The Inconsistency of Evangelicals Regarding the Doctrine of the Trinity and Sola Scriptura:

by Patrick Navas

(A Friend of Dan Mages)

“…sola scriptura means that all those truths that are binding on the believer are found in Scripture, and that no belief can be binding on the believer if it is not clearly presented in Scripture.” (Eric Svedson, Evangelical Answers, A Critique of Roman Catholic Apologists, p. 97)

“[The Trinity] is not clearly or explicitly taught anywhere in Scripture, yet it is widely regarded as a central doctrine, indispensable to the Christian faith. In this regard, it goes contrary to what is virtually an axiom [that is, a given, a self-evident truth] of biblical doctrine, namely, that there is a direct correlation between the scriptural clarity of a doctrine and its cruciality to the faith and life of the church.” (Millard J. Erickson, God in Three Persons, p. 11)

“The doctrine of the Trinity (or triunity of God) refers to the one being of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit…The concept as such is nowhere explicitly expressed in the scriptures…” (a Handbook of Christian theology, Definition Essays on Concepts and Movements of Thought in Contemporary Protestantism,p. 366)

“Can it really be so intrinsically connected with the gospel of salvation that denying it (not merely failing fully to understand it) results in loss of salvation or at least loss of status as a Christian? It is understandable that the importance placed on this doctrine is perplexing to many Christians and students. Nowhere is it clearly and unequivocally stated in Scripture…How can it be so important if it is not explicitly stated in Scripture?” (The Trinity, Guides to Theology, Olson & Hall p. 1)

"The question, however is this. It is claimed that the doctrine of the Trinity is a very important, crucial, and even basic doctrine. If that is indeed the case, should it not be somewhere more clearly, directly, and explicitly stated in the Bible? If this is the doctrine that especially constitutes Christianity’s uniqueness, as over against unitarian monotheism on the one hand, and polytheism on the other hand, how can it be only implied in the biblical revelation? In response to the complaint that a number of portions of the Bible are ambiguous or unclear, we often hear a statement something like, ‘It is the peripheral matters that are hazy or on which there seem to be conflicting biblical materials. The core beliefs are clearly and unequivocally revealed.’ This argument would appear to fail us with respect to the doctrine of the Trinity, however. For here is a seemingly crucial matter where the Scriptures do not speak loudly and clearly.
Little direct response can be made to this charge. It is unlikely that any text of Scripture can be shown to teach the doctrine of the Trinity in a clear, direct, and unmistakable fashion.” (Erickson, God in Three Persons, pp. 11, 211

"Sola scriptura means the Bible alone is all we need for our spiritual authority. All things we need to know, believe and practice are clearly stated in the Scriptures, which are given by inspiration of God." (Fritz Ridenour, So What's the Difference? A Look at 20 Worldviews, Faiths, and Religions and How They Compare to Christianity, p. 35, emphasis added)