But a valid question that needs to be answered. Even Luther was dismayed at the rampant, wild interepretations that occurred because of his teachings ... You can’t say that “only the Bible is true, and everything needed for salvation is found in scripture alone, when the bible itself doesn’t ever say that. Once that is acknowledged ... Then the question of the marks of the true church can be sought
“You cant say that only the Bible is true, and everything needed for salvation is found in scripture alone, when the bible itself doesnt Say that.”
Only the Scriptures are inspired by God and hold the final authority for this reason.
Everything necessary for eternal life is found in Scripture.
Everything necessary for maturity of a believer is found in Scripture.
Oh, really? Why don't you cite what Luther had to say about his "dismay" because of his teachings? There is a site http://beggarsallreformation.blogspot.com/2016/08/luther-people-are-now-possessed-with.html that posts Luther's thoughts and preaching about those who falsely use grace as a license to sin - something Paul dealt with in his time. In every case where someone implies Luther "regreted" his teachings, those who claim so never post his words in context and they misconstrue what he said. Case in point:
12. Therefore I exhort that you listen eagerly and lovingly to the Word, receive it with deep gratitude, and beseech the Lord from the bottom of your heart for a firm faith to cling to this teaching. You may be certain that this will bear fruit day by day, as you become more humble, obedient, loving, chaste, and godly, for it is in the nature and art of this teaching to create godly, decent, obedient and pious people. But if people refuse to receive it with loving ready hearts, they will become seven times more wicked than before they came to know this teaching, as experience shows. Be forewarned therefore; the hour is comingit cannot be avoidedthe ingrates will be afflicted and punished. They will then receive what now they have earned. God will certainly find them out [The Complete Sermons of Martin Luther Vol. 5, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2000). p. 29-30.
There are other examples as well. There will ALWAYS be people who misinterpret the gospel to their own nefarious ends. It doesn't change the fact that the gospel never changes and anyone who would know the truth will find it in God's sacred inspired word - whether through hearing it taught or studying for himself. No man is in authority over God's word but is subject to it and a servant of the truth.
The claim that Scripture doesn't say "only the Bible is true, and everything needed for salvation is found in scripture alone" is a false construct. It ignores the many, many places we are told that it is the Divinely-inspired Scriptures which are able to make one wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. That it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:15-17). Paul warned, "Do not go beyond the things which have been written in order that you might not be puffed-up, one on behalf of the one against the other." (I Cor. 4:6) Jesus disputed every false challenge of satan in the wilderness by "it is written". This and many other examples IN Scripture prove that it IS the source of all truth concerning our faith. Whatever men may produce to teach the truth must be backed up the word of God.