You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!

Sola Scriptura ... Scripture Alone

Is God's truth preeminent in our lives as Christians?

Jesus said, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17) It's is God's Word that nourishes us (Deut 8:3; Luke 4:4). It is God's Word that God has breathed in order to mold us and shape us, albeit painfully at times, to make us equipped for the work He has for us. (2 Tim 3:16-17).

Most Christians & churches would heartily endorse the priority of Scripture, but far too many of both subjugate the Scriptures to the following:

1. Tradition
   
2. Culture
3. Preferences
4. Experience

Sadly, the practical outworking of the lives of Christians and churches comprised of such Christians reflects not an attitude of Sola Scriptura governing our traditions, cultural expressions, preferences, and interpreting our experiences.

If there is going to be serious reform in the body of Christ, it has to start with Sola Scriptura.

Semper Reformanda ... Always Reforming ...

BUT reforming to what end? What is the goal?

That which dictates the reform necessary for a Christians and/or a church is Scripture. That which defines the goal to which we are reforming is Scripture.

But, can we handle the truth? First, we must know & properly understand it. Second, by God's grace we must humbly submit to it (i.e., to Him).

When your tradition conflicts with Scripture, change the tradition.

When your culture conflicts with Scripture, be counter-cultural.

When your preferences conflict with Scripture, change your preferences.

When your experience conflicts with Scripture, question the experience.

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THESIS ONE: Sola Scriptura
We reaffirm the inerrant Scripture to be the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.

We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian’s conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation. -- The Cambridge Declaration