Sola Scriptura in context
Recently I've been struggling with sola Scriptura (Scripture alone). I've read the verses pointed to as evidence, but I'm having a hard time connecting them as evidence for sola Scriptura. In their context, they don't seem like proof. How should the dots be connected between these verses?
God makes it very clear that people are not to add to or subtract from his word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). The context shows that God is responsible for the content of his word and he considers any tampering of it to be a serious offense.
Ephesians 2:20 teaches that God’s word, written through the prophets and apostles, is the foundation of the Christian Church, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. The context illustrates that there is a single foundation to the “building” (Ephesians 2:21), and the Church rests on the foundation of God’s word.
Luke 16:29 teaches that people are not to look anywhere else for saving truth. The context concerns the rich fool in hell who wanted his brothers on earth to avoid hell and enjoy salvation by means of a special revelation instead of the clear words of Scripture.
Matthew 15:7-9 is the record of Jesus’ words of condemnation of those who tried to supplement the word of God. The context addresses the practice of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law in adding to what Scripture says.
Hebrews 1:1-2 teaches that God spoke through his inspired writers and provided the “last word” through his Son, Jesus Christ. The context shows that we are not to look to any other supposed revelations about God.
Key Bible passages, understood in their context, clearly teach sola Scriptura (Scripture alone). I hope this is helpful for you.