The phrase sola scriptura is from the Latin: sola having the idea of “alone,” “ground,” “base,” and the word scriptura meaning “writings”—referring to the Scriptures. Sola scriptura means that Scripture alone is authoritative for the faith and practice of the Christian. The Bible is complete, authoritative and true. Paul stated: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Here is the bottom line:
FIRST, Scripture is inspired. Here, Paul told us the source of Scripture. It comes from God (literally, it is God-breathed), and in its autographs it displays His perfection, being inerrant and absolutely reliable. No one can deny the greatness of the Bible; it is completely unique among all books ever written. The Bible is unique in its:
Continuity: It was written over 1,600 years; over 60 generations; by more than 40 authors; on 3 different continents; in different circumstances, places and times; in different moods; in 3 languages and concerning scores of controversial subjects, but it speaks with one united voice.
Circulation: It is the most published and popular book ever written—far and away; anything else is a distant, distant second.
Translation: It was the first book translated, and the Bible has been translated into more languages than any other book in existence.
Survival: It has survived the ravages of time, manual transcription, persecution and criticism.
Honesty: It deals with the sins and failures of its heroes in a way unknown to ancient literature.
Influence: The Bible has had, far and away, a greater influence on culture and literature than any other book in existence.
SECOND, Scripture is profitable. “Profitable” is a financial term, meaning “gain.” Profit may be derived from spending time with the Bible. The people of God are directed in the following way:
Profitable for Doctrine (teaching)—what is right. The word “doctrine” (didaskalia) occurs 21 times in the New Testament. It means, “teaching, instruction.”
Profitable for Reproof (conviction)—what is wrong. The word “reproof” (elegchos) occurs two times in the New Testament. It means, “a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested.”
Profitable for Correction (improvement)—how to get right. The word “correction” (epanorthōsis) occurs once in the New Testament. It means, “restoration to an upright or right state.”
Profitable for Instruction in Righteousness (training and discipline)—how to stay right. The word “instruction” (paideia) occurs six times in the New Testament. It means, “instruction which aims at increasing virtue.”
THIRD, Scripture equips. “Furnished” means, “to furnish perfectly, to finish, accomplish.” When we let the Bible guide our thinking, our minds are renewed and transformed (Romans 12:2), so we begin to actually think like God thinks. Paul began the chapter warning Timothy about dangerous times. Some Christians are swept away by perilous times and some others go into hiding. Neither option is right for us. We are to stand strong and stay on the Word of God.
