Many years ago, I heard a statement that has stayed with me ever since: “Man’s basic spiritual problem is the integrity of the Word of God.” From the opening chapters of Scripture, humanity’s trouble did not begin with violence, injustice, or immorality–it began with a question: “…Did God actually say…?” (Genesis 3:1). Eve inaccurately handled God’s word, which led to her believing the serpent’s lie in verse 4. The consequences were catastrophic. That pattern has never changed. When God’s words are doubted, altered, or subordinated to human opinion…unbelief, confusion, and division follow. When God’s words are believed, treasured, and obeyed…life and blessings follow.

Anyo One thing I have questioned for many years is why many theologians refer to the author of a biblical book as the person who wrote it down, as though the content were primarily their own recollection of events or their own intended message. I beg to differ. I have come to believe that the Bible has one author and many writers.

The Bible was written by over 40 writers over a span of roughly 1,500 years. The writers had diverse backgrounds from different countries with different customs. They wrote in many different styles about both controversial and non-controversial issues. It is amazing that under these circumstances the finished product has continuity and no contradictions. No contradictions? How is that possible?

2 Peter 1:20-21

“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

If it’s not of “one’s own interpretation”, then or now, I don’t have the right to add my own interpretation to any passage of Scripture. Neither does anyone else including a pastor, or priest, or the Pope, or theologian, no matter how well-intentioned they may be. The next verse makes it clear that even the men who originally received the scriptures were excluded from modifying it by their own will.

This truth is confirmed numerous times by numerous men of God who received the revelation of Scripture:

2 Samuel 23:2

“The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.”

Acts 1:16

“….Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David….”

Deuteronomy 4:2

“You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.”

Deuteronomy 12:32

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.”

Proverbs 30:5-6

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”

If the Scripture that was given by the Holy Spirit is not to be interpreted by any person, then it must interpret itself. If we allow Scripture to speak for itself, it will interpret itself right in a given verse, in the context of that verse, in harmony with all related verses, and fitting with all of Scripture.

According to Copilot AI:

The Protestant Reformation (16th century) explicitly formalized Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) as a foundational principle. In response to late-medieval Roman Catholic claims that Scripture, church tradition, and the magisterium held equal authority, the Reformers asserted that:

Scripture alone is the final, infallible authority for faith and practice.

Tota Scriptura (all of Scripture) is a theological principle that means “the whole of Scripture.” It teaches that all of the Bible is God�’breathed and authoritative, and that Christian doctrine must be formed from the entire counsel of God, not from isolated passages or selective text.

(End Copilot)

If we as 21st century Christians are to arrive at “the Truth” on any given biblical topic, we will need to adhere to these two standards of allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. In the next few articles we’ll take a look at exactly how the Scripture can speak for itself on any given topic. If you have a topic of interest you’d like to see addressed in subsequent articles, applying the “Scripture alone” and “all of Scripture” principles, please email me at marklrohde@icloud.com.

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Mark Rohde can be reached at marklrohde@icloud.com.