A Framework for Life – Part 4
June 27, 2004
Dear Friends,
The next question in the framework for life is “Do you believe that anything supersedes the Scriptures as a source of truth?” For example, there are some groups such as the Mormons which believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God per our first question. However, they have another source of truth called the Book of Mormon. It has been my experience with the Mormons that a discussion can never go very far because their basis of truth — the Book of Mormon — is not my basis of truth.
This act of elevating other sources on par with the Bible is not unique to only those who have created another book. The Catholic Church has elevated church dogma above the Bible. If the Pope speaks ex cathedra, his word is binding and supersedes all that has gone before it including the Holy Scriptures. The Catholic Encyclopedia quotes the Vatican Council in regard to the subject. “We teach and define that it is a dogma Divinely revealed that the Roman pontiff when he speaks ex cathedra, that is when in discharge of the office of pastor and doctor of all Christians, by virtue of his supreme Apostolic authority, he defines a doctrine regarding faith or morals to be held by the universal Church, by the Divine assistance promised to him in Blessed Peter, is possessed of that infallibility with which the Divine Redeemer willed that his Church should be endowed in defining doctrine regarding faith or morals, and that therefore such definitions of the Roman pontiff are of themselves and not from the consent of the Church irreformable.” (1)
The above comments are not made to disparage either Mormons or Catholics. The Mormons would readily admit that the Book of Mormon is as sacred as the Bible. As quoted, the Catholic Church readily admits that it has the right and privilege to speak with infallible authority on all matters related to faith. It is a simple question that we need to ask ourselves — do WE think anything trumps the Holy Scriptures? If we do, so be it. However if we do, understand the consequences. The Scriptures become A source of truth, not the source of truth.
Another large faction of people that has relegated the Bible to A source of truth are those who believe they possess the Holy Spirit gifts. Although this group is much more varied in both doctrine and practice that the former two groups, the Pentecostals all believe and teach the they are guided by the Spirit. Several people who believe themselves to be under the guide of the Holy Spirit have told me that the Spirit supersedes the Bible. If what the Spirit tells them seems to contradicts Scripture, they will go with what the Spirit says. Again, they may say that the Bible is A source of truth and they what the Spirit tells them coincides perfectly with the Scripture, but the point is that there is no single agreed upon foundation for deciding truth. It is ironic, though certainly worth mentioning, that you can easily get two people together, both supposedly guided by the Holy Spirit, who do not agree with each other on many basic Bible teachings.
It is interesting that the Bible speaks for itself on this subject of whether it is complete and all encompassing. It says plainly enough that “…ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures, from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and useful for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be upright. This is how someone who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.” (2 Tim. 3:15-17 NJB) From the Bible, we can: 1. Learn wisdom that leads to salvation. 2) Have a basis for our life including correcting our path. 3. Be fully equipped (not partially equipped!) in God’s service. It sounds like we have a complete package here.
Lest we leave the wrong impression at this early stage, the story does not end here. The believer does not establish a relationship with a book, but with their Creator and His son, Jesus Christ. We will be coming back to this shortly, but it bears mentioning now. Although we may love the Bible as the Words of God, our faith is ultimately in the Divine Author of the Bible, not the Bible itself. The Bible is a means to an end, not an end unto itself.
Next week, Lord willing, will consider our third and last of the foundational questions.
Have a great week!
We are pleased to report that on June 16, Lisa Martin was immersed into the saving name of Jesus Christ in a beautiful mountain stream in southwest Virginia. On June 19, Daniel Chiles from Arlington, Virginia was immersed after a good confession of faith. Also, on June 26, Matthew King joined the body of Christ in baptism. Congratulations to all and welcome of the family of God.
(1) The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume V, Copyright © 1909 by Robert Appleton Company,
Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight, Nihil Obstat, May 1, 1909. Remy Lafort, Censor
Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York
