Sola Scriptura

I don't spend a lot of time discussing or going over deep theological concepts here on my blog, but I suppose sometimes I need to.  Case in point...  (You can't read my next post without reading this first.)

From Wikipedia
Sola scriptura (by scripture alone in English) is a theological doctrine held by some Protestant Christian denominations that the Christian scriptures are the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice.

So here's MY definition:

Sola Scriptura (Latin for "by scripture alone") is an essential theological concept and doctrine held by any worthwhile (and some not so much) Christian denominations, that the Bible (both OT and NT) are the ONLY INFALLIBLE SOURCES OF AUTHORITY for the Christian faith and practice.  The Bible declares itself to be God-breathed, inerrant, and authoritative. We also know that God does not change His mind and never contradicts Himself.  "Only infallible source of authority" does not mean the KJV, it does not mean what your Pastor told you at church, it does not mean what your sainted grandma taught you when you were a kid, it does not mean what the Pope said, it does not mean what the Catholic church said (even though they'd prefer that it did), it does not mean what you read on this blog either!  It means THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGE TEXTS in Hebrew, Greek & Aramaic.  No translations fall into this category.  PERIOD.

Yes, I know my definition is a bit on the wordy side, but I'm more concerned that you REALLY understand something, otherwise why waste both of our time, right?

Also, there is plenty in scripture, to confirm this is the ONLY valid practice, here's the best and easiest example for you to also know this:

1 Corinthians 4:6 - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

But what about "Private Revelations"?  A private revelation is something you believe God shared with you PERSONALLY.  Have you ever had one of these?  I've had 2.  The first one was back in 2008 and to this day it annoys me.  LOL, why would I be annoyed that God decided to share something with me PERSONALLY?  You see, that's the problem.  What I believe God shared with me on that day is SO UNIQUE that there is nothing in Scripture to VERIFY that the information did indeed come from God.  So what can I do with this information?  Hmmm....  I think about it from time to time.  Sometimes when I'm reading I look for ways I can extract proof to support this information.  But that's about it.  I'll never share it with you or my personal friends or acquaintances, because, WHAT IF?!  What if that information didn't come from God?  You know old boy Satan right?  One of his many names is "The Deceiver".  If you don't think Satan can trick you into thinking God wants you to do something, look no further than the garden!  Amen?

The second private revelation I received, happened in 2012 right around the time I was finishing up the writing of my STILL unreleased book But is it Biblical?.  Just days before this revelation, someone came to me with a story of what happened to him recently.  While I listened to this story a question materialized.  The question, was "what should he have said to the person that made him ask this question?"  Anyway, what God privately and very quietly shared with me on that day was different.  I jumped out of bed, ran over to my computer and started writing at a feverish pace.  When I was done I saved my work as a draft and went about my day.  Several hours later I came back to proof-read what I wrote (hey, you're worth it!), and I came upon the very obvious realization that even though I had made a case to try to prove to you what I was about to share with you was true - I in essence FAILED.  I gave a bunch of facts and did a pretty good job at explaining things (if I don't say so myself, LOL), but I knew with 100% certainty that I failed in the most miserable way possible.  Know what that was?  SOLA SCRIPTURA - If it's not in the Bible, it didn't happen!  FULL STOP!

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 - For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

1 John 4:1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

And that's what I did.  I saved my writing as a draft and walked away from it for EXACTLY 8 years (I had originally written "NEARLY", but I just went back and looked at the date on it, and sure enough, it was TO THE DATE!)  Sure, from time to time I would go back and read what I wrote, only to feel a fresh round of defeat, as no arguing in the world can beat SOLA SCRIPTURA.  Either I believed in this doctrine or I didn't.  And I DO!

With that said, get ready.

My next post is going to blow your mind.

It's a topic older than old.

To date, there are only RELIGIOUS teachings on this topic.  Remember, religion is for losers.  Ahem, I mean with 38,000 Christian denominations in the world, how can they all be right?  Fact is, when it comes to denominations (each it's own religion), they're ALL wrong!

And with that said (drum roll).....

.........To be continued in my next post!