'SCRIPTURE OVER TRADITION-(SOLA SCRIPTURA) BY PASTOR GREG ELKAN.

_“They regarded the statements of Scripture as conclusive… ‘It is written,’ was to them the final word”_ Charles Spurgeon (concerning the Apostles)

The first of the 5 Solas, _Sola Scriptura_ asserts that the Bible alone is the source of authority for Christians. By saying, _“Sola Scriptura”_ (which is Latin for “Scripture alone”), the Reformers rejected the practice back then of giving ‘Church tradition’ higher authority over the written word of God.

Tradition entered the Church very quickly after the death of the Apostles. Though mostly benign at first, they became more unscriptural as centuries went on. This was as Christianity expanded from being a mere persecuted sect of Judaism to a fully sanctioned religion of the Roman Empire. 

As the Church became infused with leaders whose focuses were more on political and ecclesiastical power than on the faith, it began to be ruled less and less by scriptures and more and more by decrees and edicts. By the time of the Reformation, (about 1,200 years later), scriptures had essentially been relegated to the background and played little role in the formulation of doctrine.

Today, we take it for granted that we can directly ask our pastor what Bible verse his instruction is based on. Indeed, pastors and churches today try to make sure they back up their doctrinal statements with scriptural citations. Even though some false pastors and churches cite the scriptures disingenuously, they still find it necessary to cite the Bible as authority. 

What we enjoy today is the fruit of the efforts by the various Reformers in their various churches. They insisted that because of 2Tim 3:16 _(All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine…),_ all doctrines and practices of the Church that were contrary to scripture must be rejected.

The Reformers’ cry of _“Sola Scriptura”_ rings true even today. The Bible should be the only authority for the Church. Traditions are good; but they can only stand when they are based on – and are in full agreement with – Scripture. 

AMEN

GREG ELKAN.