Sola Scriptura is not a denial of other authorities governing the Christian’s life and devotion. Rather, it simply demands that all other authorities are subordinate to, and are to be corrected by, the written Word of God. The clearest biblical example that is given for us to follow is found in Matthew’s gospel where we read:

“Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt 15:1-9).

Here we see Jewish leaders objecting to the disciples not washing their hands before eating--a ritual of the Pharisees. They attacked the disciples for breaking the “tradition of the elders,” and wholeheartedly believed they were in clear violation of an oral tradition passed down from Moses himself. But how does Jesus respond? Does He give some credence to their purported traditions? No, instead Jesus attacks the leaders by pointing out that they “transgress the commandment of God” by their traditions. Specifically, Jesus gives reference in the passage cited above to the corban rule, a tradition that stated a man could dedicate his belonging to the Temple at the expense of his parents in their old age. You see, the Pharisees believed that it was a part of divine tradition with divine support. Yet, Jesus condemned their beliefs by testing the traditions, all traditions, in light of Scripture.

The important aspect to remember about this passage is that Jesus was not condemning all traditions, He was simply subjugating them to that which is ultimately God-breathed, the Scriptures. And since all Scripture is God-breathed, each and every one of us must subjugate our traditions and beliefs to the known standard of God’s Word.

Furthermore, Sola Scriptura is not a denial of the need for biblical interpretation, but it does insist that Scripture should interpret itself. That is, Scripture should interpret Scripture.

Embracing the principle of sola Scriptura does not show disrespect to pastors and teachers who are said to be the gifts of God for the people of God (Eph 4:11) but it does not allow for the Apostolic Tradition to be considered as a source of original authority alongside of the Bible, especially when Tradition does not have biblical support or where it contradicts Scripture. What Sola Scriptura does do is to affirm the Bible is the only infallible or inerrant (without error) authority for the Christian faith, and that it contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and holiness.

An unknown writer said, "This Book sets forth the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity."

I commend to you the Reformation principle of sola Scriptura.