Methodists and Sola Scriptura

I want to direct some thinking and attention to the position Scripture occupies in the United Methodist Church. The Reformation principle of "Sola Scriptura," or "Scripture Alone" means that the Holy Scriptures contain all that is necessary to be known about salvation.

A question among UMs is whether or not we hold to this Reformation principle. Some say we hold to, because John Wesley did, "prima scriptura," or Scripture first, but not the only standard of authority. To my mind, there are some who would not even put Scripture first, considering it one among many "sources" for the life and doctrine of the church. But, did John Wesley hold to "prima" or "sola" scriptura?

So, in this post, two portions of the Discipline of the United Methodist Church.

Both come from our Doctrinal Standards-- The Articles of Religion, The Confession of Faith of the Evangelical United Brethren [a German-heritage "methodist" denomination that merged with the Methodist Church in 1968 to form The United Methodist Church], John Wesley's Standard Sermons, and his Notes on the New Testament. These documents form our doctrine.

Article V of the Articles of Religion: Of The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation:

"The Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be though prerequisite to salvation."

And from the Evangelical United Brethren Confession of Faith, Article IV:

"We believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments, reveals the Word of God so far as it is necessary for our salvation. It is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith nor is to be taught to be essential to salvation."

This is the material sufficiency position of Scripture contained in the Reformation principle of sola scriptura. I hope to add more pieces of Wesley's writings to spur more thinking and discussion.


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