Jose, my friend,
I respectfully disagree. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It actually holds all believers to scripture as a the sole rule and norm. It holds all teachers, teachings, doctrines and dogmas accountable to scripture,
Brother, if it truly held all believers to a sole rule and norm then why so many different denomination with each one saying they hold Scriptures as the sole rule and norm.
What is the universal norm of Baptism and its meaning?
Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Metodist, Episcopalian, Pentecostal, Non-Denominational, Bible Churches, etc will give me a different opinion of what the Bible truly teaches about Baptism.
What is the universal norm for the Lord’s Supper and its meaning?
Again, I’ll get various opinions and each one will say they have the true meaning of Scriptures.
This is not something I have read only. This is something I have experienced by visiting and participating in several of these denominations, about 8 years of searching. By meeting with their Pastors and talking to them about these things.
Without exception, each and every one of them claimed to be following Scriptures…
What is the point of saying that Scriptures are the norm and rule for all Christians and yet, all Christians are scattered and separated by the interpretation of these same Scriptures?
Seriously, How are we supposed to present a united front to the world when we can’t even agree on that which so many hold to be the ultimate authority? Especially when we don’t even have the originals. And the only witnesses in the world for these Scriptures are Catholics and Orthodox! You take Catholics and Orthodox away and you lose your chain of custody, that’s it. There is no case.
and it is the Church that determines doctrine and dogma, not individuals. It is the Church that teaches, not individuals.
There has been a Teaching Church since Pentecost, anyone not in that Church is learning something new and different and according to an individual.
Again, the opposite. The interpreting authority is the Church. I have no more say in Lutheran doctrine than you do in Catholic doctrine.
The only difference is our Church holds scripture as the final norm, above Tradition, while yours holds Tradition equal to scripture.
Jon
Brother, God blessed the Church with His Word. It is the inheritance of the children of His Church. Anyone not in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, who holds to Scriptures, is a Prodigal son, who took their part of the inheritance and left their Father’s house.
Please keep in mind that I am attacking the problem, not the person(s).
In my view, Sola Scriptura is an Anti-Christ as it is completely against what Jesus prayed in John 17:20 “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, 21 **that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. **24 Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. 26 I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Sorry Jon, but I can’t help but see Sola Scriptura as something that separates the body of Christ.
Further, if I ask a Lutheran, a Presbyterian, a Baptist, a Pentecostal, a Methodist, a Bible Only, and a Non-Denominational what Sola Scriptura means… Will I get the same answer or what each individual denomination thinks it means?
YBiC,
Jose
