Christian Scripture, and Scripture alone, provides the basis for our rational belief in Jesus Christ. It is this revealed standard for understanding the work of Christ that offers us the hope of salvation. Yes, it is Christ – Christ alone – who saves. But by what authority do we understand this salvation?
If the authority is vested in ourselves, we are damned. I may as well say that I am a blue banana as say that I am saved. I have no ability or authority to claim either. To do so would be lunacy.
If the authority is vested in others, we are deluded. Every Christian faith tradition derives its systematic theologies, practices, traditions, and descriptive language from Scripture. How can one deduct a thing that denies the source of the deduction? The animal that uses his hind legs to rip off his own head is dead. Likewise the mountain climber who trusts in the rope at his hip and cuts off the line from the caribiner. Likewise the man who follows those who claim a knowledge of salvation but deny the origin of our understanding of that salvation.
If we claim to follow Christ, how do some of you deny the Scripture that describes Him? If Scripture is not trustworthy, then there is no basis to know what we claim to understand about Christ; and if there is no basis for our knowledge about Christ, then our belief is in vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testify ascribing to Him that which we cannot know - in fact, we do not know. For if the Scriptures are not true, then there was no Christ, but a mere man of myth. His gospel is no good news for it cannot save. It is worthless and you are still in your sins. If this is the case, then we who have been deluded are most to be pitied. Yet, if we profess Christ, we acknowledge the authority and trustworthiness of Scripture. The study of Scripture reveals Christ. The revealed Christ gives us hope.
"Christian", if you deny the Scripture, you have no claim to call yourself by that name. Your life is wasted, spending your time and energy pursuing unattainable goals precipitated by a lie, denying the very God who gave you life and hope. You are most to be pitied. Repent. Submit to the written revelation and read the authoritative breath of God. Learn to celebrate the unsurpassed gift of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.