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The Five Solas
God's Word Alone—The Authority of Scripture: What the Reformers Taught… and Why It Still Matters
Scholar and pastor Matthew Barrett retraces the historical and biblical roots of the doctrine that Scripture alone is the final and decisive authority for God's people. God's Word Alone is a decisive defense of the Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God. Revitalizing one of the five great declarations of the Reformation— sola Scriptura — This book is an exploration of the past in order to better understand our present and the importance of reviving this indispensable doctrine for the Christian faith and church today. —THE FIVE SOLAS— Historians and theologians have long recognized that at the heart of the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation were five declarations, often referred to as the "solas." These five statements summarize much of what the Reformation was about, and they distinguish Protestantism from other expressions of the Christian that they place ultimate and final authority in the Scriptures, acknowledge the work of Christ alone as sufficient for redemption, recognize that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, and seek to do all things for God’s glory. The Five Solas Series is more than a simple rehashing of these statements, but instead expounds upon the biblical reasoning behind them, leading to a more profound theological vision of our lives and callings as Christians and churches.
416 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2016
169 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Barrett
52 books118 followersMatthew Barrett (MDiv, PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the executive editor of Credo Magazine. He is the author of numerous books, including God's Word Alone, 40 Questions about Salvation, Reformation Theology, John Owen on the Christian Life, and Salvation by Grace. He is also the host of the Credo podcast where he talks with fellow theologians about the most important doctrines of the faith. He lives in Kansas City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 25, 2022
This might be my second favorite book ever, behind the Bible.
The book is separated into three parts. The first part is the history of the doctrine, starting from the reformation and ending in our current age. He discusses the ways in which it’s been under attack, and how the church always came back with a defense. The second part is the biblical history of the doctrine, from Genesis to revelation, how Gods word was authoritative throughout all of scripture. The third part defends principles behind the doctrine. Namely, inspiration, inerrancy, clarity, and sufficiency.
Do recommend
The book is separated into three parts. The first part is the history of the doctrine, starting from the reformation and ending in our current age. He discusses the ways in which it’s been under attack, and how the church always came back with a defense. The second part is the biblical history of the doctrine, from Genesis to revelation, how Gods word was authoritative throughout all of scripture. The third part defends principles behind the doctrine. Namely, inspiration, inerrancy, clarity, and sufficiency.
Do recommend
February 26, 2017
This year, 2017, marks the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation. One of the fundamental commitments of the reformers was sola Scriptura, Scripture alone. Some question if that commitment to the ultimate authority of the Bible is relevant today.
Barrett argues for the divine inspiration and ultimate authority of Scripture. He defines sola Scriptura, “...only Scripture, because it is God's inspired Word, is our inerrant, sufficient, and final authority for the church.” (25) Scripture is not the only authority but it is the final authority over all others.
Barrett explores the history of the Bible and authority from the Reformation to modern times, including how views of biblical authority have changed over the centuries. He gives a biblical theology of God's Word in the context of covenant. He defends biblical authority, Scripture's clarity, inerrancy, efficiency, and sufficiency, all in light of modern challenges.
Having a science background, I paid particular attention to Barrett's discussion about the Bible's inerrancy and science. He notes that many Christians today tend to rate science as having the same authority as the Bible, or perhaps superior to it. Many view Scripture through the grid of science. He suggests we give “attention to the many ways in which the Bible's authority can be compromised at the expense of adopting evolutionary claims.” (364) Science, he says, when done right “will always conform to the truths of Scripture.” (366) He writes in his section on the Bible's inerrancy, “So whether it is doctrine, morality, history, or even life sciences, its assertions are truthful and trustworthy.” (266) He does, however, suggest eight qualifiers, such as recognizing the literary genre and that the biblical authors did not use the technical language of modern science. While Barrett does well defending the authority of the Bible against philosophical challenges, he comes up short on the issue with science.
This book is a good introduction to the issue of Scripture and its authority. Barrett has included helpful explanations of postmodernism and deconstructionism. He includes a great deal of other information about the Bible, such as the six theories of inspiration. He also has good background information on Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin for the modern reader. It is a good book to draw Christians back to the Bible as our “final authority and sufficient rule...” (371) Just don't expect it to answer all of your questions.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Barrett argues for the divine inspiration and ultimate authority of Scripture. He defines sola Scriptura, “...only Scripture, because it is God's inspired Word, is our inerrant, sufficient, and final authority for the church.” (25) Scripture is not the only authority but it is the final authority over all others.
Barrett explores the history of the Bible and authority from the Reformation to modern times, including how views of biblical authority have changed over the centuries. He gives a biblical theology of God's Word in the context of covenant. He defends biblical authority, Scripture's clarity, inerrancy, efficiency, and sufficiency, all in light of modern challenges.
Having a science background, I paid particular attention to Barrett's discussion about the Bible's inerrancy and science. He notes that many Christians today tend to rate science as having the same authority as the Bible, or perhaps superior to it. Many view Scripture through the grid of science. He suggests we give “attention to the many ways in which the Bible's authority can be compromised at the expense of adopting evolutionary claims.” (364) Science, he says, when done right “will always conform to the truths of Scripture.” (366) He writes in his section on the Bible's inerrancy, “So whether it is doctrine, morality, history, or even life sciences, its assertions are truthful and trustworthy.” (266) He does, however, suggest eight qualifiers, such as recognizing the literary genre and that the biblical authors did not use the technical language of modern science. While Barrett does well defending the authority of the Bible against philosophical challenges, he comes up short on the issue with science.
This book is a good introduction to the issue of Scripture and its authority. Barrett has included helpful explanations of postmodernism and deconstructionism. He includes a great deal of other information about the Bible, such as the six theories of inspiration. He also has good background information on Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin for the modern reader. It is a good book to draw Christians back to the Bible as our “final authority and sufficient rule...” (371) Just don't expect it to answer all of your questions.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 10, 2021
A MUST read for every serious Bible student, whatever their status in ministry or the local church!
