Should scripture be the only source for doctrine? Why or why not?

Question

The Bible warns against adopting the doctrines of men. "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Should scripture be the only source for doctrine? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Simple answer:



God's Word is clear on this issue of whether the Bible alone is sufficient or whether you need the Bible + man's doctrines:



2 Timothy 3:16-17

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."



Here Paul instructs Timothy that "ALL" Scipture (as opposed to just some, or Scipture plus tradition) is inspired by God (It's God's Word), It is FULLY sufficient for making the man of God (Christian) COMPLETE, and also FULLY equips the Christian for EVERY (as opposed to some) good work. And what were we (Christians) created for?



Ephesians 2:10

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."



So it seems pretty simple to me from what God says in His word. The Bible is completely sufficient for equipping me to do God's will (good works), but it also makes me complete, and improves me by teaching me, correcting me, and transforming me.



It's clear, tradition and doctrines of men or not necessary for me. God's words is sufficient for everything necessary for my spiritual well-being, as well as my guide to life.



I hope this answered your questions and helps.

Answer 2

Do you think that the scriptures keep doctine pure? They do not, only the opposite occurs.



The bible is hardly pure or perfect. It was assembled almost three hundred years after the death of the apostles. It excluded dozens of books that the early churches valued highly but the doctors and lawyers of the day protested against those books.

Not only that but we have no orignal books of the bible, we have no idea if what it speaks of now is what the originals said. Several scribes hundreds of years ago admitted to deliberatly deleting or adding to the scriptures to make them speak more according to their own believes, they believed this a duty. Several pagan and gnostic believes have been added to mainstream christianity.



Not only that proof but if the bible was perfect and we did not need any apostles and prophets to teach us today, why are there hundreds of thousands of christian denominations. If the bible was so easily understood they would each believe the same thing. But each of these denominations have different beliefs because of their interpretation of the bible. If one bible "expert" believes on thing and another "expert" believes something else who do you ask for clarification? Throught the scriptures they had prophets and apostles to answer those questions.



I will give you a scriptural example. Do you remember how false and hypocrital the pharasees and Saducces of christ day were? They only became that way because the jews had killed off the prophets that gave revelation, and answered questions (especially scriptural interpretation). The jews interpreted the scriptures for years and added over a HUNDRED commandments to the law of moses. They also corrupted the temple. Do you think that is was god wanted? But that is the result in the scriptures of no communication from God.



The scriptures are for teaching, testimony of christ, and answering questions. But are not perfect and cannot and will never teach us everything we need to know.

Answer 3

The Scripture is merely the record of God's revelation not the revelation as such. So there are elements contained within revelation that have been passed down via the Tradition of the Church that have been revealed by God to the Church but which may not be explicit in Scripture.



Also, in response to your response to my question...your quote from St. Paul makes no sense in the context because the eucharist is a liturgical act that takes place within this fallen world, admittedly administered by Christ's True Church, and therefore not in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Answer 4

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My church has very conservative rules about what is accepted to be canonized, official sources of doctrine in our church. The church has Standard Works, which are four collections of scripture that have been officially accepted as sources of doctrine. In addition to the Standard Words, any other information is only canonized if it has been unanimously declared by the First Presidency of the church and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and ratified by the membership of the church. Therefore, the Standard Works, and any such ratified sources are considered our official sources of doctrine. The church even has a correlation committee, whose job is to make sure that the manuals for classes and other church publications are doctrinally correct according to these sources.



However, the church encourages its members to get truth wherever they can find it. Even if a particular truth is not found in the scriptures that doesn't stop people of faith from learning it directly from the Holy Ghost. However, in all cases, the teachings that come from the Holy Ghost will always be consistent with canonized scripture. In my opinion, however, it would be a mistake for anyone to share such a truth that he/she has learned by personal revelation with others as if it were scripture, since each individual only has the right to receive revelation for him/herself and sometimes his/her family members, not for the whole church. In addition, there are other questions where people are free to engage in speculation and reasoning to come up with answers, but, again, I don't think it would be appropriate for anyone to share such speculations as if they were doctrine.



The First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, however, do have the right to receive revelation for the whole church, and do so on a regular basis. Typically when they address the church in conferences, though, their teachings are supported with appropriate verses from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and so forth.

Answer 5

What is scripture but the doctrines of men? The revelations of the Hubble telescope are equal if not greater than anything found in scripture (scripture is ignorant of the magnitude of the creation it is teaching "and God made the stars also" is about it).

