Does this verse disprove Sola Scriptura?

[Adoniram]

By the way, I just read that several Lutherun churches and one Anglican church have now ordained practising homosexual ministers. Do they think this is scripturally based, or is it one of their "oral tradition" based concepts? Hmmmmm...

 

[Carlos Vigil]

Then tell me, when Paul said to preserve the traditions passed down from him, what traditions is he exactly refering to? What exactly were his words to them?

by reading all of 2 Thess. 2: these themes stand out;...1) the mass apostacy has not yet occured. v:3 ( that is ;abandoning the DIDACHE, the teachings of the apostles)...the heart of NC TRADITION was What the Apostles had, what they did, and what they taught.the DIDACHE was composed in 70ad. (before the bible)
2) because some had aquired no love for, nor loyalty to TRUTH God was sending a perverse spirit upon them...so they would believe a lie and be condemned. (showing how God feels about our love for, or indifference to TRUTH.)
3) then in v:13, 14 he gives us a summary of some of these TRADITIONS;
a)CHOSEN, b)in HOLINESS of spirit c)in FIDELITY to TRUTH
d)called thru the Preaching of the GOSPEL, e)so that you might achieve
THE GLORY of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostles and those who had Apostolic Authority discerned who fit this criteria and who did not.
mind you , He, they did not yet have "Matthew, Mark, Luke and John" as we have today. they only had (a composition of what the 12 taught in one accord ) and that was just emerging.(the Didache)...did-aw-K

Psalm 19:8---10 gives us also the Heart of Tradition
Exod. 24:3,4 Sets the pattern.; Moses RECEIVED from the Lord. Moses RELATED all the WORDS. They Committed. Moses WROTE down the words.

God reveals/ the Prophet speaks/ the people hear/ the Prophet writes/ what is written becomes a PRECEPT, A RITE, (a ritual to you and I)

so when we DO a ritual that God has ordered, with FAITH;, God reveals.
That is what Jesus said;"My Blood is drink IN DEED"...indeed meaning "for sure & as you DO IT." (in the deed). (He does & we do )

Much of the confusion that exists is due to some teachers urging believers to avoid ALL traditions....there were traditions because God ordained them,
and there were traditions because the pharisees introduced them.
The teaching of the Apostles & the Wisdom of The Early Fathers help clarify all the confusion .My discussion is not to prove that I am right, but to learn how to Love and Obey TRUTH.
Peace, Carlos

 

[Carlos Vigil]

By the way, I just read that several Lutherun churches and one Anglican church have now ordained practising homosexual ministers. Do they think this is scripturally based, or is it one of their "oral tradition" based concepts? Hmmmmm...

it is one of their own "oral traditions?" based on Rom. 1:26-28

 

[Carlos Vigil]

Can you not see the Scripture is the Tradition handed down from the Apostles, which the early church died in their defence of them.

Hello BBAS64

I am getting to feel that you and I are becoming friends...?

I agree with you in that;
Scripture is part of the PACKAGE of
Tradition handed down from the Apostles.

The Peace of Christ be with you
Carlos

 

[Carlos Vigil]

Scripture and Tradition are not two seperate things of equal authority, this is foolishness, Holy Scripture is part of Holy Tradition. Do not take my statements or my quotes to mean that the Church Fathers or I believe in Scripture apart from Tradition, what foolishness this would be.

Thank you Lotar,
I have gained much respect for you, and I agree with you S&T are not two separate things of equal authority.....any more than my left and right legs are.

Scripture ALONE is as silly as trying to walk on my left leg alone.
Tradition ALONE is as silly as trying to walk on my right leg alone
if we use BOTH we can walk together forever.......
we can even DANCE as we journey.

Please forgive me for being such a fool.
Carlos

 

[Carlos Vigil]

Carlos,

I fail to see what the above post has to do with me. If you want to reply to my responses, I will give you opinion.

Sorry about that Lotar,
I had thought you both were saying the same thing, but I was wrong.Carlos

 

[Carlos Vigil]

"All scripture is given by inspiritation of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,"

2 Tim. 4:3-4, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but, after their own lusts, shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

There are teachings by many churches that fall into this catagory. Baptism being required for salvation, speaking in tongues being the only evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit, the perpetual viginity of Mary, praying to dead saints, the ascension of Mary, you won't get to heaven unless you are a member of our church, the Second Coming has already occured (Preterism), etc., etc.

The Word of God has to be the final authority. It alone is "profitable for reproof." So, if the "tradition" cannot be proven by the scriptures, it is unsound, it is a fable.

