Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary

Episode Title: What Is the Standard of Truth?
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Released On: February 17, 2025
Speaker: R.C. Sproul

Introduction

In the February 17, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, Ligonier Ministries delves into the foundational question, "What Is the Standard of Truth?" Hosted by R.C. Sproul, the episode explores the authority and trustworthiness of the Bible, tracing historical debates and their implications for contemporary Christianity.

The Authority of Scripture

Speaker A (00:00):
Martin Luther asserted, “the only written source in this world that has the level of authority to actually bind the conscience of a person is the Bible.” This statement emphasizes that no human-written document, confession of faith, or creedal statement holds absolute authority over an individual's conscience. Only God possesses the authority to declare, “so let it be said, so let it be done,” underscoring the supreme authority of Scripture.

Speaker B (00:39):
From the very inception of human history in the Garden of Eden, “the serpent has sought to cast doubt on the trustworthiness of what God has said.” Martin Luther, a pivotal figure in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, challenged whether the Bible or church traditions should serve as the ultimate authority for Christians. This episode marks the beginning of a week-long study featuring R.C. Sproul’s series "Has God Said?" focusing on the trustworthiness and authority of the Bible.

Historical Context: The Protestant Reformation

Speaker A (01:58):
The Christian church, established nearly 2,000 years ago, maintained widespread confidence in the sacred Scriptures as the primary source of written authority for the first 1,800 years. However, the last two centuries have witnessed a severe crisis, questioning the trustworthiness of Scripture. “One theologian at the turn of the 20th century made this observation. He said, the days of biblical criticism have reached such a peak that where we are now is in a period of biblical vandalism.” This critical period has led to a broader cultural loss of the sense of authority.

The Protestant Reformation centered on Luther’s doctrine of justification by faith alone, encapsulated in the Latin phrase “sola fide”. Luther's challenge began with his 95 Theses in Wittenberg, igniting widespread controversy and culminating in his excommunication by the Pope in Rome. During these tumultuous times, Luther engaged in public disputations with prominent Catholic theologians like Martin Eck and Cardinal Cajetan. These debates revealed that Luther was not only contesting Church teachings but also questioning the authority of Church councils and the Pope himself.

At the Imperial Diet in Worms, Luther famously refused to recant his beliefs unless convinced by sacred Scripture or evident reason. “For my conscience is held captive by the word of God, and to act against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me.” (24:28). This steadfast stance established the second Reformation slogan, “sola scriptura”—Scripture alone as the authority.

Scripture vs. Church Tradition

Luther acknowledged the value of Church traditions and the teachings of past theologians but contended that these human-made documents could not override the authority of Scripture. He stated, “no written document of men, no confession of faith, no creedal statement can bind the conscience absolutely.”

In response, the Roman Catholic Church argued that the Bible's canon was established by Church councils, thereby vesting the Church with authority equivalent to, if not greater than, that of the Scriptures. Luther and Calvin rebutted by clarifying that the term “recipimus” (we receive) used by the Church historically indicated submission to the authority of the Bible, not the establishment of Church authority over Scripture.

The Counter Reformation and Council of Trent

The Roman Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, known as the Counter Reformation, included significant internal reforms and the establishment of the Council of Trent. This council reaffirmed the authority of both Scripture and Church tradition, declaring them as two sources of divine authority. Sproul explains:

Speaker A (Historical Account):
“The Roman Catholic Church at the Council of Trent made it quite clear that there are two sources of divine authority in the world today. Those two sources are Scripture and tradition.” This dual-source view posits that tradition offers not only additional information but also the infallible interpretation of Scripture. Consequently, the Catholic Church maintains that disagreement with tradition equates to rejecting Scripture.

Modern Implications and Cultural Relativism

Sproul draws parallels between the 16th-century debates and today’s cultural landscape. He highlights the prevalence of relativism in modern society, where “we embrace cultural relativism, philosophical relativism,” leading to a lack of absolute moral standards. This reflects an ongoing crisis of authority: “Is there an authority? … Have all standards perished from our midst?” The fundamental issue remains whether authority is vested in a divine standard—the Bible—or in human institutions and individual discretion.

Defining Authority

To further clarify the debate, Sproul defines “authority” as “the right to impose obligation.” He underscores that authoritative claims in society prompt individuals to question, “By what authority do you try to direct me and hold me accountable or responsible for any behavioral pattern or action?” This inquiry is central to understanding the authority of the Bible versus human-made institutions.

Conclusion

R.C. Sproul encapsulates the essence of the episode by reinforcing the necessity of recognizing the Bible as the ultimate authority for Christians. “Why do we trust the Bible and have it as our final authority? Well, because it's God's word.” This affirmation serves as the foundation for pursuing truth and moral standards in a world increasingly devoid of absolute authority.

Notable Quotes

• Speaker A (00:00): “The only written source in this world that has the level of authority to actually bind the conscience of a person is the Bible.”
• Speaker B (00:39): “Since the Garden of Eden, the serpent has sought to cast doubt on the trustworthiness of what God has said.”
• Speaker A (01:58): “The days of biblical criticism have reached such a peak that where we are now is in a period of biblical vandalism.”
• Speaker A (24:28): “For my conscience is held captive by the word of God, and to act against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me.”
• Closing Statement: “Why do we trust the Bible and have it as our final authority? Well, because it's God's word.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Renewing Your Mind serves as a profound exploration of the authority of Scripture, tracing its historical challenges and affirming its paramount role in guiding Christian belief and practice. By juxtaposing the Protestant Reformation with contemporary issues of relativism, R.C. Sproul provides listeners with a robust framework for understanding and upholding the Bible as the standard of truth.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture’s authority, this episode offers critical insights and a compelling argument for “sola scriptura” in the face of enduring theological debates.