A wide-ranging but centred consideration of the first of the 5 Solas of the Reformation, sola Scriptura, Scripture alone. Matthew Barrett covers the important theological bases of historical, biblical, and systematic theology in a highly informative, considered, and understandable way. Parts of the book are more directed to the theolog, but these are few, with any reasonably intelligent person being capable of gleaning much from the contents.
The author provides a necessary bulwark and lines of defense against those who would seek to claim to be evangelical yet reduce the authority and veracity of Holy Scripture. A much-needed emphasis today!
Even though I have rated this book a 5-star read, I think it could have benefitted from a concluding essay or end word tying together the various threads woven throughout. Maybe, I'm just greedy!
Very, or most highly recommended and a MUST read for any Christian who takes the Bible seriously as the rule of faith and practice! SDG!
A wide-ranging but centred consideration of the first of the 5 Solas of the Reformation, sola Scriptura, Scripture alone. Matthew Barrett covers the important theological bases of historical, biblical, and systematic theology in a highly informative, considered, and understandable way. Parts of the book are more directed to the theolog, but these are few, with any reasonably intelligent person being capable of gleaning much from the contents.
The author provides a necessary bulwark and lines of defense against those who would seek to claim to be evangelical yet reduce the authority and veracity of Holy Scripture. A much-needed emphasis today!
Even though I have rated this book a 5-star read, I think it could have benefitted from a concluding essay or end word tying together the various threads woven throughout. Maybe, I'm just greedy!
Very, or most highly recommended and a MUST read for any Christian who takes the Bible seriously as the rule of faith and practice! SDG!
November 14, 2023
This book is a tour de force on the doctrine of Scripture and the historical background of sola Scripura. This book alone makes the purchase of the set worth it.
Barrett gives a great in-depth review of the reformation, and spends a great deal of time with Luther and the reformers. Not a moment wasted.
Barrett gives a great in-depth review of the reformation, and spends a great deal of time with Luther and the reformers. Not a moment wasted.
April 7, 2020
Comprehensive discussion of Sola Scriptura in terms of Church History, Christology, and even Apologetics (in the sense of understanding the position of objectors of sola scriptura then and now and how to address them). Good read for both new and seasoned believer.
November 11, 2023
This book sucks.
March 17, 2023
An excellent introduction to the doctrine of Scripture. Barrett addresses the authority, sufficiency, inerrancy, and clarity of Scripture. He does battle with postmodern ideas that the reader is the key to interpreting the text. He also does battle with Roman Catholic view of tradition plus Scripture. Also there are a lot of books and articles cited, which help the reader continue to study the topic should he so wish. The only fault was that the book drug at places. In particular I did not think section 2, "God's Word in Redemptive History" was necessary or if necessary it should have been a lot shorter.
My Rating System
1 Star-Terrible book and dangerous. Burn it in the streets.
2 Stars-Really bad book, would not recommend, probably has some dangerous ideas in it or could just be so poorly written/researched that it is not worth reading. Few books I read are 1 or 2 stars because I am careful about what I read.
3 Stars-Either I disagree with it at too many points to recommend it or it is just not a good book on the subject or for the genre. Would not read it again, reference it, or recommend it. But it is not necessarily dangerous except as a time waster.
4 Stars-Solid book on the subject or for the genre. This does not mean I agree with everything in it. I would recommend this book to others and would probably read it again or reference it. Most books fall in this category because I try not to read books I don’t think will be good. There is a quite a variety here. 3.6 is pretty far from 4.5.
5 Stars-Excellent book. Classic in the genre or top of the line for the subject. I might also put a book in here that impacted me personally at the time I read it. I would highly recommend this book, even if I do not agree with all that it says.
My Rating System
1 Star-Terrible book and dangerous. Burn it in the streets.
2 Stars-Really bad book, would not recommend, probably has some dangerous ideas in it or could just be so poorly written/researched that it is not worth reading. Few books I read are 1 or 2 stars because I am careful about what I read.
3 Stars-Either I disagree with it at too many points to recommend it or it is just not a good book on the subject or for the genre. Would not read it again, reference it, or recommend it. But it is not necessarily dangerous except as a time waster.
4 Stars-Solid book on the subject or for the genre. This does not mean I agree with everything in it. I would recommend this book to others and would probably read it again or reference it. Most books fall in this category because I try not to read books I don’t think will be good. There is a quite a variety here. 3.6 is pretty far from 4.5.
5 Stars-Excellent book. Classic in the genre or top of the line for the subject. I might also put a book in here that impacted me personally at the time I read it. I would highly recommend this book, even if I do not agree with all that it says.
December 27, 2023
Pænt banger. Om Sola Scriptura (ved Skriften alene). Bogen består af tre dele: 1) En historisk del. 2) En bibelteologisk del. 3) En systematiskteologisk del. Generelt er den godt gennemarbejdet, går til kilderne og underbygger stort set alt med bibelhenvisninger.
1) Den historiske del giver et fantastisk indblik i reformationen, og man inviteres ind ind i stridigheder som Luther, Calvin og Tyndale var en del af om Skriften. Her er også en skarp analyse af Tridentinerkoncilets lære om Skriften og dets reception. Så følger en gennemgang af tiden fra reformationen til i dag. Her savner jeg dog en historisk gennemgang af oldkirkens og middelalderens lære om Skriften, som nævnes i flæng, men aldrig får en dybdegående analyse.
2) Den bibelteologiske del er fin, men den mindst interessante af de tre. Her følger Barrett "Ordet" gennem hele Bibelen og undersøger, hvordan Bibelen løbende behandler det tema.
3) Den systematiske del behandler Skriftens autoritet, ufejlbarlighed, klarhed og tilstrækkelighed. Alle afsnit er rigtig gode, om end afsnittet om tilstrækkelighed kunne have stået skarpere. Barrett forstår ikke altid Romerkirkens skriftsyn helt skarp (om end bedre end de fleste protestanter, der skriver om emnet) som han bl.a. skriver op imod, og nogle gange påstår Barrett noget kontroversielt i dialogen med Romerkirken, som han lader stå uden argumenter.
