The phrase "Sola Scriptura", by Scripture alone, summarizes this theory, especially associated with Reformed Theologians, that the practices and beliefs of the church should be grounded in Scripture. Nothing that could not be demonstrated in Scripture could be regarded as binding upon the believer eg the doctrine of the immaculate conception of Mary (ie the belief that Mary, as the mother of Jesus, was conceived without any taint from sin). The Reformed theologians regarded this as lacking any biblical warrant, and thus discarded it.
We believe the Bible is without errors, inerrant,"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?" (2 Samuel 22: 31-32).Prophecy fulfilled is one of the most important verifications of the Holy Scriptures being the word of God.
How does this affect my understanding of the Word?
We see this fulfillment of the prophecy in Jesus Christ whose name can only be found in the New Testament which we now know, is the Lord in the Old Testament.
I need faith in reading the Word of God, I need faith in Jesus to believe all that is written in the Bible. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Rom 10:17). The central theme of the Bible is Jesus Christ who forgives us when we surrender our lives to Him, redeem us from eternal damnation and give us eternal life. Without faith, the Bible is like any other story book. Without faith, I will not comprehend the depth and essence of the Word of God...for the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb 4:12-13).
Friday, March 12, 2010
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