Sola Scriptura means all things necessary for salvation and concerning faith and life are taught in the Bible clearly enough for the ordinary believer to find it there and understand (2 Timothy 3:12-4:5). It is sometimes contrasted with tradition. When the ancient fathers used the word tradition they meant the standard biblical interpretation among them. For instance, Basil, who is used more than any other church father to substantiate tradition, nonetheless states, “Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found in harmony with the Word of God, in that side will be cast the vote of truth.”
Many examples could be given of the adherence that church fathers had for Sola Scriptura. For example, Augustine states, “For Holy Scripture fixes the rule for our doctrine, lest we dare to be wiser than we ought.” Athanasius adds, “For indeed the holy and God-breathed Scriptures are self-sufficient for the preaching of the truth.” Lastly, Cyril of Jerusalem states, “The salvation in which we believe is not proved from clever reasoning, but from the Holy Scriptures.”
Psalm 138:2 proclaims, “For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Let us follow the example of many church fathers and make this powerful proclamation a part of our own lives.
Calvary Chapel of Richmond is a local fellowship of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and be conformed to His image by the power of the Holy Spirit through the continuous study and application of God's Word.