I det store og hele er bogen virkeligt god og giver en fortrinlig introduktion til Sola Scriptura, om end mere stof om oldkirken, en bedre forståelse for andre synspunkter (læs: Romerkirken) og lidt grundigere argumentation om Skriftens tilstrækkelighed havde været ønskeligt.
1) Den historiske del giver et fantastisk indblik i reformationen, og man inviteres ind ind i stridigheder som Luther, Calvin og Tyndale var en del af om Skriften. Her er også en skarp analyse af Tridentinerkoncilets lære om Skriften og dets reception. Så følger en gennemgang af tiden fra reformationen til i dag. Her savner jeg dog en historisk gennemgang af oldkirkens og middelalderens lære om Skriften, som nævnes i flæng, men aldrig får en dybdegående analyse.
2) Den bibelteologiske del er fin, men den mindst interessante af de tre. Her følger Barrett "Ordet" gennem hele Bibelen og undersøger, hvordan Bibelen løbende behandler det tema.
3) Den systematiske del behandler Skriftens autoritet, ufejlbarlighed, klarhed og tilstrækkelighed. Alle afsnit er rigtig gode, om end afsnittet om tilstrækkelighed kunne have stået skarpere. Barrett forstår ikke altid Romerkirkens skriftsyn helt skarp (om end bedre end de fleste protestanter, der skriver om emnet) som han bl.a. skriver op imod, og nogle gange påstår Barrett noget kontroversielt i dialogen med Romerkirken, som han lader stå uden argumenter.
I det store og hele er bogen virkeligt god og giver en fortrinlig introduktion til Sola Scriptura, om end mere stof om oldkirken, en bedre forståelse for andre synspunkter (læs: Romerkirken) og lidt grundigere argumentation om Skriftens tilstrækkelighed havde været ønskeligt.
June 13, 2021
My Rating - Probably not worth your time
Level - moderate (having a little knowledge church history is helpful), medium to long (just under 400, but longer than needed, as it was a bit redundant).
Summary
If, based on the title and subtitle, you expected a book that mostly had a historical focus that placed itself in the time of the Reformation or a book that was mostly about the authority of the Bible, this is not the book you are looking for. More on why not in 'My Thoughts' below. The book is broken into three parts with three to four chapters in each. Part One is called 'God's Word Under Fire, Yesterday and Today' which includes chapters on the Reformation, the modernist shift, and today 'Crisis over Biblical Authority' (which is mostly about inerrancy). Part Two is called 'God's Word in Redemptive History', there are also three chapters and they go through the redemptive history of the Bible - these chapters have much of the internal apologetics you would expect to find in a book like this. Part Three, 'The Character of God's Word and Contemporary Challenges', is four chapters - Inspiration, Inerrancy, Clarity, and the Sufficiency of Scripture. There is also an intro and conclusion, as well as a 'series notes' (this is book one of five on the Solas published at the 500th anniversary of the Reformation), and a forward.
My Thoughts
This is probably the most mixed review I've ever written. There is nothing necessarily wrong with this book, nothing I would particularly disagree with (perhaps with the exception of a possible implication that you are not a Christian if you do not believe in inerrancy - as defined by certain people). However, this book really is a missed opportunity. Barret is a great writer and I've heard him in a few interviews, and always really like what he has to say. Part of my excitement for this series was based on him being the series editor. That being said, I can't really recommend this book. The main issue being so much of the focus was on inerrancy. If you cut 100 pages of inerrancy discussion out of this, it would still be longer than any of the other four books in the series. The fact that Mohler wrote the forward should have made me aware what the real focus would be. Not that I disagree with inerrancy, per se, but if the you are going to make a book in a series longer than two others (Grace, and Glory of God) combined, it should really focus on Authority, which was the main issue during the Reformation.
Inerrancy certainty matters, but I was expecting a book on the authority of Scripture, especially as it related to the Reformation. Of course, the view of inerrancy in this book is based on the Chicago Statement, which is often interpreted in extremes, being at once so narrow as to seemingly be an argument for the inerrancy of particular interpretation, or qualified and excused to be so broad as to be meaningless. I can't be the only person who is tired of the Evangelical obsession with Chicago Statement inerrancy. Go read Five Views on Inerrancy, if you are unsure what I'm talking about.
That being said, Chapter 1, 'The Road to the Reformation', and Chapter 10, on sufficiency of Scripture, are great. I'd recommend everyone read them. I also really appreciated Chapter 2, 'The Modern Shift in Authority', which dove into our time since the Enlightenment and the Modernist/Fundamentalist controversy. I think that chapter is a value addition to the historical point of authority, as during the Reformation the issues was Scripture vs. Scripture plus Tradition/Councils, whereas now it is more of Scripture (or even Scripture plus) vs myself (self being the ultimate authority in modern life). He also does a good job throughout the book pointing out that Scripture alone does not mean only scripture, which I think is another important modern concern (as we so often in the American Evangelical streams are anti-intellectual and will often reject creeds and catechisms).
Part two of the book was a little odd. It was well written and a great mini-study on redemptive history, but it didn't really feel like it fit very well. Finally, Part 3 was what you would expect in this book, outside of more historical notes/narrative. I think there is an odd contradiction made in the sufficiency chapter vs the inerrancy, in that we are seemingly alright with one's focus being only on spiritual matters while rejecting the idea that it wouldn't be narrowed in another. The clarity chapter did well in pointing to the nuance in understanding scripture, maybe the best I've seen it handled. Inspiration was also well written, but I can see the critiques that we are arguing a circular logic in that we believe the Bible is true because it says it is. It might have been nice to see some more apologetics on the trustworthiness of Scripture.
Ultimately, the book fails in what is seemingly its purpose, to argue for the authority of Scripture. One of the reasons I mentioned above that Part Two didn't seem to fit, is because there are many people who would wholeheartedly agree with everything written in this part, but they play little role in authority, with the exception of the last chapter, on Christ. Similarly, there are many who believe in inerrancy, yet not authority. Most Catholics believe that the Bible is the word of God, yet not the ultimate authority, as do many modernist or Mainline Christians who put their experience over and above Scripture (sometimes without even realizing it). This obsession with arguing the nuances of Chicago Statement inerrancy is really an intra-conservative (possibly, broadly reformed) protestant disagreement. In the grand scheme of life, this is a small segment, and we continue to ignore everyone outside at our own peril. While the book is good, it is mostly an apologetic for inerrancy, narrowly define, with some quality historical notes and other attributes of scripture discussed alongside. So, if you are looking for a book on Sola Scriptura that focuses on the authority of Scripture, this book is probably not worth your time.
