Scripture as the Final Arbiter in Theological Disputes
The concept of Scripture as the final arbiter in theological disputes is rooted in the belief that the Bible is "God-breathed" and therefore authoritative for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness [3, 4]. This divine inspiration means that the Scriptures are considered the "word of God" and the "word of truth" [1].
Throughout Christian history, various traditions have affirmed the Bible's ultimate authority. For instance, the apostle John is described as sanctioning the Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them [1]. The Old Testament also highlights this principle, as seen in Ezekiel 44:24, which states that in controversy, judges "shall stand to judge; according to my ordinances shall they judge it" [2]. John Gill interprets this passage as indicating that disputes, whether concerning civil matters or doctrines, worship, or discipline, should be brought before the church, with ministers presiding to give a definitive sentence based on God's word [7].
The Scriptures are seen as foreseeing and declaring God's will, with God himself being the author [6]. This perspective holds that the Bible "concluded all under sin," demonstrating humanity's fallen state [8]. Therefore, when disagreements arise, the word of God serves as the ultimate standard for resolution. Isaiah 2:4, for example, speaks of God judging between nations and delivering justice, implying that disputes are settled "by the word of God, to which all bow with willing submission" [9].
The authority of Scripture is also emphasized in the New Testament. Jesus himself urged people to "search the scriptures," indicating their importance as a record of eternal life and a testimony to Christ [10]. This view contrasts with traditions that might elevate other sources of authority above or alongside the Bible. The "canon of Scripture" refers to the collection of books recognized as the "original and authoritative written rule of the faith and practice of the Christian Church" [5]. This collection, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is understood to be the definitive guide for belief and conduct.
Sources
- 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”
- Ezekiel “In a controversy they shall stand to judge; according to my ordinances shall they judge it: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all my appointed feasts; and they shall make my Sabbaths holy. -- Ezekiel 44:24”
- 2 Timothy “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, -- 2 Timothy 3:16”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:16 (LITV) — Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Canon Of Scripture, The — may be generally described as the "collection of books which form the original and authoritative written rule of the faith and practice of the Christian Church," i.e. the Old and New Testaments. The word canon, in classical Greek, is properly a straight rod, "a rule" in the widest sense, and especially in the phrases "the rule of the Church," "the rule of faith," "the rule of truth," The first direct application of the term canon to the Scriptures seems to be in the verses of Amphilochius (cir. 380 A.D.), where the word indicates the rule by ”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 3:8: And the Scripture foreseeing,.... This seems to agree with the Jewish forms or citing passages of Scripture, , "what does the Scripture foresee?" and , (n) "what does the law foresee?" The Scripture here, by a "prosopopeia", is represented as foreseeing an event that would come to pass, and accordingly spoke of it before hand, and designs God the author of the Scripture; and so the Syriac version renders it, "for seeing" , "that God" foreknew, &c. and means either the Holy Spirit, who searches the deep things of God, is privy to all his counsels and decrees, and to ”
- Ezekiel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ezekiel 44:24: And in controversy they shall stand in judgment,.... When any controversy arises among the saints concerning civil things, this shall not be carried into a court of judicature, of the men of the world; but it shall be brought before the church, and there heard, tried, judged, and determined; the ministers of the word there presiding, who shall give the definitive sentence, and stand to it, and abide by it, Co1 6:1 and when any controversy arises about the doctrines of the Gospel, or modes of worship, or rules of discipline, they shall rise up, discuss the point, det”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 3:22: But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin,.... By the "Scripture" is meant, either the writing of the law in particular, the killing letter, or the whole Scripture, or God in it; and who by and in it has shown, declared, and proved, that all the individuals of human nature, Jews and Gentiles, and all that is in them, and done by them, are under the power and dominion of sin, defiled by it, and involved in the guilt of it; for it is not "all persons", but "all things", belonging to all persons; all the members of their bodies, and faculties of their souls; all ”
- Isaiah (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Isaiah 2:4: "And He will judge between the nations, and deliver justice to many peoples; and they forge their swords into coulters, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation lifts not up the sword against nation, neither do they exercise themselves in war any more." Since the nations betake themselves in this manner as pupils to the God of revelation and the word of His revelation, He becomes the supreme judge and umpire among them. If any dispute arise, it is no longer settled by the compulsory force of war, but by the word of God, to which all bow with willing submissio”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:39: Search the scriptures, &c.--"In the Scriptures ye find your charter of eternal life; go search them then, and you will find that I am the Great Burden of their testimony; yet ye will not come to Me for that life eternal which you profess to find there, and of which they tell you I am the appointed Dispenser." (Compare Act 17:11-12). How touching and gracious are these last words! Observe here (1) The honor which Christ gives to the Scriptures, as a record which all have a right and are bound to search--the reverse of which the Church of Rome teaches; (2)”