The Protestant Reformation’s cornerstone was the solas, five distinct principles that set Protestants apart from Catholics. These principles emphasized grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, and the glory of God alone. I firmly believe that these pillars of truth should be the foundation of every church and Christian today. Let’s explore why.
Scripture Alone
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” There is nothing that supplants the sufficient work of Scripture. It is the final rule for faith and practice. If you believe the Bible is God’s Word and contains every element for faith and practice, you must believe it’s sufficient for every need that arises in your life.
Too often Christians make such a claim that they believe every word of the Bible. Yet, when trials arise, situations they don’t like, it’s more evident that many don’t believe it’s sufficient alone. In fact, it’s too often I find myself struggling with this as well. Failure to understand that all things happen for a reason, purpose, and plan is failure to understand the sufficient merits of Scripture. Divorce, sickness, death, trouble at home or work, all of these fall under the guidelines of sufficiency. Let’s underscore 2 Timothy 3:16-17 with several key points.
It’s Profitable
Most of us understand the meaning of profit. And profit in business is always good. A business that’s not profitable isn’t going to be a business long. Then why do so many Christians not profit from in-depth, systematic, and often slow reading of text? I am not against a year-long reading Bible program, but I personally would rather slow read through a book or books of the Bible at a pace of absorption rather than just reading through certain points to finish.
I am a slow learner. I find it helpful to retain texts by rereading at very close intervals. For example, I am reading Lamentations of Jeremiah now, five long chapters. Usually, 1 chapter a day, make some margin notes, and then reread again. I will generally read through shorter books five times. I find it hard to retain information at times, but systematic, methodical reading helps. It’s profitable.
It’s Profitable For Teaching
The Scriptures are profitable for teaching others in church Bible study classes. And the pulpit ministry is a teaching, discipleship, and counseling ministry. Each week, the word of God should be exposited. Preaching and teaching in the local church is profitable as members grow and learn as they hear the word proclaimed.
It’s Profitable For Reproof
Reproof is the proving of something. The Scripture is profitable for proving what is true. Our traditions we may have accumulated in the church, although not heresy, just may not be biblical. The Scriptures prove what’s right. This also is applicable in our worldview; as we read and search the word of God, we prove what’s true and right.
It’s Profitable For Correction
I would be the first to admit, we don’t often like to be corrected. Pride is an ugly thing. However, Scripture is profitable to correct our wrong or misguided views. It’s profitable to correct wrong worship and wrong preaching. The Scriptures correct our misguided views on social life, personal time, and worship.
It’s Profitable For Training In Righteousness
Sunday school, preaching, discipleship, men, women, and children ministries. All the Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness. It’s profitable in marriages, how to be better leaders, how to lead a church and family. A lifelong training is essential. We don’t need books; we need the Scriptures.
The Result
So that we can all be equipped for good works. The correction and training is the process of our sanctification in life. A lifelong process of growing in the knowledge of God, just as Paul prayed for the Colossians. Oh that we would trust Scripture alone for faith and practice.