More reviews at MondayMornthingTheologian.com
Level - moderate (having a little knowledge church history is helpful), medium to long (just under 400, but longer than needed, as it was a bit redundant).
Summary
If, based on the title and subtitle, you expected a book that mostly had a historical focus that placed itself in the time of the Reformation or a book that was mostly about the authority of the Bible, this is not the book you are looking for. More on why not in 'My Thoughts' below. The book is broken into three parts with three to four chapters in each. Part One is called 'God's Word Under Fire, Yesterday and Today' which includes chapters on the Reformation, the modernist shift, and today 'Crisis over Biblical Authority' (which is mostly about inerrancy). Part Two is called 'God's Word in Redemptive History', there are also three chapters and they go through the redemptive history of the Bible - these chapters have much of the internal apologetics you would expect to find in a book like this. Part Three, 'The Character of God's Word and Contemporary Challenges', is four chapters - Inspiration, Inerrancy, Clarity, and the Sufficiency of Scripture. There is also an intro and conclusion, as well as a 'series notes' (this is book one of five on the Solas published at the 500th anniversary of the Reformation), and a forward.
My Thoughts
This is probably the most mixed review I've ever written. There is nothing necessarily wrong with this book, nothing I would particularly disagree with (perhaps with the exception of a possible implication that you are not a Christian if you do not believe in inerrancy - as defined by certain people). However, this book really is a missed opportunity. Barret is a great writer and I've heard him in a few interviews, and always really like what he has to say. Part of my excitement for this series was based on him being the series editor. That being said, I can't really recommend this book. The main issue being so much of the focus was on inerrancy. If you cut 100 pages of inerrancy discussion out of this, it would still be longer than any of the other four books in the series. The fact that Mohler wrote the forward should have made me aware what the real focus would be. Not that I disagree with inerrancy, per se, but if the you are going to make a book in a series longer than two others (Grace, and Glory of God) combined, it should really focus on Authority, which was the main issue during the Reformation.
Inerrancy certainty matters, but I was expecting a book on the authority of Scripture, especially as it related to the Reformation. Of course, the view of inerrancy in this book is based on the Chicago Statement, which is often interpreted in extremes, being at once so narrow as to seemingly be an argument for the inerrancy of particular interpretation, or qualified and excused to be so broad as to be meaningless. I can't be the only person who is tired of the Evangelical obsession with Chicago Statement inerrancy. Go read Five Views on Inerrancy, if you are unsure what I'm talking about.
That being said, Chapter 1, 'The Road to the Reformation', and Chapter 10, on sufficiency of Scripture, are great. I'd recommend everyone read them. I also really appreciated Chapter 2, 'The Modern Shift in Authority', which dove into our time since the Enlightenment and the Modernist/Fundamentalist controversy. I think that chapter is a value addition to the historical point of authority, as during the Reformation the issues was Scripture vs. Scripture plus Tradition/Councils, whereas now it is more of Scripture (or even Scripture plus) vs myself (self being the ultimate authority in modern life). He also does a good job throughout the book pointing out that Scripture alone does not mean only scripture, which I think is another important modern concern (as we so often in the American Evangelical streams are anti-intellectual and will often reject creeds and catechisms).
Part two of the book was a little odd. It was well written and a great mini-study on redemptive history, but it didn't really feel like it fit very well. Finally, Part 3 was what you would expect in this book, outside of more historical notes/narrative. I think there is an odd contradiction made in the sufficiency chapter vs the inerrancy, in that we are seemingly alright with one's focus being only on spiritual matters while rejecting the idea that it wouldn't be narrowed in another. The clarity chapter did well in pointing to the nuance in understanding scripture, maybe the best I've seen it handled. Inspiration was also well written, but I can see the critiques that we are arguing a circular logic in that we believe the Bible is true because it says it is. It might have been nice to see some more apologetics on the trustworthiness of Scripture.
Ultimately, the book fails in what is seemingly its purpose, to argue for the authority of Scripture. One of the reasons I mentioned above that Part Two didn't seem to fit, is because there are many people who would wholeheartedly agree with everything written in this part, but they play little role in authority, with the exception of the last chapter, on Christ. Similarly, there are many who believe in inerrancy, yet not authority. Most Catholics believe that the Bible is the word of God, yet not the ultimate authority, as do many modernist or Mainline Christians who put their experience over and above Scripture (sometimes without even realizing it). This obsession with arguing the nuances of Chicago Statement inerrancy is really an intra-conservative (possibly, broadly reformed) protestant disagreement. In the grand scheme of life, this is a small segment, and we continue to ignore everyone outside at our own peril. While the book is good, it is mostly an apologetic for inerrancy, narrowly define, with some quality historical notes and other attributes of scripture discussed alongside. So, if you are looking for a book on Sola Scriptura that focuses on the authority of Scripture, this book is probably not worth your time.
More reviews at MondayMornthingTheologian.com
May 13, 2018
Barrett's book is a comprehensive treatment of the orthodox view on Scripture. The book begins with a brief retelling of the authority of Scripture prior to the Reformation, and then up through the twentieth century. The second part is a biblical theology of Scripture, and concludes with a more systematic approach to the question of the authority of Scripture--particularly with the more controversial doctrine of inerrancy.
The strengths of the book are the excellent historical review, and the concluding section on the challenges today to thew authority of Scripture. Barrett is clear in showing what the Bible itself teaches about God's Word and what is at stake.
This is a great book on the doctrine of Scripture.
The strengths of the book are the excellent historical review, and the concluding section on the challenges today to thew authority of Scripture. Barrett is clear in showing what the Bible itself teaches about God's Word and what is at stake.
This is a great book on the doctrine of Scripture.
