Contents

• How did we get the Canon?
• Is Inspiration Verbal or Written?
• Does a Magisterium (infallible teaching office) exist today?
• Conclusions

Introduction

As Christians study, a key question is frequently left unanswered. Should the Bible be regarded as the only absolute standard for truth? Two churches adamantly state that it is not. The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) insists that it is the only true church, and it has been granted the authority to be the only interpreter of God's Word. That Word is not restricted to the Bible, but includes various ex cathedra pronouncements of the Pope, which are alleged to be Apostolic Tradition, handed down from the Apostle Peter. These traditions are to be granted equal standing with scripture.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon), insist that they have been given modern day revelation to guide the believer. This revelation comes from face to face audiences with Christ and the Apostles involving the Prophet and Apostles of the church. Since this revelation is authoritative, their teaching office is also authoritative.

Contrary to the RCC and LDS positions is that of virtually all other Christian denominations: the Bible is the only authoritative word of God available to the believer. This position is known as "Sola Scriptura", or "Only the Scriptures". It basically denies that any authoritative teaching of Jesus has been made available to the church since the Book of Revelation ended canonical writing in about AD94.

These three positions are mutually incompatible. The RCC and LDS positions cannot both be right, since their doctrines are very different. If one is shown to be correct, then the other must be wrong. If both are shown to be incorrect, we still do not have a unique solution for proper doctrine. Numerous understandings of doctrine have arisen, all supposedly sola scriptura. But, even without specific established doctrines, we may be able to confirm sola scriptura as a method. This remains to be established, however.

We must define the parameters of the problem. In debates of the issue, it is easy to see many cases where the parties have not debated the same topic. We must avoid such confusion. There may be elements of the debate which, while generating much heat, are not actually in dispute! We must identify these, so that they can be set aside. Then we must cast the blinding light of the authority accepted by all, the Bible, on the remaining issues so that we clearly identify the truth, and reject falsehood.

A number of issues have been argued, and should be examined.

1. What books properly constitute the canon, and who determined their canonicity?
2. Does the canon indicate non-written transmission of doctrine? If so, what role is given to the verbal mode?
3. Is there any command that God's words be written down for posterity? Is there any indication that ALL of God's words have been transcribed?
4. Does the canon give any direct statement of its own (in)completeness in matters of doctrine?
5. Can the canon be understood?
6. What warrant can be derived for the authoritative teaching office (Magisterium)?
7. Can the RCC doctrine of Apostolic Succession be supported?

• Biblically?
• Practically?

Can the LDS doctrine of Direct Revelation be supported

• Biblically?
• Practically?

When this work has been completed, we should be prepared to make a definitive statement on the following proposition:

Definition

Sola Scriptura: The Bible contains between its covers all of the doctrines required for salvation in a form
understandable by all who are willing to study. No outside teaching authority other than the individual indwelling of the Holy Spirit is required.