Where does it say in the Bible that all teaching must be found in the Bible?

Question

Where does it say in the Bible that all teaching must be found in the Bible?

The Bible speaks highly of traditions, as in 1 Corinthians 11:2: “Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the TRADITIONS, just as I delivered them to you.”

In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 tradition is actually placed on the same level as the written word: “..stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.”

The Bible also says it’s the Church that is the foundation of truth: “..you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

If every thing must be read in the Bible then why does the Bible say that it is HEARING, NOT READING, that is important: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) Did it say READ? NO. it said “HEARD”.

People who interpret the Scripture themselves actualy violate Biblical teaching: “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20).

So, why do people always say "You have to read the Bible to know God's word" when the Bible itself says otherwise? I always thought the Word became flesh. Catholics are a people of the "Word" but not a people of the "Book".

PS: Please don't quote 1 Timothy. That passage only says scriptures are "useful", but not that they are the sole source of revelation. I agree, they are "useful".

Answer 1

You are correct. Indeed most of the New Testament was actually written as letters to different churches/parishes to be read. If I am correct even the Torah was once mostly spoken tradition.

Answer 2

Church tradition predates the Bible by several centuries and in fact is even responsible for the New Testament Canon BUT 1Timothy 3:15 does say that the Church is the pillar and foundation of Truth, so the Bible claims we should look to the Apostolic Church founded by Christ and spread by the Apostles.

Answer 3

In the book of John the Word is Jesus. The bible is a spiritual book and if your not on a that spiritual level with God. That's why we could sit here all day and discuss bible verses and not agree on anything.

People could go to church all their life hearing preachers preaching but until they HEAR the calling of God, they aren't going to start living the life God wants us to lead.

Just because you go to church every Sunday and say a prayer everyday doesn't mean your saved. God wants true worshipers from their hearts not from their lips.

And if the teaching of the bible don't come from the bible, where is it suppose to come from, the math teacher teaches from the math book not from the history book.

Answer 4

With oral tradition being the method by which the Bible came about there were probably thousands of traditions and teachings lost over time. It would only make sense. Blessings and you DID succeed in getting a Santa hat!

I agree with gorgeoustx entirely:)

Answer 5

The reason faith comes by hearing is because a person has to have heard of the bible, or God, or Jesus to want to read it. A preacher, is anyone who preaches the word of God, regardless of credential, and teaches it correctly, is needed to lead one to salvation. But once saved the bible teaches us that the word of God is what the man of God needs to be thoroughly furnished. Thoroughly, as in totally. Why would we use a book made by man, when we have the word of God? How can it compare? Does man know more than his maker? Can the clay teach the potter?

Answer 6

I think a good healthy balance of hearing the preached word and reading God's word will help someone be a more mature Christian. God speaks to me constantly through his word.

Answer 7

Titus 1:14, Col. 2:8, John 4:23, 24, John 17:17 (8:32, 44)....Rev. 22:18, 19, Gal. 1:7-10,


Debbie

Answer 8

"In the very last commandment in the Bible God resolutely tells us not to add to nor take away from His Word.

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book: If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book”
—Revelation 22:18-19

His Word is absolutely sufficient in itself (Psalm 119:160)."

I have no issue with anyone upholding a tradition which DOES NOT CONTRADICT THE WORD OF GOD, but I think the problem here is that too many religions do just that.

Answer 9

I was just thinking about this recently actually CC
i thought about it in regards to people putting down Catholics TRADITIONS

the world has traditions ... and the bible doesnt speak about them all
and not everything can be found in the bible
you guys just do your thing and dont worry about people who say otherwise

Answer 10

I believe the traditions you are referring to are the traditions of the Jewish church that the people being addressed in these letters came from.

It certainly wasn't the Catholic church and their traditions as they really didn't exist till the mid 300's AD. Even if you falsely believe the claim they are the original church, they certainly weren't "the church" long enough to have any traditions at all when these letters were written.