Sola Scriptura vs. Tradition: Returning to the Source

Sola Scriptura vs. Tradition: Returning to the Source

The doctrine of Sola Scriptura—that Scripture alone is the supreme and sufficient authority for faith and practice—was the rallying cry of the Reformation. Yet today, it stands under fire from both extremes: those who elevate centuries of human traditions above it, and those who wield the Bible without any interpretive discipline. Between these errors lies the narrow way: handling God’s Word faithfully, humbly, and in context.

Biblical Foundation

Paul declared, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

The Greek phrase πᾶσα γραφὴ θεόπνευστος (pasa graphē theopneustos) means “every writing is God-breathed.” Scripture alone is described this way—never tradition, never councils.

While Paul does mention παραδόσεις (paradoseis, “traditions”) in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, these refer to apostolic teachings still being written down—the very same gospel that now forms our New Testament. Nowhere does Scripture sanction traditions later invented or detached from the apostolic witness.

Word Study

Greek (παράδοσις – paradosis) literally means “that which is handed down.”In the New Testament, this term can be used both positively (as in apostolic teaching) or negatively (as in human invention). Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, saying, “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). The difference is clear: divine revelation endures; human tradition drifts.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the earliest days of the Church, apostolic teaching circulated both orally and in writing. But when the apostles died, the living line of oral authority ended. What remained was the Spirit-inspired written record—the Scriptures.

Over time, however, various groups claimed to preserve “apostolic tradition” that was, in reality, far removed from the apostles themselves.

• Eastern Orthodoxy upholds a “Holy Tradition” encompassing councils, icons, and mystical practices—many of which developed during the Byzantine era, centuries after the apostles. To label these later customs “apostolic” is historically indefensible. The paradosis Paul mentioned was already being committed to writing by his own hand.

• Roman Catholicism formally elevated Tradition to co-authority with Scripture at the Council of Trent (1546). By granting equal weight to human decrees and God’s Word, it undermined the sufficiency Paul describes in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 and ignored the warning of Revelation 22:18 not to add to God’s words.

• Anglican and Episcopal traditions sought a middle path—“Scripture, Tradition, and Reason.” Yet reason and tradition are interpretive tools, not sources of revelation. When tradition dictates doctrine contrary to Scripture—such as redefining marriage or ordination—it ceases to serve Scripture and begins to rule over it.

Misconceptions & Clarifications

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some who proclaim Sola Scriptura fall into Solo Scriptura—rejecting all historical insight and communal interpretation. This leads to a hyper-literalism that ignores language, culture, and literary form.

Paul also commanded, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).The Greek verb ὀρθοτομέω (orthotomeō) means “to cut straight.” Scripture demands careful handling, not careless proof-texting. Proper hermeneutics (interpretive principles) and exegesis (drawing meaning out of the text) keep us from reading our own biases into God’s Word—the same sin that corrupted many later traditions.

Theological Reflection

Tradition can either preserve truth or pervert it. When it echoes Scripture, it becomes a faithful witness; when it contradicts Scripture, it becomes a counterfeit.

The Reformers never denied the Church’s teaching role—they denied its right to create revelation. The Bible remains self-interpreting because its Author is alive. The same Spirit who inspired the text still illuminates it. No Byzantine council or modern committee can replace that.

Connection to Christ

Jesus Himself modeled Sola Scriptura. When tempted, He responded not with rabbinic tradition but with “It is written.” When confronting religious hypocrisy, He said, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition” (Mark 7:9).

Christ, the living Word, affirmed the written Word as the final authority. To follow Him is to return to that source.

Christ-Centered Conclusion

Sola Scriptura is not a slogan—it is a safeguard. The Church does not stand over Scripture; it stands under it. Every tradition must bow to the text that bears God’s breath. The further we drift from the source, the murkier the waters become.

But when we return to the Word—handled rightly, studied deeply, and illuminated by the Spirit—we hear the voice of Christ Himself, speaking still: clear, sufficient, and alive.

O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you. - 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.