Sola Scriptura — Scripture Alone! by J.C. Ryle, 1816-1900

Next to praying, there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible reading. By reading that Book, we may learn what to believe, what to be, what to do, how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace.

The Bible alone is “able to make a man wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15 It alone can show you the way which leads to Heaven, teach you everything you need to know, point out everything you need to believe, and explain everything you need to do.

It alone can show you what you are–a sinner, what God is–perfectly holy, and the great giver of pardon, peace, and grace–Jesus Christ.

The Bible applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit, is the grand instrument by which souls are converted to God. In this way, the Bible has worked moral miracles by thousands! It has made drunkards become sober, immoral people become pure, thieves become honest, and violent people become meek!

The Bible has wholly altered the course of men’s lives and…

• caused their old things to pass away and made all their ways new.
• taught worldly people to seek first the kingdom of God.
• taught lovers of pleasure to become lovers of God.
• changed the stream of men’s affections to run upwards instead of running downwards.
• made men think of Heaven instead of always thinking of earth.

The Bible can enable a man . . 

• to bear afflictions without murmuring and say, “It is well.”
• to look down into the grave and say, “I fear no evil.”
• and to think on judgment and eternity and not feel afraid.

Power of the Bible

• Is a man drowsy in soul? The Bible can awaken him.
• Is he mourning? The Bible can comfort him.
• Is he erring? The Bible can restore him.
• Is he weak? The Bible can strengthen him.
• Is he in company? The Bible can keep him from evil.
• Is he alone? The Bible can talk with him. (Proverbs 6:22)

All this the Bible can do for all believers, for the least as well as the greatest, for the richest as well as the poorest.
It has done it for thousands already and is doing it for thousands every day!

Sola Scripture

It is in Scripture alone that infallibility resides — not in the Church, not in the Councils, and not in ministers. It is only in the written Word.

All other books in the world, however good and useful in their way, are more or less defective. The more you look at them, the more you see their defects and blemishes. The Bible alone is absolutely perfect. From beginning to end, it is “the Word of God.”

The Bible as Authority

A man must make the Bible alone his rule. He must receive nothing and believe nothing, which is not according to the Word. He must try all religious teaching by one simple test: Does it square with the Bible? What do the Scriptures say?

The only question is: Is the thing said Scriptural?  If it is, then it ought to be received and believed. If it is not, then it ought to be refused and cast aside.

Churches which are most flourishing at this day are churches that honor the Bible.
Nations which enjoy most moral light are nations in which the Bible is most treasured.
Godliest families are Bible-reading families.
Holiest men and women are Bible-reading people.
These are simple facts that cannot be denied.

Everyone who cares for his soul ought to treasure the Bible highly, to study it regularly, and to make himself thoroughly acquainted with its contents.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”