Maintaining Scriptural Supremacy in Christian Teaching
Maintaining scriptural supremacy in Christian teaching involves a steadfast commitment to the Bible as the ultimate authority for doctrine and practice. This commitment requires diligence in studying and adhering to God's word, ensuring that all teaching aligns with its truths [2, 3].
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, emphasizes the importance of "keeping to the true word of the teaching" so that leaders can provide comfort through sound instruction and refute those who contradict it [2, 8]. Similarly, John Gill interprets this as holding fast to the Gospel, which he describes as a "faithful word" because it is true, unmixed, and displays God's faithfulness [8]. This perspective underscores the idea that the Gospel is a treasure to be kept pure and faithfully dispensed, not to be adulterated or taken away by false teachers [4].
The concept of pressing on to perfection, as mentioned in Hebrews 6:1, implies moving beyond elementary principles while still recognizing the foundational importance of those teachings [1]. John Calvin, commenting on this passage, likens it to building a house: one must never abandon the foundation, but continually laboring in "laying the foundation" would be unproductive [5]. This suggests that while foundational truths are essential, Christian teaching should also progress, building upon these principles without neglecting them.
The supremacy of Scripture also means that it serves as the standard against which all other teachings are measured. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on 2 Timothy 3:9, states that "false doctrine cannot prevail long where the sacred Scriptures are read and studied" [7]. one tradition argues that the Scriptures are the "only rule of morals and doctrine," and that the folly of those who set their wisdom against God's wisdom will eventually be exposed [7]. This highlights the protective role of Scripture in guarding against error and ensuring the integrity of Christian teaching.
Furthermore, the "foundation of God standeth sure" [9], a phrase from 2 Timothy 2:19, is interpreted by John Gill as referring to the faith of God's elect, which is firm and immovable. This foundation, supported by God's power and Christ's mediation, cannot be overthrown by false teachers [9]. This reinforces the idea that the core truths of Christian faith, rooted in Scripture, are enduring and reliable. Matthew Henry also notes David's desire to "perfect himself in his religion" by learning God's righteous judgments, indicating a continuous pursuit of deeper understanding and adherence to biblical truth throughout one's life [6].
Sources
- Hebrews “Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, -- Hebrews 6:1”
- Titus “Titus 1:9 (BBE) — Keeping to the true word of the teaching, so that he may be able to give comfort by right teaching and overcome the arguments of the doubters.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Steadfastness — Exhibited by God in all his purposes and ways -- Nu 23:19; Da 6:26; Jas 1:17. Commanded -- Php 4:1; 2Th 2:15; Jas 1:6-8. Godliness necessary to -- Job 11:13-15. Secured by The power of God. -- Ps 55:22; 62:2; 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:24. The presence of God. -- Ps 16:8. Trust in God. -- Ps 26:1. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32. A characteristic of saints -- Job 17:9; Joh 8:31. Should be manifested In cleaving to God. -- De 10:20; Ac 11:23. In the work of the Lord. -- 1Co 15:58. In continuing in the Apostles' doctrine. -- Ac 2:42. In holding fast our”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:20: Keep that which is committed to thy trust,.... That is, the Gospel, see Ti1 1:11 which is a rich treasure put into earthen vessels, and ought to be kept pure and uncorrupt, and faithfully dispensed, and diligently preserved, that so it may be continued genuine and sincere, and not be either adulterated and depraved, or be taken away by false teachers. And it may also include his gifts for the ministration of it, which were to be kept in use, and stirred up, and not neglected, but cultivated and improved to the advantage of the church, and of the interest of Christ:”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:7: Here is, I. David's endeavour to perfect himself in his religion, and to make himself (as we say) master of his business. He hopes to learn God's righteous judgments. He knew much, but he was still pressing forward and desired to know more, as knowing this, that he had not yet attained; but as far as perfection is attainable in this life he reached towards it, and would not take up short of it. As long as we live we must be scholars in Christ's school, and sit at his feet; but we should aim to be head-scholars, and to get into the highest form. God's judgments ar”
- 2 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Timothy 3:9: But they shall proceed no farther - Such teaching and teachers shall never be able ultimately to prevail against the truth; for the foundation of God standeth sure. Their folly shall be manifest - As the Scriptures, which are the only rule of morals and doctrine, shall ever be preserved; so, sooner or later, all false doctrines shall be tried by them: and the folly of men, setting up their wisdom against the wisdom of God, must become manifest to all. False doctrine cannot prevail long where the sacred Scriptures are read and studied. Error prevails only where the”
- Titus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Titus 1:9: Holding fast the faithful word,.... The doctrine of the Gospel, so called because it is true, and to be believed; it is the word of truth, and truth itself, and contains nothing but truth; and because it never deceived any, that gave credit to its doctrines, and its promises; and because it is pure, unmixed, and unadulterated, and is the sincere milk of the word; and because in it is a glorious display of the faithfulness of God to his perfections, to his holiness and justice, to his law, and to his covenant, word, and oath; and of the faithfulness of Christ, to him tha”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:19: Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure,.... That faith, which is the faith of God's elect, is of the operation of God, and is the gift of his grace, and of which Christ is the author and finisher, is firm and immovable as a foundation; it is solid and substantial; it is the substance of things hoped for; and it is permanent and abiding; it stands sure, being supported by the power of God, and prevalent mediation of Jesus Christ; and so cannot be overthrown by false teachers, when an historical faith, or the faith of temporary believers may: or the doctri”