Sola Scriptura

"Sola Scriptura," a Latin term meaning "Scripture alone," is a foundational principle of the Reformation that emphasizes the Bible as the sole infallible authority for Christian faith and practice. The doctrine asserts that all teachings necessary for salvation and spiritual life are contained within Scripture, which is viewed as God’s inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This view contrasts with traditions or teachings that place church authority or church tradition on equal footing with Scripture.Biblical references supporting the concept of Sola Scriptura include passages like Matthew 4:4, where Jesus responds to temptation by citing the authority of God's word, and Acts 17:11, which commends the Bereans for examining the Scriptures to verify teachings. Additionally, Psalm 119:105 illustrates the guiding role of Scripture: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Reformation leaders, such as Martin Luther, emphasized that Scripture is sufficient for understanding God's will, thereby rejecting any reliance on human traditions that could lead to error or corruption in the faith.

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