Adoniram,
you posted many good things but my question is;

(1) are you saying Baptism is NOT required for salvation?.......(Mark 16:16)

(2)"All scripture is profitable for.....reproof".......I don't see where it says; Scripture ALONE is profitable for..... reproof...
did you insert the word "alone" in there?

(3) what does "praying to dead saints" mean?.....do you believe a dead saint is DEAD?...what happened to John 11:26 ????????

(4) do you have a grudge against Mary??? Rev.12:13 & 17

(5)are there any traditions of men in your tradition?

for the Love of TRUTH
Carlos

I pray you are not one of those who
"TURN AWAY THEIR EARS FROM THE TRUTH."

 

[BBAS 64]

Hello BBAS64

I am getting to feel that you and I are becoming friends...?

I agree with you in that;
Scripture is part of the PACKAGE of
Tradition handed down from the Apostles.

The Peace of Christ be with you
Carlos

Good Day, Carlos

If you agree with part of this "package" that Scripture is Tradition would you then agree that:

The Bible as Historical Truth

Next we take a look at what the Bible, considered merely as a history, tells us, focusing particularly on the New Testament, and more specifically the Gospels. We examine the account contained therein of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Using what is in the Gospels themselves and what we find in extra-biblical writings from the early centuries, together with what we know of human nature (and what we can otherwise, from natural reason alone, know of divine nature), we conclude that either Jesus was just what he claimed to be—God—or he was crazy. (The one thing we know he could not have been was merely a good man who was not God, since no merely good man would make the claims he made.)

Your friend,

Bill

 

[happyinhisgrace]

2Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

I wouldn't think so since the "traditions" that were taught were the Word of God which we now have as the Bible.

Grace

 

[sad astronaut]

(2)"All scripture is profitable for.....reproof".......I don't see where it says; Scripture ALONE is profitable for..... reproof...
did you insert the word "alone" in there?

No, but it does say, "That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.", in the next verse.

 

[Carlos Vigil]

Good Day, Carlos

If you agree with part of this "package" that Scripture is Tradition would you then agree that:

The Bible as Historical Truth

Next we take a look at what the Bible, considered merely as a history, tells us, focusing particularly on the New Testament, and more specifically the Gospels. We examine the account contained therein of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Using what is in the Gospels ....... we conclude that either Jesus was just what he claimed to be—God.......The one thing we know he could not have been was merely a good man who was not God, since no merely good man would make the claims he made.)

Your friend,
Bill

Hi BBAS64,
Yes I agree that Jesus IS exactly who He claimed to be; GOD....100%!
He was God from His Conception Through to His Ascension, (His earthly life)
but He was God before, during His 33 on earth and after His ascension,
HE IS STILL GOD together with The Father, and with The Holy Spirit.
ONE GOD!!!

in John 8:24 He says; ..."you will surely die in your sins unless you come to believe that I AM."

REV. 1: 17..."I AM the First and the Last...The one who LIVES .ONCE I was dead but now I LIVE for ever and ever. I hold the keys of death and the nether world"

John 1:10 "He was in the world, and through Him the world was made, yet the world did not know who HE was ."

Yes! I believe wholly! And I believe Baptism is a HOLY SIGN from God
where we can experience HIS POWER, take the plunge, become fully submerged into the mystery of who Christ is. Begin the Journey, continue the Journey...and trade til He comes.
and that is only the beginning!

your friend
Carlos

 

[Carlos Vigil]

No, but it does say, "That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.", in the next verse.

Thank you sad astronaut
for v; 17.....so if we receive the scripture and OBEY it then eventually we will be "fully competent and equipped..." right?...or is reading it enough?

most of us here read scripture, yet most of us disagree, don't we???
why?

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!!!
What happens when teachers ALTER THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST? (Gal.1:7)
There is SUBSTITUTION , ADDITION, SUBTRACTION, AND PRETENDING being done to the HOLY WORD OF GOD!!!

so when the unsuspecting learner receives it he accepts it as truth.
then the learner goes out to preach the "gospel"
and spreads what he has been trained in....etc,etc,etc.

I think God either WEEPS or LAUGHS over us, don't you?

Acts 20:29 "I know that when I am gone, savage wolves will come among you who will not spare the flock....from your own number, men will present themselves DISTORTING THE TRUTH and leading astray any who follow them"

Just look at ALL the varieties of bibles out there!!!
HOW DO YOU KNOW if the TRUE & COMPLETE BIBLE has been handed down to you???

for the LOVE of TRUTH
Carlos

 

[rnmomof7]

2Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Every church has tradition, although we may not think of them as such .

