I agree that there major and minor doctrines. In fact, the Catholic church calls it a “hierarchy of truths.”
However, my point is, in your paradigm of “The Bible Alone”, you have no way of determining what’s a major or minor doctrine…for the Scriptures do not tell us. [sign1]You are using a man-made tradition to determine what’s a major doctrine.[/sign1]
What Scripture verses tell you doctrines of God’s holiness are much greater than issues about whether women wear head coverings or not?
(Clearly, I agree with you. But as I don’t subscribe to the SS paradigm I don’t need Bible verses to support my belief. You do.)
Again, unless you can point to a Scripture verse that tells you this then what you’re proposing is not found in the Bible.
Ok,
now I see you’re issue. Glad I know what I am defending.
First of all, I firmly believe in the sufficiency of scripture. You ask for scriptural support–so I shall give it to you: 2 Timothy 3:15-17, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23, All of Psalm 119, Deut 4:2, Deut 12:32, Prov 30: 5-6, Revelation 22:18-19
I am sure Catholics have rebuttals to every single verse above–I’d be surprised if they did not. However, I am fully persuaded of what the Bible teaches me because of the Holy Spirit’s witness within me as a Christian–and the very real and dear personal relationship I have with Jesus Christ whom I love very dearly—couldn’t go a day without it. The Bible has always proved sufficient for His Church (referring to all believers who have put their personal faith in Jesus Christ ALONE for Salvation). God is sufficient, Christ is sufficient and His Word is sufficient.
I
However, my point is, in your paradigm of “The Bible Alone”, you have no way of determining what’s a major or minor doctrine…for the Scriptures do not tell us. [sign1]You are using a man-made tradition to determine what’s a major doctrine.[/sign1]
.
I cannot agree with you. Tradition–no. Biblical interpretation–yes. It is our right to study the Bible and interpret it. So-called “Major Doctrines” are determined not by tradition but by connection to the gospel and clarity in the scriptures. It’s much more personally based than mere “tradition”. What God says is so. Period. However, there will always be passages in the Bible that are difficult to understand–they are worth studying carefully–but interpretation can go many ways at times. There are mysteries that will never be revealed on this side of heaven–but it doesn’t hurt to make our best interpretation of these “Minor Doctrines”–because it keeps us in the Word–mostly and it increases our faith and awe for the glory of an infinite God who possesses knowledge we cannot understand. Is it not wonderful–that the Bible is sufficient, yet at the same time insatiable–we can learn more of God’s glory and gospel every time we approach it.
This is ultimately why I cannot understand why Roman Catholics suggest we need more than the scriptures—I can’t get enough of the wonder of the Scriptures as it is. (That was just merely free and personal)
What Scripture verses tell you doctrines of God’s holiness are much greater than issues about whether women wear head coverings or not?
Lol. Does it really need to? Did God not supply us with the mental capabilities of logic and reason? Must we refer to some outlined tradition of an hierarchy of Doctrine? But then again–the Scripture does outline principles for Doctrine. If you do an in-depth study of the Epistles you find controversy after controversy over petty interpretations of Old Covenant law–and even over New Covenant ethics where Paul brings believers back to the doctrines of the gospel over and over again as the primary importance.
Again, unless you can point to a Scripture verse that tells you this then what you’re proposing is not found in the Bible.
Perhaps you forget the importance of
application–the importance of applying Biblical principles to personal life–the formation of biblical and personal ethics. The Bible is the sufficient
basis for all things–for all godly living. No–you will not find every single issue that comes up in life outlined in the Bible. But what you
will find, I guarantee you, is applicable biblical principles for everything in life. That, my friend, is why the Word of God is sufficient–and it has never been truly proved otherwise–Praise the Lord. May God be glorified.