The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.
This is sola Scriptura plainly stated. There are many worthy authorities, many experts, and many who deserve a hearing (though not many wise, if memory serves). All are secondary to the voice of the Spirit in Scripture. All must submit to the judgment of Scripture. Where there are controversies, the Scripture is our referee. It is, as I wrote previously, the norm of norms and itself without norm.
Is there value in creeds? Are we to give heed to the decisions of ecumenical councils? Do we listen to the fathers of the church? Yes, in every case yes. But we should hold the creeds in one hand and the Bible in the other, knowing which of the two is supreme at all times.
Tomorrow: The Westminster Confession on Scripture.
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