Sola Scriptura...Sola gratia... Scripture Alone ... Grace Alone?

Question

Are these pillars of protestantism wrong?

Is the Bible infallible no matter what or must it be interpreted correctly? If it must be interpreted correctly doesn't that mean that the actual interpretation of the Bible is more important than the Bible?

If our works have no merit upon our salvation than why does God even bother giving commandments? Don't grace and works need to be combined as a symbol of faith?

Answer 1

Sola Scriptura -- No protestant believes only the text on the page, but rather the protestant believes the interpretation of the text. The text of scripture needs to be explained, (Jesus is the vine anyone? He is not a plant so you have to explain what that means.) and this explanation is part of their traditions. So Protestants already believe in Scripture + tradition not just Scripture alone (no matter what they say...show me a Protestant who is interested in his faith that does not use a bible with footnotes and other texts of explanations and traditions).

Sola Gratia -- If this is understood as God begins the process of salvation, then it is perfectly fine. If it is understood as God alone is the one who brings about salvation, then no. Humans must co-operate with God's activites. While Scripture teaches that only God elect an individual to salvation and this is done by his grace, Scripture teaches that this grace might be rejected, and secondly that salvation is not automatic but must be worked out. So rationally, that which Protestant's believe (Scripture) directly contradicts Sola Gratia (if understood in this second sense) "As the Bible says, I am already saved (Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5–8), but I’m also being saved (1 Cor. 1:8, 2 Cor. 2:15, Phil. 2:12), and I have the hope that I will be saved (Rom. 5:9–10, 1 Cor. 3:12–15). Like the apostle Paul I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), with hopeful confidence in the promises of Christ (Rom. 5:2, 2 Tim. 2:11–13)."

Answer 2

I think they are correct. I think the Bible does require a minimal amount of interpretation in some areas, but not a lot. That doesn't make the interpretation more important than the Bible, because your premise makes it seem as if they are different things.

We are saved by grace alone, through faith. Works DO NOT earn us salvation, works are evidence of faith. There is a difference.

Answer 3

Like it says in Romans, if it is by works it is no longer grace

the Bible is infallible in intent and as it says it should be "rightly divided" the interpretation is important and most evangelical and reformed believers would say so

works are not meritorious twoard salvation but works are important as a fruit and evidense of salvation


as an example, a big one held up by GENESIS ISAIAH and ROMANS and JAMES Abraham believed God and was counted as righteous, he did not work.... decades later Abraham;s faith was vindicated by offering up Issaac, his works vindicatied and validated the faith he had although he was declared righteus decades early by the faith he had not based on works

Answer 4

You need to gather all the evidence regarding a doctrine in order for it to be interpreted correctly. I have noticed Bible flaws in many Bibles. Does this mean I should not have faith in the written Word of GOD? NO!!! You just need to be very cautious when you hear of one person's interpretation.

The Commandments are given to us so that we know what a sin is. We should follow the Commandments of GOD because they are given to us for our benefit. We do not obey GOD so that we can be saved, we obey GOD because we love HIM and are saved.

Answer 5

+ sola fide, faith alone.

Usually infalibility refers to the un interpreted scriptures in the original text.

Romans explains the meaning of commandments (i.e. the law) -- to teach us of our sinfulness.

Works are evidence of faith, not a part of it.

Answer 6

Well, the best school of thought I have heard and read on this one is the following.

Once saved, if it is real and true, you will have a desire to read and reread the bible. You will feel led to do the works(obey) that God writes of.

So, when James states that faith without works is dead, he is speaking of those who profess to know Jesus as their personal savior, but have no desire to follow the scriptures (Gods word)

So , yes they do need to be combined, but if you only profess belief, you will feel no desire to obey Gods word.

Answer 7

Christ on my own? No, His Father too. faith on my own? If it ability faith in doing what Christ has commanded, then convinced. Grace on my own? no longer without repentance. Scripture on my own? No. no longer on my own. The e book isn't God. It has advice written by holy adult men inspired by the skill of the Holy Ghost, notwithstanding that's in basic terms by the skill of the Holy Ghost that that's precise understood. It takes a prophet to understand a prophet. It takes a own relationship with God to understand the meanings. God isn't finished revealing His will to adult men and the e book isn't closed.

Answer 8

We obey because we love. Not because we have to. Servitude is the lowest form of obedience. Why not obey to a higher standard?