Scripture alone, or “Sola Scriptura” is also one of the central principles of the Protestant Reformation. It teaches that the Bible is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. The Reformers believed that Scripture, being inspired by God, is sufficient for guiding Christians in their beliefs and lives. This principle challenged the authority of church traditions and leaders that had taken precedence over biblical teaching at the time. Sola Scriptura affirmed that God’s Word is the final authority, not human opinions, private revelations or religious traditions.

One of the key passages in which Paul points to the authority of Scripture is found in verses like 2 Timothy 3:16–17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This passage emphasizes the divine origin and complete sufficiency of Scripture. The Reformers insisted that the Bible contains all that is necessary for salvation and Christian living. No other source—whether church councils, popes, or traditions—could claim equal authority with God’s Word.

By emphasizing the authority of Scripture, Sola Scriptura also encouraged individual believers to read and interpret the Bible for themselves. Before the Reformation, access to the Bible was often limited to clergy, and ordinary people relied on church leaders for interpretation. Therefore, Reformers translated the Bible into common languages so that everyone could read and understand it, which empowered Christians to develop a personal relationship with God through His Word for their own edification.

Sola Scriptura does not reject tradition altogether; rather, it places tradition under the authority of Scripture. Traditions and teachings are valuable as long as they align with the Bible, but they must be rejected if they contradict it. This principle protects against human errors and ensures that the church remains faithful to God’s revealed truth. It calls believers to measure all doctrines and practices against the standard of Scripture.

So, Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura), is a foundational principle that asserts the Bible as the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice. It rejects the idea that human traditions or church leaders hold equal authority with God’s Word. By encouraging personal engagement with Scripture, it reminds believers that God’s Word is sufficient and trustworthy. This principle continues to guide Christians to remain rooted in biblical truth.