We believe, teach, and confess that the Holy Scriptures are the only source and foundation of Christian doctrine. This is the Reformation teaching of Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone. We believe, teach, and confess the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. As King David prayed, “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” [Psalm 119:105] This teaching of the unique authority of the Scriptures is called “Sola Scriptura, Scripture Alone.”

For this reason, we speak of the Scriptures as being inspured. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” [1 Timothy 3:16] The Scriptures are also inerrant (without error). “The Scriptures cannot be broken.” [St John 10:35] And, the Scriptures are infallible (unable to err). “It is impossible for God to lie.” [Hebrews 6:18] Most importantly, the Scriptures contain the promise of the Gospel, that is, the promise of the forgiveness of sins. The Gospel is the “means of grace,” that is, it is the only instrument that the Holy Spirit uses to create and sustain saving faith. “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe.” [Romans 1:16, see also St John 17:17,20; Acts 11:16; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 1:21]