“It is written and Trust in the Lord are good proofs of sola scriptura and sola fide .”
1) No where in scripture is it written that sola fide is an orthodox doctrine. NO WHERE.
2) Also, trust in the Lord in no way a proof of either sola scriptura and sola fide.
“Actually sola fide and sola scriptura are through God’s power....He’s made it possible for both.”
No, He did not. Neither heretical doctrine was ever part of God’s plan nor could they be since they contravene other parts of His plan. Both sola scriptura and sola fide were invented. Neither came from God, nor were they taught by the Holy Spirit in scripture, nor were they taught by the Church.
“Or maybe the 243 references to faith in the NT might be a strong indicator of sola fide.”
Nope. Hundreds of references to faith is exactly zero references to faith alone. Besides, as everyone knows, the only time faith alone is mentioned is in James 2 which does not commend it as a doctrine at all. That one non-recommendation of faith alone trounces all the non-mentionings of sola fide you can muster. What you’re doing here is simply not intellectually honest.
“Regarding sola scriptura, there are 76 results of “it is written” in the Bible. More are in the NT (60) which would not be a surprise.”
Which proves NOTHING about sola scriptura. Sola scriptura does not mean “it is written”. What you’re doing here is simply not intellectually honest.
Right...got it. The Rules.
Besides, as everyone knows, the only time faith alone is mentioned is in James 2 which does not commend it as a doctrine at all. That one non-recommendation of faith alone trounces all the non-mentionings of sola fide you can muster. What you’re doing here is simply not intellectually honest.
You are aware Roman Catholic writers did use the words "faith alone" prior to Luther....right?
If we are not saved by faith what else is there?
The thief on the cross had no chance to do any "good works".
Do you believe in death bed conversions? If yes...what are they doing? Trusting in faith for their future. They have no chance to do anything else.
There are no "good works" that are good enough to aid in our salvation.
I do agree with both James and Paul that if we are believers in Christ there is to be fruit produced.
It's a natural outflow of our faith in Christ.
But those "works" are what save us. If anyone is counting on works I ask this...
How many do you have to do?
What do you have to do? How do you know you've done enough?
No...works based salvation is not scriptural in any sense.
I imagine you've done a study on the audiences of James and Paul. If you have you understand what they're talking about. To claim otherwise is intellectual dishonesty on your part....but the Rules are in play.
There is far more support for sola scriptura and sola fide than any of the Marian dogmas Roman Catholics cling to.
I've always wondered why Roman Catholicism didn't include any of the ECF writings regarding Mary at Trent when they formalized their canon.
What's your take on why they didn't?
John had a couple of things to say about the written word and the truth found in it.
13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 NASB
30Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:30-31 NASB
I guess you'd only be satisfied if the words "sola scriptura" were in the Bible somewhere.
As we both know they're not.
But if the canon we have is not the final authority of truth, as it is the only inspired set of texts we have....then what else is?
Roman Catholic "Sacred Tradition" based on the contradicting opinions of the ECFs??
Dogma that appear centuries later with no prior support?
If the Bible is not the ultimate source, and only source of truth for salvation, then you have to allow the Mormon their Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, the Book of Mornon....you have to allow the Muslim the Koran all as being "just as good as" the Bible.
Why didn't Rome include these other writings that Roman Catholicism claims hold truth at Trent when they had the chance?
For that matter, why not convene a Council and do it right now. Have you ever wondered why they don't?