Why I Trust the Bible Alone for Interpretation

Unapologetically, I do not use fallible and uninspired sources to interpret what is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. While I may consult other resources for historical context, language clarification, or cultural reference, I never lean on them to define the truth of Scripture. My approach is simple but intentional: Sola Scriptura — Scripture alone. More specifically, I practice Analogia Scriptura, the conviction that the Bible interprets itself. It never teaches one thing in one place and something contradictory in another. Since God is the singular Author of Scripture, it is inherently consistent.

This conviction is not rooted in arrogance but in protection — protection from the most deceptive interpreter I know: my own heart. The Bible doesn’t just warn us about the deceit of others; it warns us about ourselves. That’s why I ask anyone who presents an interpretation of Scripture, "Where does that come from?" If it doesn’t flow from the Scriptures themselves, I proceed with caution.

The Deceitful Nature of the Human Heart

The Word of God repeatedly warns us about the unreliability of the human heart when it comes to discernment and righteousness:

• Jeremiah 17:9“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”This verse exposes the heart as not just occasionally misguided, but desperately wicked. We can't trust it, even when it sounds sincere.

• Proverbs 4:23“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”Because our heart is a wellspring of direction and motivation, we must guard it with extreme care. Letting it lead without the Word leads to error.

• Proverbs 21:2“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.”Our personal sense of “rightness” is unreliable. Only God sees the truth behind our thoughts and motives.

• James 1:26“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”It’s possible to deceive ourselves while looking devout — which is why the Word must govern not only what we believe, but how we speak and act.

• Matthew 15:19“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”Jesus makes it clear: the heart is not a safe place to start. It must be examined and filtered through Scripture.

• Mark 7:21–23“For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts… All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”The defilement isn’t external. It comes from within us — which means even our most sincere interpretations must be tested by the Word.

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Final Thoughts

When I say Sola Scriptura, I don’t mean that nothing else is helpful. But I do mean that nothing else is trustworthy enough to interpret God’s Word. Commentaries may inspire, historical works may inform, and personal experiences may connect us to truth — but they must all bow to the authority of Scripture. I believe the Holy Spirit teaches through the Word He inspired, not in contradiction to it.

So yes, I’m unapologetic about my commitment to Scripture alone. Not because I distrust others — but because I know how easily we all can deceive ourselves. That’s why I stay anchored in the one thing that cannot lie: God’s Word.

"Let God be true, and every man a liar." — Romans 3:4

🛡️ Guard your heart. Test all things. Interpret Scripture with Scripture.