The order of service , the type of music , the elements used for the Lords supper. etc.

Tradition is not a "dirty word" :>)

God chose Greek for the NT because it is a very specific language.

Lets look at the word tradition.

1) giving up, giving over

a) the act of giving up

b) the surrender of cities

2) a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing, i.e. tradition by instruction, narrative, precept, etc.

a) objectively, that which is delivered, the substance of a teaching

b) of the body of precepts, esp. ritual, which in the opinion of the later Jews were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations, which precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did were to be obeyed with equal reverence



In this context the tradition is the teachings given by the apostles, by word or in the letters (which later were a part of the scriptures)

 

[BBAS 64]

Hi BBAS64,
Yes I agree that Jesus IS exactly who He claimed to be; GOD....100%!
He was God from His Conception Through to His Ascension, (His earthly life)
but He was God before, during His 33 on earth and after His ascension,
HE IS STILL GOD together with The Father, and with The Holy Spirit.
ONE GOD!!!

in John 8:24 He says; ..."you will surely die in your sins unless you come to believe that I AM."

REV. 1: 17..."I AM the First and the Last...The one who LIVES .ONCE I was dead but now I LIVE for ever and ever. I hold the keys of death and the nether world"

John 1:10 "He was in the world, and through Him the world was made, yet the world did not know who HE was ."

Yes! I believe wholly! And I believe Baptism is a HOLY SIGN from God
where we can experience HIS POWER, take the plunge, become fully submerged into the mystery of who Christ is. Begin the Journey, continue the Journey...and trade til He comes.
and that is only the beginning!

your friend
Carlos

Good Day, Carlos

I am Glad to see that we are in agreement of the historical nature of the scripture, and the weight of historical documentation that supports the things that are explictly or implictly contained with in the Scripture.

So, you have asserted that this is part of a "package" and we have come to a standard by wich we have arrived to that fact. What is the other part of this "package" IYO?

Peace to u,

Bill

 

[Lotar]

by reading all of 2 Thess. 2: these themes stand out;...1) the mass apostacy has not yet occured. v:3 ( that is ;abandoning the DIDACHE, the teachings of the apostles)...the heart of NC TRADITION was What the Apostles had, what they did, and what they taught.the DIDACHE was composed in 70ad. (before the bible)
2) because some had aquired no love for, nor loyalty to TRUTH God was sending a perverse spirit upon them...so they would believe a lie and be condemned. (showing how God feels about our love for, or indifference to TRUTH.)
3) then in v:13, 14 he gives us a summary of some of these TRADITIONS;
a)CHOSEN, b)in HOLINESS of spirit c)in FIDELITY to TRUTH
d)called thru the Preaching of the GOSPEL, e)so that you might achieve
THE GLORY of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostles and those who had Apostolic Authority discerned who fit this criteria and who did not.
mind you , He, they did not yet have "Matthew, Mark, Luke and John" as we have today. they only had (a composition of what the 12 taught in one accord ) and that was just emerging.(the Didache)...did-aw-K

Psalm 19:8---10 gives us also the Heart of Tradition
Exod. 24:3,4 Sets the pattern.; Moses RECEIVED from the Lord. Moses RELATED all the WORDS. They Committed. Moses WROTE down the words.

God reveals/ the Prophet speaks/ the people hear/ the Prophet writes/ what is written becomes a PRECEPT, A RITE, (a ritual to you and I)

so when we DO a ritual that God has ordered, with FAITH;, God reveals.
That is what Jesus said;"My Blood is drink IN DEED"...indeed meaning "for sure & as you DO IT." (in the deed). (He does & we do )

The Didache is written tradition, not oral tradition.

I don't see any evidence to point you to that conclusion, but even so, what is your point?

Much of the confusion that exists is due to some teachers urging believers to avoid ALL traditions....there were traditions because God ordained them,
and there were traditions because the pharisees introduced them.
The teaching of the Apostles & the Wisdom of The Early Fathers help clarify all the confusion .My discussion is not to prove that I am right, but to learn how to Love and Obey TRUTH.
Peace, Carlos

I agree. That is not a problem for Lutherans.

 

[bleechers]

Traditions taught by Paul? No problem for Sola Scripture. Paul was given a specific, one-time ministry of taking the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul "conferred" not with Peter (or anyone else) and was given his doctrine directly from God.

As was noted, his doctrines/traditions were not independent of scripture (Acts 17:11).

After he had delivered the gospel to Galatia, he wrote and said that if he or an angel form heaven preach "any other gospel than that which we have preached, let him be anathema." Nothing (NOTHING) can be added via any "tradition."

