Topical Bible: The Scriptures: Everything should be Tried By

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The principle that everything should be tried by the Scriptures is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith, doctrine, and conduct. This concept is rooted in the belief that the Scriptures are divinely inspired and serve as the final arbiter of truth.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible itself asserts its authority and sufficiency in guiding believers. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , it is written, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage underscores the comprehensive nature of Scripture in equipping believers for all aspects of life and godliness.

Similarly, in Acts 17:11 , the Bereans are commended for their diligence in examining the Scriptures: "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." This example highlights the practice of testing teachings and doctrines against the Word of God.

Role in Doctrine and Practice

The Scriptures serve as the benchmark for evaluating all teachings, traditions, and spiritual experiences. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21 , believers are instructed to "test all things; hold fast to what is good." This directive implies that all claims, whether doctrinal or experiential, should be measured against the truth of Scripture.

The apostle Paul, in Galatians 1:8 , warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what has been preached, even if it comes from an angel: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!" This strong admonition reinforces the necessity of aligning all teachings with the biblical gospel.

Historical Context

Throughout church history, the principle of sola scriptura, meaning "Scripture alone," has been a rallying cry, particularly during the Protestant Reformation. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized the authority of Scripture over church traditions and ecclesiastical interpretations. This return to biblical authority was seen as a corrective to perceived deviations from scriptural truth.

Application in Contemporary Christianity

In contemporary Christianity, the call to test everything by the Scriptures remains relevant. Believers are encouraged to engage in personal and communal study of the Bible, ensuring that their beliefs and practices are rooted in biblical truth. This involves a commitment to regular reading, study, and meditation on the Word, as well as participation in sound teaching and preaching.

The Scriptures also provide guidance in ethical and moral decision-making. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This metaphor illustrates the illuminating power of Scripture in navigating the complexities of life.

Challenges and Considerations

While the principle of testing everything by the Scriptures is widely upheld, it is not without challenges. Interpretative differences can arise, leading to various denominational beliefs and practices. Therefore, it is essential for believers to approach Scripture with humility, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the counsel of mature Christians.

Moreover, the integration of biblical principles into contemporary issues requires discernment and wisdom. As society evolves, Christians are tasked with applying timeless biblical truths to new and complex situations, always ensuring that their responses are grounded in Scripture.

In summary, the principle that everything should be tried by the Scriptures is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing the Bible's role as the ultimate authority in all matters of life and doctrine. Through diligent study and application of the Word, believers are equipped to discern truth and live in accordance with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Some Scriptures for Daily Practise.
... SOME SCRIPTURES FOR DAILY PRACTISE ... "In everything give thanks ... disciples, if ye have
love one for another." But in addition to brotherly love there should be kind ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/some scriptures for daily practise.htm

Letter vii. Self-Denial.
... This is a very important matter; for the Scriptures most fully ... Every exercise of
our minds should be tried by this ... Prefer the glory of God to everything else. ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vii self-denial.htm

Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ...
... Everything, therefore, connected with these men is unreal, and nothing ... to the law,
and their songs, should be changed ... of so long a series of Scriptures, he who ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii whosoever confesses that one.htm

The Scriptures
... It is so pure that it purifies everything else. ... From a child thou hast known the
holy Scriptures, which are ... Who should have the power of interpreting Scripture ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the scriptures.htm

Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ...
... of me," as teaching that in searching the Scriptures we should ... there are none at
all, he should first have ... that not only some things, but everything written by ...
/.../faustus willing to believe not.htm

Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ...
... persecutions, and hunger and thirst, in everything was a ... he gathered abundance from
the holy Scriptures, for his ... should not be disturbed, but should give our ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xiii for 341 coss marcellinus.htm

The Sin of Unbelief
... I am sure it is, when I am taught in the Scriptures that, "This ... When I am perfect
in faith, I shall be perfect in everything else; I should always fulfill ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the sin of unbelief.htm

Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties.
... is wanting, there will be a lack of everything else ... The Scriptures insist upon the
duty of brotherly love ... In such case you should leave the family; because your ...
/.../letter xv social and relative.htm

The Leaven.
... endeavour to keep my mind open for everything that the ... by many parallel examples
in the Scriptures.[20] Of ... It became necessary that they should be poured from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iv the leaven.htm

To Defend the Weak, or to Help Strangers, or to Perform Similar ...
... not fail at our table; that we should meet a ... up every kindly duty; so that men consider
everything a loss ... But even here the holy Scriptures have been on the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxi to defend the.htm