Just use your definition and run with that.
The scriptures are the final authority on matters of faith and morals...my definition :)
“Define “Sola Scriptura”
Norman Geisler
”By sola Scriptura orthodox Protestants mean that Scripture alone is the primary and absolute source of authority, the final court of appeal, for all doctrine and practice (faith and morals).”
Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 1, paragraph 6)., “The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men”.
The Scripture is sufficient and authoritative in and of itself for the revelation of all things necessary for salvation and an exposition of Christianity. Scripture alone is infallible and is superior to and judges all tradition, church history, ecumenical councils, or the authority of Church Fathers and theologians. This does not mean that Scripture is the only form by which God’s revelation of truth has come to His people and it does not necessarily mean that all truth is to be found in Scripture alone; the doctrine means that it applies to things necessary to man’s salvation and to all matters pertaining to faith and practice.
“Define “Sola Scriptura””
Sure. From another attack scripture thread today:
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Scripture Alone Disproves “Scripture Alone” (Sola Scriptura)
Monday, February 22, 2010 10:07:00 AM · 42 of 169
Mr Rogers to Pyro7480
Before critiquing Sola Scriptura, folks ought to learn what it MEANS!
“Well, we must begin by defining the doctrine under discussion this evening. And let me begin by defining what the doctrine of sola scriptura does not say.
First of all, it is not a claim that the Bible contains all knowledge. The Bible is not exhaustive in every detail. John 21:25 speaks to the fact that there are many things that Jesus said and did that are not recorded in John, or in fact in any book in the world because the whole books of the world could not contain it. But the Bible does not have to be exhaustive to function as the sole rule of faith for the Church. We do not need to know the color of Thomas’ eyes. We do not need to know the menu of each meal of the Apostolic band for the Scriptures to function as the sole rule of faith for the Church.
Secondly, it is not a denial of the Church’s authority to teach God’s truth. I Timothy 3:15 describes the Church as “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” The truth is in Jesus Christ and in His Word. The Church teaches truth and calls men to Christ and, in so doing, functions as the pillar and foundation thereof. The Church does not add revelation or rule over Scripture. The Church being the bride of Christ, listens to the Word of Christ, which is found in God-breathed Scripture.
Thirdly, it is not a denial that God’s Word has been spoken. Apostolic preaching was authoritative in and of itself. Yet, the Apostles proved their message from Scripture, as we see in Acts 17:2, and 18:28, and John commended those in Ephesus for testing those who claimed to be Apostles, Revelation 2:2. The Apostles were not afraid to demonstrate the consistency between their teaching and the Old Testament.
And, finally, sola scriptura is not a denial of the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and enlightening the Church.
What then is sola scriptura?
The doctrine of sola scriptura, simply stated, is that the Scriptures and the Scriptures alone are sufficient to function as the regula fide, the “rule of faith” for the Church. All that one must believe to be a Christian is found in Scripture and in no other source. That which is not found in Scripture is not binding upon the Christian conscience. To be more specific, I provide the following definition:
The Bible claims to be the sole and sufficient rule of faith for the Christian Church. The Scriptures are not in need of any supplement. Their authority comes from their nature as God-breathed revelation. Their authority is not dependent upon man, Church or council. The Scriptures are self-consistent, self-interpreting, and self-authenticating. The Christian Church looks at the Scriptures as the only and sufficient rule of faith and the Church is always subject to the Word, and is constantly reformed thereby.”
Full debate between James White and Patrick Madrid (both sides) available here:
http://vintage.aomin.org/SANTRAN.html
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