So, anything that presents itself as "tradition" that purports to be superior to scripture (e.g. The Council of Trent) or presents a gospel different than that which was already received by the 1st Century Church (e.g. indulgences) is false.

The verse in question presents no problem for Sola Scriptura. Jesus clearly stated that scripture was the Lord over tradition and not the other way around when He said "You make the Word of God of none effect by your tradition."

Paul teaches that correction of error is to be done by "sound doctrine" via "scripture"... then, now, forever. Jesus appealed to scripture to claim His minsitry and Messiahship, He never "destroyed" it, but "fulfilled" it.

Paul told Timothy that scripture was able to make even a child "wise unto salvation." Man-made traditions seek to complicate and destroy the power of the scripture (which is "more powerful than any two-edged sword.").


Context Context Context

We read the word "tradition" all-too-often in a Catholic sense, but there is no call for this in the NT (and certainly no sense of it in any way like that in the NT). If I am teaching a Bible class in Saudi Arabia and I come home to the US, it would be no problem for me to write and instruct the class left behind to "hold to the traditions which I have taught." Such "traditions" are from the Bible and can be checked against the Bible.

As with all teachings (traditions), if they contradict the scripture or the gospel of the free grace of God, they are damnable heresies. This is even more concrete since we now hold the completed revelation of God. But even then, the gospel had been given as complete (Galatians 1, Romans 1, etc.) and the faith that was "once delivered unto the saints" had been taught (Jude 3).

"I fear that Satan has beguiled you and some have departed from the simplicity which is in Christ."

How could one "earnestly contend for the faith" if that "faith" (Jude 3) could change or be contradicted by "tradition"? How could we "search the scriptures" if we were subject to every wind of doctrine presented as "sacred tradition?"

The Bible is the final authority as to what is truth ("sanctify them by thy truth, thy Word is truth.").

 

[Carlos Vigil]

Good Day, Carlos

I am Glad to see that we are in agreement of the historical nature of the scripture, and the weight of historical documentation that supports the things that are explictly or implictly contained with in the Scripture.

So, you have asserted that this is part of a "package" and we have come to a standard by wich we have arrived to that fact. What is the other part of this "package" IYO?

Peace to u,

Bill

Three examples;

(1) John 4:23,24......."Authentic worshipers will worship Thr Father in Spirit and in Truth. Indeed it is such worshipers the Father SEEKS. God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship him in Spirit and Truth."

Does Scripture spell "WORSHIP" out CLEARLY?

(2) Acts 2:42......."They devoted themselves to The Apostles' Instruction and the communal life, and to the breaking of bread and prayers."

Does Scripture spell "BREAKING OF THE BREAD & PRAYERS" out CLEARLY?
how about "The Apostles' Instruction?"

(3) Acts 13:2......."On one occasion while they were engaged in The Liturgy of The Lord and were fasting, The Holy Spirit spoke to them:"Set apart Barnabas and Saul for me to do the work which I have called them.""

Does the Scripture spell out "The Liturgy of The Lord "CLEARLY ?

of so, where?

and when you WORSHIP in your church, what form do you follow?
from where did you inherit it?
and how do you know if THAT is what The Lord is SEEKING?
is it written anywhere?


(extra) Rev. 9:4......."do no harm to the grass...or to any plant or tree but only to those men who DO NOT HAVE the seal of God on their foreheads."

Does the Scripture spell out "the seal of God on their foreheads" CLEARLY?

That we may all be one
Carlos

 

[FreeinChrist]

(3) Acts 13:2......."On one occasion while they were engaged in The Liturgy of The Lord and were fasting, The Holy Spirit spoke to them:"Set apart Barnabas and Saul for me to do the work which I have called them.""

Does the Scripture spell out "The Liturgy of The Lord "CLEARLY ?

of so, where?

What Bible are you using? Acts 13:2 says this:
Act 13:2 While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." NASB


Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. KJV


Act 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." RVS

Did you add "Liturgy of the Lord"?

(extra) Rev. 9:4......."do no harm to the grass...or to any plant or tree but only to those men who DO NOT HAVE the seal of God on their foreheads."

Does the Scripture spell out "the seal of God on their foreheads" CLEARLY?

Context is important. This is during the Tribulation prior to the Second coming. It is only the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel who have this seal on their head.

 

[BBAS 64]

Good Day, Carlos I asked:

So, you have asserted that this is part of a "package" and we have come to a standard by wich we have arrived to that fact. What is the other part of this "package" IYO?

You responed with a few question that are removed from the context of scripture and there fore are lacking the full understanding or implications of the hisorical conditions that that is nessary for understanding.

