholar and theologian Produced 1 st English translation of the Bible Condemned as heretic 20 years after death 3
John Hus (1369-1415) Bohemian from what is now Czech Republic Hus literally means goose Follower of Wycliffe Believed the Bible should be allowed in native language Spoke out against indulgences Declared heretic and burned at the stake 4
Martin Luther (1483-1546) German professor of theology, composer, priest, monk Seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation Oct. 31, 1517, nailed his 95 Theses on church door in Wittenberg (Indulgences) 5
Romans 15:4 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.
2 Timothy 3 14-17 (NASB) 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
4 Attributes of Scripture S Sufficiency C Clarity A Authority N Necessity S.C.A.N. 6
Sufficiency Grudem: The idea that Scripture contained all the words of God he intended his people to have at each stage of redemptive history and that it now contains all the words of God we need for salvation, for trusting him perfectly, and for obeying him perfectly. 7
Psalm 19: 7-9 Sufficiency 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. 8
John 8: 43-47 (NASB) 43 Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.
Clarity Grudem: The idea that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who read it seeking God s help and are willing to follow it. 9
Hebrews 4:12-13 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. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Authority Grudem: The idea that all the words in Scripture are Gods words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God. 10
2 Peter 1:21 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Matthew 4: 1-11 (NASB) 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread. 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. 5 Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down, for it is written, He will command His angels concerning You, and On their hands they will bear You up, lest You strike your foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said to him, Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test. 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, All these I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me. 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. 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to Him.
Necessity Grudem: The idea that the Bible is necessary for knowing the gospel, for maintaining spiritual life, and for knowing God s will, but is not necessary for knowing that God exists or for knowing something about his character and moral laws. 11
Application Do you believe Scripture to be the authoritative word of God for your life? If so, do you know when you read or hear scripture, it s the voice of God and you are bound by it in all aspects of your life? 12