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Ensuring Consistency Between Non-Scriptural Examples and Sola Scriptura

The principle of sola Scriptura asserts that the Bible is the sole infallible rule of faith and practice for Christians [2, 4]. This doctrine, central to many Protestant traditions, maintains that while other sources of knowledge or tradition may be valuable, they must always be tested against and remain subordinate to the authority of Scripture [5]. The Bible itself is described as "given by inspiration of God" and "given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit," containing a "complete system of divine truths" to which nothing should be added or taken away [1, 2].

The concept of sola Scriptura does not necessarily mean that Christians cannot use non-scriptural examples or traditions. Instead, it establishes a framework for how such examples are to be evaluated and integrated into Christian thought and life. Non-scriptural examples, whether from church history, theological confessions, or personal experience, are considered valid insofar as they align with biblical teaching. They serve as aids to understanding, illustrations of truth, or applications of principles, but never as independent sources of doctrine or authority that can contradict or supersede Scripture [4, 7].

One way to ensure consistency is by treating Scripture as the ultimate "rule of faith and practice" [4]. John Gill, a Baptist commentator, explains that the Scriptures are the "standard and test, to which all are to be brought and tried" [4]. This means that any non-scriptural example or teaching must be measured against the biblical text. If a tradition or practice contradicts Scripture, it is to be rejected [9]. For instance, Gill argues against the idea that the Scriptures are imperfect, needing "unwritten traditions, and of enthusiastic revelations and inspirations" to complete them [2]. one tradition asserts that the Bible "contain[s] a complete system of divine truths" [2].

The Bible's authority is underscored by its divine origin. It is referred to as "the Word of God," "the Word of Christ," and "the Holy Scriptures" [1]. Christ himself sanctioned the Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them [1]. This divine origin implies that the Bible is inherently trustworthy and sufficient for guiding believers. Therefore, any non-scriptural example, no matter how venerable or widely accepted, cannot carry the same weight as the inspired Word of God [1, 2].

The process of "proving" or "testing" all things against Scripture is emphasized in various biblical passages. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV). The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on this verse suggests that this testing applies to "manifestations of 'the Spirit'" and "prophesyings," indicating that even spiritual experiences or claims of divine revelation must be scrutinized through the lens of Scripture [5]. They point to the example of the Bereans, who "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11, KJV), as a model for how believers should evaluate new teachings [5]. This principle extends to non-scriptural examples, requiring believers to discern their consistency with biblical truth.

Furthermore, the concept of "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Corinthians 2:13, KJV) offers guidance on how to interpret Scripture itself and, by extension, how to evaluate non-scriptural examples [6]. This involves understanding the Bible in light of its own internal coherence, allowing clearer passages to illuminate more obscure ones. When considering non-scriptural examples, this principle suggests that they should not only align with individual biblical verses but also with the broader theological themes and doctrines presented throughout Scripture [6]. For example, the "doctrine of justification by Christ's righteousness" can serve as a "rule of judgment concerning other things," meaning that other doctrines or practices are to be received or rejected based on their agreement or disagreement with this core truth [4].

The danger of "divers and strange doctrines" is a recurring theme in the New Testament [9]. The author of Hebrews warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9, KJV), emphasizing the importance of adhering to the consistent and unified "doctrine of the Scriptures" [9]. This warning applies not only to explicitly false teachings but also to non-scriptural examples that, while perhaps not overtly heretical, might subtly divert believers from biblical truth if not properly vetted. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, interprets the command to "keep this commandment without spot" (1 Timothy 6:14, KJV) as a directive to preserve the "whole doctrine of Christ" without adding to it, taking from it, or changing it [7]. This highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of biblical teaching against external influences.

In practice, ensuring consistency between non-scriptural examples and sola Scriptura involves a continuous process of discernment. This includes:

  1. Subordination: Recognizing that all non-scriptural examples, traditions, and interpretations are subordinate to the authority of Scripture [2, 4].
  2. Verification: Actively comparing non-scriptural examples with biblical texts to ensure alignment [5].
  3. Rejection of Contradictions: Discarding any non-scriptural example or teaching that directly contradicts biblical truth [9].
  4. Illumination, Not Supplementation: Using non-scriptural examples to illustrate, explain, or apply biblical principles, rather than to introduce new doctrines or practices not found in Scripture [2].

The goal is to confirm believers "in the doctrines of the Gospel" and fortify them against anything that would undermine biblical truth [3]. The "word of prophecy" (referring to the Old Testament Scriptures) is considered "more sure" than human testimonies, even those of eyewitnesses, underscoring the supreme reliability of the written Word [8]. This foundational principle guides how all other sources of knowledge and examples are to be understood and utilized within a Christian framework.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
  2. 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 13:8: For we know in part,.... Not that the Scriptures, the rule and measure of knowledge, and from whence spiritual knowledge is derived, are imperfect; so that there is need of unwritten traditions, and of enthusiastic revelations and inspirations, to inform of things otherwise unknown; for though they were at sundry times, and in divers manners delivered, yet now they contain a complete system of divine truths, to which nothing is to be added, and from which nothing is to be taken away; or that only a part of the saints know the things of God; for though there is ”
  3. Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 14:22: Confirming the souls of the disciples,.... Not wicked men in their wickedness, nor self-righteous persons in an opinion of their own righteousness, as sufficient for justification, both being contrary to the nature and tendency of the ministry of the word; the Gospel being a doctrine according to godliness, and a revelation of the righteousness of Christ; but the disciples and followers of Jesus, whom they had already made in those places, these they confirmed in the doctrines of the Gospel, and fortified them against the contradictions and blasphemies of the Jews, and”
  4. Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 3:15: Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained,.... Whatever degree of knowledge of Christ, and the truths of his Gospel, is attained to, let it be retained, and not departed from: let us walk by the same rule; either the doctrine of justification by Christ's righteousness in particular, which is a rule of judgment concerning other things; for so far as they agree or disagree with this, they are to be received or rejected; or the Scriptures of truth, which are the rule of faith and practice, and the standard and test, to which all are to be brought and tried: ”
  5. 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 5:21: Some of the oldest manuscripts insert "But." You ought indeed not to "quench" the manifestations of "the Spirit," nor "despise prophesyings"; "but," at the same time, do not take "all" as genuine which professes to be so; "prove (test) all" such manifestations. The means of testing them existed in the Church, in those who had the "discerning of spirits" (Co1 12:10; Co1 14:29; Jo1 4:1). Another sure test, which we also have, is, to try the professed revelation whether it accords with Scripture, as the noble Bereans did (Isa 8:20; Act 17:11; Gal”
  6. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
  7. 1 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Timothy 6:14: That thou keep this commandment without spot - Two things are mentioned here: 1. That the commandment itself - the whole doctrine of Christ, should be kept entire. 2. That his life should be agreeable to that doctrine. Keep it without spot - let there be no blot on the sacred book; add nothing to it; take nothing from it; change nothing in it. Deliver down to thy successors the truth as thou hast had it from God himself. Unrebukable - Let there be nothing in thy conduct or spirit contrary to this truth. Keep the truth, and the truth will keep thee. Until the appe”
  8. 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 1:19: Though this word of prophecy is generally understood of the writings and prophecies of the Old Testament concerning Christ, yet different ways are taken to fix the comparison: some think the sense is, that they are more sure than the cunningly devised fables, Pe2 1:16 but as these have no certainty nor authority in them, but are entirely to be rejected, the apostle would never put the sacred writings in comparison with them: and it is most clear, that the comparison lies between this word of prophecy, and the testimony of the apostles, who were eye and ear witnesses ”
  9. Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
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