What does 'sola Scriptura' mean?

The final answer to any question is “What does the Bible have to say about this?” From one of our Ask Ligonier events, Derek Thomas explains the meaning of the doctrine of “sola Scriptura.”

#AskLigonier

[reformedcatholic]

This means you must have excellent interpretation of Holy Scripture, no point believing Sola Scriptura when you have terrible interpretation skills, sadly many reject the works of the fathers, reformers and councils (meaning creeds).

[franciscodelbarrio]

AMEN THE REFORMATION REASON WAS THIS (Sola Scriptura) JUST THE REVELATION FOR EVERYONE TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD (JHON 5:39-40)

[oneg]

Amen. It is in my life. It hasn’t always been but it most definitely is nowadays

[markjohnson]

Well this is the facts of what he said, it does not matter if you agree to have the Holy Bible as the final word in every and ALL things IT IS ALWAYS HAS BEEN, AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE STANDARD AND TRUTH TO ALL AND ALL THINGS CREATED FOR ALL BEFORE TIME EVEN STARTED

[timothy]

Amen. Scripture is God-breathed and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17); it is quick (living), powerful, and a discerner of the thoughts and intent of men (Hebrews 4:12); it is truth (John 17:17); it is pure (Psalm 12:6); it is tried (Psalm 18:30); it is holy (Romans 1:12, 2 Timothy 3:15); it is right (Psalm 33:4); it is everlasting (1 Peter 1:25); and it can't be broken, which means it is inerrant (John 10:35). For the believer, the foundation of our Christian life comes from the scriptures and it is the guide for our lives as the Holy Spirit leads us by its truth. Whenever Christians go outside of the Word of God as a replacement or a supplement, we violate Proverbs 3:5 and Colossians 2:8 and refuse to follow the exhortation of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. And notice in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), the only offensive weapon of our spiritual warfare is the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (verse 17)."

[christopherskipp]

Does this mean Lig. Ministries is also not the final authority?

[Ajsirb]

I prefer the concept of Prima Scriptura over Sola Scriptura.

[James]

Protestant beliefs are contradictory and self refuting which means it cannot be of God.

Belief 1) Good works is only a fruit or sign of salvation
Belief 2) Man will always produce bad fruit (sin)
Conclusion: No Protestant is saved because they will always produce bad fruit

[josephgoemans]

How do we know what books were inspired by God (ie. Scripture) and which weren't?

[jaedavao]

Sola scriptura means Bible and Bible alone.

[T.Ravikumar]

"Sola Scriptura" agreed.
But if "Theology" is the study of "Scripture", how could we reform it under "Reformed Theology"?
(Meaning of reformed being: amended, corrected, restored to purity or excellence!)

How do you restore a pure thing to purity?

It can only simply be either "Theology" or "Falsehood"!