May 30, 2025
Excellent summary of the battles against authority from the Reformation to the 21sr century. Barrett is a gifted theologian and prolific author. This book is a much needed follow up to the previous anthology Sola Scriptura by MacArthur, Sproul, Armstrong.
Barrett shows the self authenticating nature of the Word as Gods divine revelation whereby it cannot be authenticated by any external standards.
His main argument is not original but follows the stream of Historic Reformed Christianity that the nature of the Scriptures as divine necessitates its inerrancy, sufficiency, and authority.
Great resource for Christian home library.
Barrett shows the self authenticating nature of the Word as Gods divine revelation whereby it cannot be authenticated by any external standards.
His main argument is not original but follows the stream of Historic Reformed Christianity that the nature of the Scriptures as divine necessitates its inerrancy, sufficiency, and authority.
Great resource for Christian home library.
November 23, 2022
This book is fantastic. I did not leave agreeing in full with every doctrinal attribute of Scripture that Barrett argued for, however, I certainly left with a much more thorough, nuanced, and insightful understanding of the authority of Scripture and why it matters for the faith and practice of the church today.
Barrett’s deep commitment to biblical teaching and his evident desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ shines forth throughout this book. Any serious student of Scripture should engage with this work. I am glad to have done so.
Barrett’s deep commitment to biblical teaching and his evident desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ shines forth throughout this book. Any serious student of Scripture should engage with this work. I am glad to have done so.
May 31, 2025
Second time reading through this book. Comprehensive treatment of the doctrine of Scripture. I especially appreciated the engagement with liberalism (on inerrancy) and Catholicism (on tradition and councils). With the growing interest in Eastern Orthodoxy, it would have been nice to have some interaction with their treatment of Scripture.
April 9, 2017
Very good.
February 25, 2018
This will be a boon to your faith in the trustworthiness of scripture and in the turstworthiness of the God of scripture. Tolle Lege
September 11, 2018
An awesome book that deals with an issue that most Protestants either don’t understand or have forgotten. The book is very informative,readable, and persuasive.
December 3, 2021
This is a solid overview of the Reformed doctrine of sola Scriptura. Accessible, well-organized, clear.
December 9, 2024
Read 4 class, very good
January 10, 2025
Definitely a must read and one that I will read again. I came away with a stronger view if Scripture.
November 19, 2022
highly recommend
April 14, 2023
I give ratings on monographs not necessarily for what they seek to prove but how they seek to prove it. So while i ultimately agree with Barrett’s main point of inerrancy and sufficiency of scripture I do not think he wrote this book well. I think the best way to describe it is a preaching to the choir book. A book written to those who already agree with him. He makes very broad generalizations and indulges in slippery slope fallacies a couple of times. The goal at points seemed more to be showing other views false than showing his to be the true one. While some books on the inspiration of scripture have made me walk away in worship this book left me grounded among the weeds of a theological discussion.
February 24, 2017
If you are not an inerrantist be prepared to be disappointed, because this book is not so much about what the Reformers taught as stated in the subtitle, but an apologetics on inerrancy. It puts inerrancy into the mouth of Luther, it equates inerrancy with biblical authority, it implies that to be evangelical requires subscribing to inerrancy, and many others.
The book is one of the assigned readings for a class; when the class is over the book will be sold back to Amazon.
The book is one of the assigned readings for a class; when the class is over the book will be sold back to Amazon.
December 5, 2023
This volume is a part of “The 5 Solas Series,” also edited by Dr. Barrett for the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The main thesis of the book is that Scripture, being God’s inspired word, is inerrant, clear, and sufficient. Hence, Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for life and doctrine. Dr. Barrett established his thesis through three main methodologies, corresponding to three main parts of this book – historical, biblical/redemptive-historical, and theological.
The first part explores the history of the Reformation and illustrates the context in which the Protestant Reformation arose, the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church, and how the Reformers were committed to the restoration of Scripture’s authority in the church and the Christian life. Afterwards, he demonstrates how the Enlightenment movement, human rationality, Christian liberalism, as well as postmodernism challenge the authority of Scripture. Through this historical survey, Dr. Barrett demonstrates how Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for life and doctrine by contrasting Scripture with insufficient and erroneous forms of authorities.
The second part demonstrates the doctrine of Scripture through the survey of biblical theology and redemptive history. Interacting with covenant theology, the doctrine of the Trinity, redemptive history of creation and fall, Barrett demonstrates that it was necessary for God to reveal a “saving” and “better (as compared to general revelation)” Word. He also shows that Christ is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who was God’s saving and better Word to accomplish salvation.
The final part is the discussion of various attributes of Scripture. Dr. Barrett presents the inspiration, inerrancy, clarity, and sufficiency of the Scripture by going to the Scripture itself and showing how theologians throughout church history have articulated and held to these essential attributes of the Scriptures. He also presents the various challenges to these attributes of Scripture and demonstrates the counterarguments convincingly.
Dr. Barrett's demonstration of Sola Scriptura is comprehensive and impressive, as he articulated Sola Scriptura from the perspective of historical theology, biblical theology, and systematic theology. He consistently appeals to Scripture’s authority by citing Scripture and doing competent exegesis. This is important as Barrett’s methodology reveals the self-authenticating feature of Scripture. As Barrett argues, Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for life and doctrine, therefore it is only consistent with his thesis to defend the authority and various attributes of Scripture with Scripture. At the same time, he does not abandon historical witness to the authority of Scripture, by citing confessions, creeds, and theologians of the past, but maintains that they are subservient to Scripture’s self-authenticating witness and only occupy a ministerial role. Additionally, Barrett is not myopic towards various challenges against Scripture, whether historical or present, but anticipates their arguments and convincingly disarms them with Scripture and the necessary implications of Scripture.