Answer 6

We, as one Child of God, chose to be someone else, expressing as a multitude; we adopted ego, to perceive what we made, and continue to make (the physical world/universe).



But ego became too strong, and we became afraid, fell into a deep sleep...



The Bible is telling us that we only dreamed we awoke, that ego is not our true Self, that God is All That Is. "Men" means ego, and ego does not exist, for it is only a projection of mind, not a creation.



God created the truth of us, as one. Everything else is illusion. We remain as created, and truth comes thus, through all channels.

Answer 7

no! you must know about the times in which bible writers lived in order to understand what they are talking about. words have different meanings in different time periods.

Answer 8

Whynot use the word of god over the word of man as our key source of doctrine? Name ONE civilization, political entity or governmental ruling body that has proben to be effective in protecting its members from problems such as crime or political unrest or famine or any of the other calamities that have befallen mankind in the past 6000 years? Mankind has proven to be completely incapable of ruling himself, so why NOT turn to God given counsel for the direction that we so sorely need?

"THE word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword . . . and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) This description of what God's Word can accomplish surely stamps the Bible as more than just a good book.



"Its message is as vital to our lives as our next breath," one religion writer put it succinctly. Then he added: "When you take the issue of our longing and need for healing today and read the Bible in that light, astonishing results follow." Like a lamp that burns brightly, the Bible sheds light on the many complex issues and problems of modern-day living.—Psalm 119:105.



Indeed, the wisdom expressed in the Bible has the power to mold our thinking, help us solve problems, improve the quality of our life, and equip us with the skills to cope with those situations that we cannot change. Most important, the Bible enables us to get to know and love God.

The Author of the Bible, Jehovah God, is 'familiar with all our ways.' He knows more about our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs than even we do. (Psalm 139:1-3) Thoughtfully, he sets clear limits for human behavior. (Micah 6:8) It makes sense to seek to understand those limits and directions and learn to live by them. Happy is the man whose "delight is in the law of Jehovah," says the psalmist. "Everything he does will succeed." (Psalm 1:1-3) Such a prospect surely merits our examination.



The Bible also gives counsel that helps people to rid themselves of bad habits.(Romans 13:13; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:19-21) Realistically, to root out such habits and to put on "the new personality" takes concerted effort. (Ephesians 4:22-24)



Jehovah sees what is in our heart and knows what we are looking for. God is "making an estimate of hearts," and he gives "to each one according to his ways."—Proverbs 21:2; Jeremiah 17:10.



The Bible gives practical counsel when it comes to matters of human relations.When husband and wife disagree, both need to "be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath." (James 1:19)

"THE word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword . . . and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) This description of what God's Word can accomplish surely stamps the Bible as more than just a good book.

"Its message is as vital to our lives as our next breath," one religion writer put it succinctly. Then he added: "When you take the issue of our longing and need for healing today and read the Bible in that light, astonishing results follow." Like a lamp that burns brightly, the Bible sheds light on the many complex issues and problems of modern-day living.—Psalm 119:105.



Indeed, the wisdom expressed in the Bible has the power to mold our thinking, help us solve problems, improve the quality of our life, and equip us with the skills to cope with those situations that we cannot change. Most important, the Bible enables us to get to know and love God.



The Author of the Bible, Jehovah God, is 'familiar with all our ways.' He knows more about our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs than even we do. (Psalm 139:1-3) Thoughtfully, he sets clear limits for human behavior. (Micah 6:8) It makes sense to seek to understand those limits and directions and learn to live by them. Happy is the man whose "delight is in the law of Jehovah," says the psalmist. "Everything he does will succeed." (Psalm 1:1-3) Such a prospect surely merits our examination.



Remember, Jehovah sees what is in our heart and knows what we are looking for. God is "making an estimate of hearts," and he gives "to each one according to his ways."—Proverbs 21:2; Jeremiah 17:10.





When husband and wife disagree, both need to "be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath." (James 1:19) Such advice improves communication. (Ephesians 5:28-33) Yes, the Bible teaches us how to acknowledge and deal with our own imperfections and how to have success in coping with those of others.





Wise King Solomon said: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5, 6) How uncomplicated, yet profound, those words are!



The Bible is a force for good. It enables lovers of God to bring their life in harmony with his will and to find happiness in "walking in the law of Jehovah." (Psalm 119:1) No matter what our circumstances, the Bible contains the direction and counsel that we need. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Read it daily, meditate on what you read, and apply it. It will keep your mind clear and focused on things that are pure and wholesome. (Philippians 4:8, 9) You will learn not only how to live and enjoy life but also how to love the Creator of life.