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Astralis said:
My first post!

Matthew,

I just read the article that youabout Sola (Solo) Scriptura. (http://www.the-highway.com/Sola_Scriptura_Mathison.html)

First, I still don't see a difference between Sola and Solo Scriptura nor does the author sufficiently explain it.
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I haven't a clue who "Matthew" is, but I suspect you are responding to someone's post in another thread? Be that as it may, I'll pick up the ball here and entertain your question and statement below.

The difference between "SolA Scriptura" and "SolO Scriptura" is that the latter stands on individual autonomy for understanding the Scriptures and the former takes into account what the Church has concluded and officially declared in its Ecumenical Councils, e.g., the Athanasian Creed, Nicean Creed, Chalcedon, et al. Also, "SolA Scriptura" recognizes the value of those who have lived before and have shown a particular gift in biblical interpretation, e.g., Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Knox, Owen, Edwards, Boston, Goodwin, Hodge, Berkhof, etc.

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You then remarked:
Second, the conclusion is contradictory:

>> Ultimately, the fundamental problem with solo scriptura is the same problem that exists within the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox concepts of Scripture and tradition. All of these concepts result in autonomy. All result in final authority being placed somewhere other than God and His Word. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox doctrines result in the autonomy of the Church. Solo scriptura results in the autonomy of the individual believer who becomes a law unto himself. Scripture is interpreted according to the conscience and reason of the individual.

Is the author a non-Christian? If the answer isn't in the autonomy of the Church nor the individual believer as the conclusion states, then what is the pillar and foundation of Truth? What is this article supposed to conclude?
Why would you question the spiritual state of the author? FYI, Keith Mathisen, as best as can be discerned, is a very orthodox, godly and educated Christian man.

The Church is the "pillar and ground of the truth". But the Church is decidedly NOT specifically a man, e.g., a pope, nor a council, e.g., the Magisterium, who decides what the truth is. The Church is the totality of those who have been genuinely converted by grace throughout the centuries. Within the Church, God has raised up various men, gifted by the Holy Spirit to understand the Scriptures and to guard against error. However, each and every true believer is likewise indwelt by the Holy Spirit, Who witnesses to the truth and allows the individual to confirm that which others have written. It's a check and balance system. However, the most important point is that Scripture is its OWN authority and depends not upon any man for it is self-authenticating; Scripture interprets Scripture.

Perhaps these other articles on "Sola Scriptura" will aid in a proper understanding of the doctrine:

Sola Scriptura and the Church, by William Webster

The Authority of Scripture, by William Webster

The Rule of Faith and Practice, by A.A. Hodge

What Do We Mean By Sola Scriptura?, by Dr. W. Robert Godfrey

In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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