Certain improvements might strengthen Dr. Barrett’s book. As much as this volume is comprehensive in breath, all three parts could have additional depths. On historical theology in part one, it may be helpful to demonstrate how the early church fathers and even medieval theologians understood the authority and various attributes of Scripture. Since he argues that the protestant Reformation’s principle of Sola Scriptura is not a new invention but the reformers persistently appealed to the church fathers to demonstrate that they are restoring Scripture to its rightful position as the ultimate authority, it would be helpful to show how these historical sources agreed with the reformers. In part two, though Barrett makes mention of the doctrine of the Trinity, its correlation with Scripture is underdeveloped. It would have been a powerful presentation if Dr. Barrett had demonstrated how each Person of the Trinity correlated with the doctrine of Scripture. For example, though Dr. Barrett engaged various false views of Scripture across the book, the popular movement of Pentecostalism and its various mutations were not given much attention. A study on how the role of the Holy Spirit correlated with the doctrine of Scripture might have helped deal with some of these false theologies that have postulated various competing authorities against Scripture. In conclusion, a good entry primer to the doctrine of Scripture according to the Reformed Confessions and tradition.
The first part explores the history of the Reformation and illustrates the context in which the Protestant Reformation arose, the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church, and how the Reformers were committed to the restoration of Scripture’s authority in the church and the Christian life. Afterwards, he demonstrates how the Enlightenment movement, human rationality, Christian liberalism, as well as postmodernism challenge the authority of Scripture. Through this historical survey, Dr. Barrett demonstrates how Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for life and doctrine by contrasting Scripture with insufficient and erroneous forms of authorities.
The second part demonstrates the doctrine of Scripture through the survey of biblical theology and redemptive history. Interacting with covenant theology, the doctrine of the Trinity, redemptive history of creation and fall, Barrett demonstrates that it was necessary for God to reveal a “saving” and “better (as compared to general revelation)” Word. He also shows that Christ is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who was God’s saving and better Word to accomplish salvation.
The final part is the discussion of various attributes of Scripture. Dr. Barrett presents the inspiration, inerrancy, clarity, and sufficiency of the Scripture by going to the Scripture itself and showing how theologians throughout church history have articulated and held to these essential attributes of the Scriptures. He also presents the various challenges to these attributes of Scripture and demonstrates the counterarguments convincingly.
Dr. Barrett's demonstration of Sola Scriptura is comprehensive and impressive, as he articulated Sola Scriptura from the perspective of historical theology, biblical theology, and systematic theology. He consistently appeals to Scripture’s authority by citing Scripture and doing competent exegesis. This is important as Barrett’s methodology reveals the self-authenticating feature of Scripture. As Barrett argues, Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for life and doctrine, therefore it is only consistent with his thesis to defend the authority and various attributes of Scripture with Scripture. At the same time, he does not abandon historical witness to the authority of Scripture, by citing confessions, creeds, and theologians of the past, but maintains that they are subservient to Scripture’s self-authenticating witness and only occupy a ministerial role. Additionally, Barrett is not myopic towards various challenges against Scripture, whether historical or present, but anticipates their arguments and convincingly disarms them with Scripture and the necessary implications of Scripture.
Certain improvements might strengthen Dr. Barrett’s book. As much as this volume is comprehensive in breath, all three parts could have additional depths. On historical theology in part one, it may be helpful to demonstrate how the early church fathers and even medieval theologians understood the authority and various attributes of Scripture. Since he argues that the protestant Reformation’s principle of Sola Scriptura is not a new invention but the reformers persistently appealed to the church fathers to demonstrate that they are restoring Scripture to its rightful position as the ultimate authority, it would be helpful to show how these historical sources agreed with the reformers. In part two, though Barrett makes mention of the doctrine of the Trinity, its correlation with Scripture is underdeveloped. It would have been a powerful presentation if Dr. Barrett had demonstrated how each Person of the Trinity correlated with the doctrine of Scripture. For example, though Dr. Barrett engaged various false views of Scripture across the book, the popular movement of Pentecostalism and its various mutations were not given much attention. A study on how the role of the Holy Spirit correlated with the doctrine of Scripture might have helped deal with some of these false theologies that have postulated various competing authorities against Scripture. In conclusion, a good entry primer to the doctrine of Scripture according to the Reformed Confessions and tradition.
November 6, 2017
I originally gave this book a 5 star review, but reduced it to 4, mainly because the author insisted on inserting the word "covenant" with many references to the promises of God. The author is a covenant theologian, but once that position is stated, to continue to make the point is an unnecessary distraction. That said, this work is an outstanding restatement of the doctrine of the Word of God, aimed at non-technically trained, but otherwise fairly well studied readers. The books will also serve as a ready reference to many recent works on the Word, based on the orthodox defense of scripture. For that reason alone, owing the book in a searchable format is highly recommended.
Although the book does talk about postmodernism and other current heterodox views of scripture, it in fact fails to address contemporary issues by engaging in the positions of critics of the idea of an inspired, and inerrant Word of God. The basics are there in the book, and I found them useful, but I am already persuaded that the Bible is the true Word from a God who cannot and does not lie. More development of responses to current critics, with the positions and terminology used by those critics would be useful.
It would seem true that for the book to digress might take it beyond its stated purpose of bringing the doctrine of sola scriptura down to the present, yet the failure to more extensively deal with contemporary criticisms of an authoritative Word leaves the doctrine hanging, so to speak, in 1985 when the evangelical community was more homogeneous and the culture in the West had not shifted so radically to a post-Christian view point. If there is to be a second edition of this work, just adding in a final chapter bringing forth the historic position of the supreme Word of a supreme God against the current clammer to the contrary would seem feasible without a rewrite of the current text. Even with this criticism, the book remains a valuable read, if for no other reason than to reaffirm "Thus sayeth the Lord."
Although the book does talk about postmodernism and other current heterodox views of scripture, it in fact fails to address contemporary issues by engaging in the positions of critics of the idea of an inspired, and inerrant Word of God. The basics are there in the book, and I found them useful, but I am already persuaded that the Bible is the true Word from a God who cannot and does not lie. More development of responses to current critics, with the positions and terminology used by those critics would be useful.
