Graham Cole brings us a summary of some important historical and contemporary perspectives in his article, ‘Sola Scriptura.’
Cole shows how a right understanding of the place of Scripture was at the heart of the Reformation revolution in Luther’s thought. He also demonstrates the role this doctrine played in the Episcopal-Presbyterian debates of the late-Reformation period in England. Finally, Cole illustrates how differing views of Scripture were behind the early science vs. Christianity debates.
Those historical sketches prove how important it is to understand the doctrine of sola scriptura rightly. The body of this article therefore provides a defence of this concept in light of the ‘perfections of Scripture’, namely, its authority, necessity, clarity and sufficiency.
Cole concludes by linking the doctrine of Scripture with God’s covenant purposes: ‘Each of the perfections of Scripture needs viewing through the prism of the divine purpose; namely, God binding himself to his people by way of covenant in Christ through his Spirit.’
Time and again, history shows that we misunderstand or ignore this doctrine at our peril. This article provides us with the tools to defend it and use it soli Deo gloria!
Cole, Graham A, Sola Scriptura: Some Historical and Contemporary Perspectives, Churchman 104/1 (1990): 20–34.