Introduction

During the 16th century Reformation, one of the rallying cries was Sola Scriptura, “Scripture alone.” Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin were not trying to discard the historic creeds of the church, they insisted that only Scripture stands as the final and ultimate authority for the Christian faith and life. This conviction was born out of a context where church tradition and human authority often overshadowed the Word of God.

Q&A: What Does Sola Scriptura Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Sola Scriptura means that Scripture alone is the supreme authority for all matters of faith and practice. This does not mean Christians ignore church history, creeds, or teachers, those are valuable gifts. But all human teaching must be tested against God’s Word, which stands as the final court of appeal.

The Biblical Basis

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Scripture comes from God Himself, and it is sufficient to equip us for every good work.

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” — Matthew 4:4

Jesus modeled submission to the written Word when He answered temptation with Scripture. Even the Son of God honored the authority of what God has spoken.

Why It Matters

Without Sola Scriptura, Christians are vulnerable to placing tradition, culture, or personal opinion above the Word of God. When that happens, the church drifts into error. Sola Scriptura guards us by anchoring doctrine and life in God’s unchanging truth. It ensures that Scripture, not shifting cultural trends or human wisdom, remains the foundation of our faith and practice.

Application

Believers today face countless voices claiming authority, whether from social media influencers, cultural movements, or even well-meaning Christian leaders. If those voices contradict Scripture, we must hold fast to the Word of God. Root your beliefs, your decisions, and your worship in Scripture. Read it daily, study it diligently, and submit every thought to its authority.

When we stand on Sola Scriptura, we can say with confidence that our faith is built on the sure foundation of God’s Word.