Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 175:699 (Jul 2018)
Article: Tradition And Sola Scriptura In 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Author: Daniel P. Wiley

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Tradition And Sola Scriptura In 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Daniel P. Wiley

Daniel P. Wiley is an adjunct professor at Clarks Summit University and Grand Canyon University.

Abstract

Sola Scriptura stands as the fundamental difference between Reformed and Roman Catholic theology. Roman Catholic theologians, in their attempt to demonstrate the inconsistency of sola Scriptura, insist that 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and its reference to tradition confirms the doctrine of sola ecclesia. However, the Roman apologetic falls short of providing an adequate interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and response to sola Scriptura.

Introduction

In his 2015 article “ ‘Solus Christus’: What the Reformers Taught and Why It Still Matters,” Stephen J. Wellum argued, “Scripture alone (sola Scriptura) stands as the formal principle of the Reformation and the foundation of all theology.”1 According to Matthew Barnett, for the Reformers, “Sola scriptura meant that only Scripture, because it is God’s inspired Word, is our inerrant, sufficient, and final authority for the church.”2 This declaration of Scripture as the final authority has guided the Protestant church and her evangelical children for the last five hundred years.

Of course, it is essential to qualify the Reformers’ insistence on sola Scriptura as the final authority. Sola Scriptura does not demand that Protestant and evangelical churches reject all other possible

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authorities.3 Other authorities are vital in guiding the spiritual life of the church and protecting her from false teaching (e.g., elders; cf. Acts 20:28; Titus 1:9; Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 5:1–4), and in distinguishing orthodoxy from error (e.g., creeds and confessions).4 However, these lesser authorities derive their authority only as they submit to Scripture, the final authority.5 Furthermore, sola Scriptura does not claim that the Bible contains all knowledge.6 As the God-breathed text, Scripture provides believers with information to sufficiently equip them for ministry and eve...