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Sola Scriptura - The Bible Alone
Sola Scriptura - The Bible Alone
and the
Catholic Church
Sola Scriptura:
The Bible Alone?
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of [His] disciples that are not written in
this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son
of God, and that through this belief you may have life in His name.
- John 20:30-31
Faith is a personal act - the free response of the human person to the initiative of God
who reveals himself. But faith is not an isolated act. No one can believe alone, just as no
one can live alone. You have not given yourself faith as you have not given yourself life.
The believer has received faith from others and should hand it on to others. Our love for
Jesus and for our neighbor impels us to speak to others about our faith. Each believer is
thus a link in the great chain of believers. I cannot believe without being carried by the
faith of others, and by faith I help support others in the faith.
- CCC #166
Is Sola Scriptura scriptural?
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When you are given a scripture verse that “proves” the Catholic Church is wrong, do two
things: 1) Read the verse VERY carefully, and 2) Put into context.
Where did the Bible Come from?
The Catholic Church!
Council of Rome 382 A.D.
Canon approved by Pope
Council of Hippo 393 A.D.
The Canon of Scripture was ratified.
Council of Carthage 397 A.D.
The Canon of Scripture was ratified.
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And I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates
of Hades shall not prevail against it.
- Matthew 16:18
The Authority of the Church
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Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
- John 20:21
Martin Luther & the Bible
Martin Luther removed 7 books from the Old Testament:
Sirach, Tobit, Wisdom, 1 & 2 Maccabees, Baruch & Judith.
Revelation 22:18-19
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I warn everyone who hears the prophetic words in this book: if anyone adds to them, God
will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the
words in this prophetic book, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the
holy city described in this book.
- Revelation 22:18-19
General Rules for Scriptural Debates
1. Not all Christian Beliefs are found directly in Scripture.
Example: “Trinity” is not in Scripture
As a Catholic, your first response when someone reads a Scripture verse should be,
“Amen. I believe that 100%. But I don't necessarily agree with your interpretation of that
passage.”
When you are given a Scripture verse that “proves” the Catholic Church is wrong, do two
things:
1) Read the verse VERY carefully.
2) Put it into context.
Remember: The Bible is a Catholic book. There is not a single article of the Catholic
faith that is opposed to anything in the Bible!
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