It would seem true that for the book to digress might take it beyond its stated purpose of bringing the doctrine of sola scriptura down to the present, yet the failure to more extensively deal with contemporary criticisms of an authoritative Word leaves the doctrine hanging, so to speak, in 1985 when the evangelical community was more homogeneous and the culture in the West had not shifted so radically to a post-Christian view point. If there is to be a second edition of this work, just adding in a final chapter bringing forth the historic position of the supreme Word of a supreme God against the current clammer to the contrary would seem feasible without a rewrite of the current text. Even with this criticism, the book remains a valuable read, if for no other reason than to reaffirm "Thus sayeth the Lord."
August 19, 2019
If you've ever wondered how the Bible is sufficient, and why it's undoubtedly God's written word, this is the book for you.
In the first three chapters, Barrett sets out the history of Sola Scriptura with the reformation, and the obstacles it's come across since.
In the second section, Barrett describes how through God's Word he gave covenants and how the trinity sets out the Word of God, as can be viewed in the written Word. Then he goes into creation and the fall, and ends this section with how Christ is the Word made flesh.
In the final section, he lays out how Scripture is inspired, inerrant, and clear and talks about it's sufficiency even today.
Throughout, he relays this information in response to schools of thought that have effected our view of Scripture, such as postmodernism. Overall, I thought this was incredibly well done, with many amazing references. Barrett wasn't afraid to call out, with references, theologians and scholars he felt were wrong in his footnotes.
However, at times it felt as though, if you weren't following the train of thought correctly, that he was stating the only reason thinking differently then him was wrong was because "this is what the reformers taught". Most times, it was easy to pull together the whole thought, and put scripture evidence behind it that he laid elsewhere, but especially near the end, it became harder, and felt as though we needed to think this simply because someone else did, without explaining why that's the correct way.
I get that this is a book with the subtitle "what the reformers taught . . . And why it matters", but it's also important to constantly put out "why it's correct", to allow for better dialogue should one disagree.
I'd highly recommend though, just know it is heavy, and took me quite a while to get through, but that may be because this is a topic that highly interests me. I am looking forward to picking up Faith Alone by Schriener in the near future. 9/10.
In the first three chapters, Barrett sets out the history of Sola Scriptura with the reformation, and the obstacles it's come across since.
In the second section, Barrett describes how through God's Word he gave covenants and how the trinity sets out the Word of God, as can be viewed in the written Word. Then he goes into creation and the fall, and ends this section with how Christ is the Word made flesh.
In the final section, he lays out how Scripture is inspired, inerrant, and clear and talks about it's sufficiency even today.
Throughout, he relays this information in response to schools of thought that have effected our view of Scripture, such as postmodernism. Overall, I thought this was incredibly well done, with many amazing references. Barrett wasn't afraid to call out, with references, theologians and scholars he felt were wrong in his footnotes.
However, at times it felt as though, if you weren't following the train of thought correctly, that he was stating the only reason thinking differently then him was wrong was because "this is what the reformers taught". Most times, it was easy to pull together the whole thought, and put scripture evidence behind it that he laid elsewhere, but especially near the end, it became harder, and felt as though we needed to think this simply because someone else did, without explaining why that's the correct way.
I get that this is a book with the subtitle "what the reformers taught . . . And why it matters", but it's also important to constantly put out "why it's correct", to allow for better dialogue should one disagree.
I'd highly recommend though, just know it is heavy, and took me quite a while to get through, but that may be because this is a topic that highly interests me. I am looking forward to picking up Faith Alone by Schriener in the near future. 9/10.
June 21, 2017
Barrett's book provides an extensive and accessible treatment of the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. The book is divided into three main sections, approaching the subject from the perspectives of historical theology, biblical theology, and systematic theology (in that order). Barrett makes numerous practical insights throughout all three sections (especially the third), showing how the debates surrounding the Bible's authority, inerrancy, clarity, and sufficiency touch on the most important issues of the Christian life. He is also careful to always let Scripture speak for itself, thus demonstrating what a belief in "Sola Scripture" looks like in practice (chapters 4-6, which trace the theme of "the word/Word of God" through the story line of Scripture, were easily my favorite parts of the book). The only issues I had with the book were: 1. It suffers from some repetitiveness in the last few chapters (section three), 2. His treatment of church history only goes as far back as the Reformation (with only an occasional quote from church fathers such as Augustine and Irenaeus), and 3. I wish he would have spent more time discussing the issue of canonicity, that is, how we came to receive the specific books of the Old and New Testament as God's Word (I agree with what he did write on that topic; just wish he would have explored it further). Nevertheless, the sheer amount of study and application presented in the book more than make up for its weaknesses, and it can (and hopefully does) serve as a tremendous resource for Christians wanting a better grasp of what the Bible says about itself and the implications the Bible's self-identification for the church today.
January 25, 2023
Probably the finest single work on the topic of Sola Scriptura available right now. Mathinson's the Shape of Sola Scriptura would be a close second.
This is part of a series done a few years ago on the 5 Solas. I am planning on reading the others after reading this.
Barrett shows in detail why the doctrine of Sola Scriptura is accurate and necessary for today.
Sola Scriptura means that the Bible as the Word of God has the final and ultimate authority in all things. It is not the same thing as solo or nuda Scriptura which denies that creeds, councils etc. have no value.
Creeds, councils and traditions only have derivative authority in as far as they accurately reflect the Bible. They also do not have a magisterial function but rather a ministerial one. Barrett points to the Reformers who themselves made these very points in the debate with the RCC.
He rebuts the Roman Catholic view that the Church gave us Scripture and therefor has authority over Scripture by pointing out that the Word of God produced God's people - the people of God did not produce God's Word and the church is founded on the apostles and prophets.
He also critiques the Enlightenment project, modern liberalism, and post-modernism's attempt to dismiss the Bible.
Absolutely a must have for any serious Christian Library. I would also highly recommend this to any Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox member who wishes to avoid straw men in the debate over the authority of Scripture.
This is part of a series done a few years ago on the 5 Solas. I am planning on reading the others after reading this.
Barrett shows in detail why the doctrine of Sola Scriptura is accurate and necessary for today.
Sola Scriptura means that the Bible as the Word of God has the final and ultimate authority in all things. It is not the same thing as solo or nuda Scriptura which denies that creeds, councils etc. have no value.
