The issue of authority lay at the heart of the Reformation. Who or what has supreme authority in the Christian life? The Bible, tradition, reason, or experience? Martin Luther famously stood before the Diet of Worms and declared “my conscience is captive to the word of God…here I stand, may God help me”. It was a brave and courageous stand for “Scripture alone”. But why does it matter Scripture alone is our authority? Will we uphold it today?
This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown, Penang on 3rd September, 2023.
Introduction: Four Sources of Authority
Context: The Five ‘Solas’ so far…
• Grace Alone: Salvation originates from God’s undeserved gift alone, not human merit.
• Faith Alone: Salvation is received by faith in Christ alone, not good works
• Christ alone: Salvation is achieved by Christ alone, not additional mediators or sacrifices.
1. The Scriptures are authoritative
a. Divinely Inspired
b. Infallible & Inerrant
2. The Scriptures are sufficient
a. For salvation
b. For living a godly life
3. Scripture ALONE
a. Not Scripture AND Tradition
i. The hypocrisy of the Pharisees
ii. The dual authority of Catholicism
iii. Us?
b. Not Scripture AND Reason
i. Not reason over Scripture
ii. Using our minds to understand Scripture
c. Not Scripture AND Experience
i. The danger of reading Scripture in light of experience
ii. Scripture as interpreter of experience
Conclusion: Living Out “Scripture Alone”
• Do you truly value the Scriptures?
• Will you intentionally keep Scripture central?
• Will you share Scripture with the lost?
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