Three examples;

(1) John 4:23,24......."Authentic worshipers will worship Thr Father in Spirit and in Truth. Indeed it is such worshipers the Father SEEKS. God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship him in Spirit and Truth."

Does Scripture spell "WORSHIP" out CLEARLY?

Carlos the passqage you have asked about, Does give us the Nature of what worship is. In this passage does Jesus condem the worship of the fathers in the mountains or Jerusalem? In verse 24 whom are the WE
Joh 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

Joh 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

Joh 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

WORSHIP in the Greek:
pros-koo-neh'-o
From G4314 and probably a derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, that is, (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore): - worship.

(2) Acts 2:42......."They devoted themselves to The Apostles' Instruction and the communal life, and to the breaking of bread and prayers."

Does Scripture spell "BREAKING OF THE BREAD & PRAYERS" out CLEARLY?
how about "The Apostles' Instruction?"

The Apostle Instruction is in verse 38, with is derived from the Scripture.
Is there some Historical documents that show at this point in time any instuctions " thay devote themselves to" is not based upon what is contained with in Scripture?

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Carlos, They were eating Meat and bread from house to house one must be nurished to live.

(3) Acts 13:2......."On one occasion while they were engaged in The Liturgy of The Lord and were fasting, The Holy Spirit spoke to them:"Set apart Barnabas and Saul for me to do the work which I have called them.""

Does the Scripture spell out "The Liturgy of The Lord "CLEARLY ?

of so, where?

Canot not find "Liturgy of The Lord" in english version of the Scripture any where, missing from any Greek translation I can find please cite ?

and when you WORSHIP in your church, what form do you follow?
from where did you inherit it?
and how do you know if THAT is what The Lord is SEEKING?
is it written anywhere?

Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The spirit of truth found in John:

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

(extra) Rev. 9:4......."do no harm to the grass...or to any plant or tree but only to those men who DO NOT HAVE the seal of God on their foreheads."

Does the Scripture spell out "the seal of God on their foreheads" CLEARLY?

That we may all be one
Carlos

Carlos, I will ask again:

So, you have asserted that this is part of a "package" and we have come to a standard by wich we have arrived to that fact. What is the other part of this "package"?


Peace to u,

Bill

 

[racer]

Traditions taught by Paul? No problem for Sola Scripture. Paul was given a specific, one-time ministry of taking the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul "conferred" not with Peter (or anyone else) and was given his doctrine directly from God.

As was noted, his doctrines/traditions were not independent of scripture (Acts 17:11).

After he had delivered the gospel to Galatia, he wrote and said that if he or an angel form heaven preach "any other gospel than that which we have preached, let him be anathema." Nothing (NOTHING) can be added via any "tradition."

So, anything that presents itself as "tradition" that purports to be superior to scripture (e.g. The Council of Trent) or presents a gospel different than that which was already received by the 1st Century Church (e.g. indulgences) is false.

The verse in question presents no problem for Sola Scriptura. Jesus clearly stated that scripture was the Lord over tradition and not the other way around when He said "You make the Word of God of none effect by your tradition."

Paul teaches that correction of error is to be done by "sound doctrine" via "scripture"... then, now, forever. Jesus appealed to scripture to claim His minsitry and Messiahship, He never "destroyed" it, but "fulfilled" it.

Paul told Timothy that scripture was able to make even a child "wise unto salvation." Man-made traditions seek to complicate and destroy the power of the scripture (which is "more powerful than any two-edged sword.").


Context Context Context

We read the word "tradition" all-too-often in a Catholic sense, but there is no call for this in the NT (and certainly no sense of it in any way like that in the NT). If I am teaching a Bible class in Saudi Arabia and I come home to the US, it would be no problem for me to write and instruct the class left behind to "hold to the traditions which I have taught." Such "traditions" are from the Bible and can be checked against the Bible.

As with all teachings (traditions), if they contradict the scripture or the gospel of the free grace of God, they are damnable heresies. This is even more concrete since we now hold the completed revelation of God. But even then, the gospel had been given as complete (Galatians 1, Romans 1, etc.) and the faith that was "once delivered unto the saints" had been taught (Jude 3).

"I fear that Satan has beguiled you and some have departed from the simplicity which is in Christ."

How could one "earnestly contend for the faith" if that "faith" (Jude 3) could change or be contradicted by "tradition"? How could we "search the scriptures" if we were subject to every wind of doctrine presented as "sacred tradition?"

The Bible is the final authority as to what is truth ("sanctify them by thy truth, thy Word is truth.").

bleechers,

Great post!!