Creeds, councils and traditions only have derivative authority in as far as they accurately reflect the Bible. They also do not have a magisterial function but rather a ministerial one. Barrett points to the Reformers who themselves made these very points in the debate with the RCC.
He rebuts the Roman Catholic view that the Church gave us Scripture and therefor has authority over Scripture by pointing out that the Word of God produced God's people - the people of God did not produce God's Word and the church is founded on the apostles and prophets.
He also critiques the Enlightenment project, modern liberalism, and post-modernism's attempt to dismiss the Bible.
Absolutely a must have for any serious Christian Library. I would also highly recommend this to any Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox member who wishes to avoid straw men in the debate over the authority of Scripture.
January 14, 2020
Book 8 of 2020. This book is part of the Five Sola series, a book series written exploring the Five Solas of the Reformation in honor of the Reformation’s 500 year anniversary.
Barrett’s contribution examines the doctrine of scripture from multiple angles in an attempt to explain what Protestants mean when they claim scripture alone as their final authority.
The doctrine of scripture is a budding interest for me as a researcher and this is the sixth book that I have read on the topic. Barrett’s book, though not a complete doctrine of scripture, is probably the best book I have read so far on the topic.
Barrett is at his best as his examines the historical contours of the authority of scripture. He drags a little bit during his discussion on biblical authority, causing me to set aside the book more than once. He has the best address of the weaknesses of the limited inerrancy view of inerrancy that I have read. Yet, his argument on the self-authentication of Scripture and arguments again biblical authority are a weak finish that leaves much room for building upon.
For the armchair theologian: perfect introduction to the doctrine of scripture and the common misunderstandings of sola scriptura.
For those avoiding Reformed theology: Tell me again why you would want to read a book from a series called the five solas. . .?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#books #theology #solascriptura #fivesolas #godswordalone #bookstagram #books #bookreview
Barrett’s contribution examines the doctrine of scripture from multiple angles in an attempt to explain what Protestants mean when they claim scripture alone as their final authority.
The doctrine of scripture is a budding interest for me as a researcher and this is the sixth book that I have read on the topic. Barrett’s book, though not a complete doctrine of scripture, is probably the best book I have read so far on the topic.
Barrett is at his best as his examines the historical contours of the authority of scripture. He drags a little bit during his discussion on biblical authority, causing me to set aside the book more than once. He has the best address of the weaknesses of the limited inerrancy view of inerrancy that I have read. Yet, his argument on the self-authentication of Scripture and arguments again biblical authority are a weak finish that leaves much room for building upon.
For the armchair theologian: perfect introduction to the doctrine of scripture and the common misunderstandings of sola scriptura.
For those avoiding Reformed theology: Tell me again why you would want to read a book from a series called the five solas. . .?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#books #theology #solascriptura #fivesolas #godswordalone #bookstagram #books #bookreview
August 16, 2022
Sola Scriptura. A robust explanation and defence of the Protestant Christian view of the Bible, emphasising its inspiration, inerrancy (Barrett's pushing back on this being somehow novel was good), clarity, and sufficiency. He lays out a really solid biblical theology of God's word that ultimately culminates in Christ, the incarnate Word. He also provides a well documented history of different frameworks for understanding the Bible that have been offered since the Reformation, including Trent, Kant, Locke, Toland, Spinoza, Reimarus, Lessing, Schleiermacher, Strauss, Baur, Wellhausen, Ritschl, Harnack, Herrmann, Barth, Warfield, Hodge, Fuller Seminary and limited inerrancy, and the Chicago statement. This is part of a series on the five solas, so Barrett interacts heavily with Roman Catholic thought throughout. One might find it tedious to wade through some of that if they're just wanting to get to the crux of the issue. But considering that none of this has happened in a vacuum, I would urge those interested to do the mahi. One can understand more sharply what is being argued when it is placed alongside this opposing perspective. In sum, this is an excellent, scholarly, single volume work on the Bible. If someone with a bit of time on their hands were to ask me, "So, what do you think about the Bible anyway?" I'd recommend this. If they didn't have as much time, I'd probably recommend God has Spoken or Under God's Word by J.I. Packer.
January 31, 2019
[Finished reading on July 3, 2017.]
This is a solid book on the doctrine of Scripture. It's the longest of Zondervan's 5 Sola Series and it covers a lot of ground. Barrett discusses views of Scripture from the time of the Reformation to today. (Unfortunately, he doesn't begin with the early church.) He looks at the role of God's word in redemptive history. Then he defends the inspiration, inerrancy, clarity, and sufficiency of Scripture. (Of these, I don't think the clarity of Scripture is so clear within Scripture itself. That is, while the overall message of the Bible is clear, there are passages that are hard, as Peter himself acknowledges in 2 Peter 3, and the fact that the church needs pastor-teachers demonstrates that.)
The book is solid but not spectacular. If you're read other books on the doctrine of Scripture, this book will not likely add much new information. But if you haven't, this is a good place to start.
As with the other books in this series, I wish Zondervan had printed these using better paper (the paperback has paper that feels like a thicker version of newspaper; I don't think it will age well) and a hardcover or casebound binding. These books were printed for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, but they deserve to have a long shelf life.
This is a solid book on the doctrine of Scripture. It's the longest of Zondervan's 5 Sola Series and it covers a lot of ground. Barrett discusses views of Scripture from the time of the Reformation to today. (Unfortunately, he doesn't begin with the early church.) He looks at the role of God's word in redemptive history. Then he defends the inspiration, inerrancy, clarity, and sufficiency of Scripture. (Of these, I don't think the clarity of Scripture is so clear within Scripture itself. That is, while the overall message of the Bible is clear, there are passages that are hard, as Peter himself acknowledges in 2 Peter 3, and the fact that the church needs pastor-teachers demonstrates that.)
The book is solid but not spectacular. If you're read other books on the doctrine of Scripture, this book will not likely add much new information. But if you haven't, this is a good place to start.
As with the other books in this series, I wish Zondervan had printed these using better paper (the paperback has paper that feels like a thicker version of newspaper; I don't think it will age well) and a hardcover or casebound binding. These books were printed for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, but they deserve to have a long shelf life.
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