This week we will be considering the only rule of faith as SDAs that makes us unique among Christians. The SSL entitled, "By Scripture Alone - Sola Scriptura" depicts truth that may be new for some of our Adventist members. It will definitely exposes the pseudo-scientific way of interpretation versus the mode of inspiration set forth by the Scripture.

A. Sola Scriptura:

The Bible alone affords the means of distinguishing the path of life from the broad road that leads to perdition and death.--Review and Herald, Dec. 15, 1891.

1. The Rule of Faith - 1Cor. 4:6

When the Bible and the Bible alone is the rule of our faith and practice, the influence of our lives will have a telling power on the world.--Ms 177, 1899, p. 11. ("The Medical Missionary Work," May 10, 1899.) {4MR 412.1}

Do not make the Sabbath school lessons dry and spiritless. Leave the impression upon the mind that the Bible, and the Bible alone, is our rule of faith, and that the sayings and doings of men are not to be a criterion for our doctrines or actions. One grand lesson must be taught to the children, and that is that they must be free from every particle of egotism and bigotry. Teach them that Christ died to save sinners, and that those who are not of our faith are to be labored for with great tenderness and forbearance, for their souls are precious in the sight of God. No one must be regarded with contempt. There must be no Pharisaism, no self-righteousness. {CSW 84.2}

a. The Bible as Counselor - CT 352.4

b. The Bible as God's disclosure of eternal things - CT 443.2

c. The Bible as Textbook for Study - CT 444.1

d. The Bible as Spiritual Food - CT 448.3

e. The Bible as Guide - CT 449.2

f. The Bible as God's Voice - CT 450.1

g. The Bible as the Rod speaking to us - Mic. 6:9; John 10:11

2. The Only Interpretation Rule - Rom 15:4

It is to stand on its own eternal merits, to be read as the word of God, to be obeyed as the voice of God, which declares His will to the people. The will and voice of finite man are not to be interpreted as the voice of God. {FE 308.1}

a. Accept the word as it reads.

The food that is being prepared for the flock of God will cause spiritual consumption, decline, and death. When those who profess to believe present truth come to their senses, when they accept the word of God just as it reads, when they do not try to wrest the Scriptures, they will bring from the treasure-house of the heart things new and old, to strengthen themselves and those for whom they labor. {RH, June 18, 1901 par. 5}

b. Claim God's directions

Come to the Lord just as you are. Cast your helpless soul and body upon the mercy and care of the tender Shepherd; and believe, believe, believe. You will indeed see the salvation of God. Let your trust in God be unwavering. Present the promise, and then rely upon the Word that says, "Ask, and ye shall receive." Read the fifth chapter of James, and follow the directions as best you can, and if it is for the Lord's glory He will raise you up. But act your part faithfully, and cling to the mighty One. {12MR 351.1}

c. Take the word, read it.

Take the Word; read it, consider, pray over it; let it enter into your understanding; let the light flood the soul temple, that you may testify of these things in the churches. The Word of God is infallible; accept it as it reads; look with confidence to God; trust Him to qualify you for His service. We are not authorized to trust in ourselves; Christ is our helper, our sufficiency. It is His to give us the victory. Christ has brought life and immortality to light, and we are to look unto Him, and take this great salvation which He has won for us through His own death. Only believe; walk by faith, not by sight. {ST, April 5, 1899 par. 2}

3. The Mode of Inspiration - Zech. 4:1-6

They declare that they are inspired by the Spirit of God; but when reminded that the Bible was written by men who were moved by the Holy Ghost, they reveal the fact that they are following the inspiration of another spirit. True inspiration never rejects true inspiration, but is in harmony with the Bible. Anything that leads away from the word of God is proved to be inspired from beneath. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." {RH, August 27, 1901 par. 3}

For further study: Please click the link below.

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/11-the-golden-bowl-zec-4?authuser=0

4. The Universal Dairy - Isa. 7:15, 21-22

Through the promised Seed, the God of Israel was to bring deliverance to Zion. "There shall come forth a Rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots." "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall He eat, that He may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good." Isaiah 11:1; 7:14, 15. {PK 695.1}

For further study: Please click the link below:

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/11-1-the-universal-dairy

Beware of Misinterpretation:

Those who so presumptuously preach definite time, in so doing gratify the adversary of souls; for they are advancing infidelity rather than Christianity. They produce scripture, and by false interpretation show a chain of argument which apparently proves their position. But their failures show that they are false prophets, that they do not rightly interpret the language of inspiration.

The word of God is truth and verity; but men have perverted its meaning. These errors have brought the truth of God for these last days into disrepute. Adventists are derided by ministers of all denominations. Yet God's servants must not hold their peace.

The signs foretold in prophecy are fast fulfilling around us. This should arouse every true follower of Christ to zealous action. {RH, August 16, 1887 par. 6}

C. The Spirit of Prophecy

Not to Take the Place of the Word.

The Lord desires you to study your Bibles. He has not given any additional light to take the place of His Word. This light is to bring confused minds to His Word, which, if eaten and digested, is as the lifeblood of the soul. Then good works will be seen as light shining in darkness.-- Letter 130, 1901. {3SM 29.2}

Bible Principles First, Then the Testimonies.

It is my first duty to present Bible principles. Then, unless there is a decided, conscientious reform made by those whose cases have been presented before me, I must appeal to them personally.--Letter 69, 1896. {3SM 30.1}

E. G. White Work Not Unlike That of Bible Prophets.

In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the course that He would have them pursue.-- {5T 661}

Ellen White Calls Her Writings a Lesser Light.

Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light.--The Review and Herald, Jan. 20, 1903. (Quoted in Colporteur Ministry, p. 125.) {3SM 30.4}

Tested by the Bible.

The Spirit was not given--nor can it ever be bestowed--to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the Word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. . . . Isaiah declares, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).--The Great Controversy, Introduction, p. vii. {3SM 30.5}

Not for the Purpose of Giving New Light.

Brother J would confuse the mind by seeking to make it appear that the light God has given through the Testimonies is an addition to the Word of God, but in this he presents the matter in a false light. God has seen fit in this manner to bring the minds of His people to His Word, to give them a clearer understanding of it. {3SM 30.6}

Testimonies to Bring Plain Lessons From the Word.

In the Scriptures God has set forth practical lessons to govern the life and conduct of all; but though He has given minute particulars in regard to our character, conversation, and conduct, yet in a large measure, His lessons are disregarded and ignored. Besides the instruction in His Word, the Lord has given special testimonies to His people, not as a new revelation, but that He may set before us the plain lessons of His Word, that errors may be corrected, that the right way may be pointed out, that every soul may be without excuse.-- Letter 63, 1893. {5T 665}

Testimonies Never Contradict the Bible.

The Bible must be your counselor. Study it and the testimonies God has given; for they never contradict His Word.--Letter 106, 1907.

If the Testimonies speak not according to the word of God, reject them. Christ and Belial cannot be united.-- {5T 691}