John the apostle said, "These are written that you may believe..." (John 20:31), "And these things
we write to you that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:4), "...These things I write to you, so that
you may not sin." (1 John 2:1), "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life..." (1 John 5:13). Again, not one time
did John, or any inspired writer, declare that the ex-cathedra pronouncements of the Pope,
legislations of the church, etc., are given that you may believe, might not sin, or may know that
we have eternal life. Again, the Scriptures claim for themselves that they alone are the standard of
authority.
The holy Scriptures furnish us unto every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every
good work." Any practice, therefore, which is not in the Scriptures cannot be a good work in
God's sight. Please name one good work which is necessary for salvation which is not in the
Scriptures. Thus, the Scriptures alone are the authority; they thoroughly equip us for every good
work.
All teachers are to be tested by the Scriptures. 1 Cor. 4:6 says, "Now these things, brethren, I
have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to
think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the
other." Acts 17:11 says, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they
received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these
things were so." Even when Paul emphasized that his writings were the laws of the Lord (1 Cor.
14:37), it was in opposition to what men might claim as laws. The Scriptures, therefore, are the
only authority. Any practice not found in them is of human origin and is therefore false.
The Scriptures are the standard by which we will be judged in the last day. Rev. 20:12 says,
"...And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the
books." (See also Rom. 2:16; James 2:12; John 12:48). We will not be judged by unwritten
traditions, teachings of the Pope, legislations of the church, writings of the so-called church
fathers, etc., thus, again, showing that the Scriptures are the only standard.
Here is a list which shows what the holy writings furnish: (1) Life in the name of Jesus (John 20:30-31); (2) Commands of the Lord (1 Cor. 14:37); (3) Knowledge of the mystery of Christ (Eph. 3:2-5). (4) The proper conduct (1 Tim. 3:14-15); (5) Every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17); (6) Protection against sin (1 John 2:1); (7) An assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:13); (8) Standard by which teachers are tested (Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 4:6); (9) Joy that is complete (1 John 1:1-4); (10) A reminder of the precepts (2 Pet. 3:1-2); (11) Standard of judgment (Rev. 20:12). This is all that is declared in God's revelation regarding His authority or law. The holy Scriptures do not mention or allow other authorities. They alone are the complete and final standard which furnish all of man's spiritual needs. They alone are the standard by which all teachers are to be tested, and by which we will be judged in the last day.