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The Three-Legged Stool
During the Reformation Movement the reformers argued that scripture alone constitutes sufficient authority in all matters of faith and practice. There was much debate with Roman Catholic apologists who argued that tradition is also a basis of authority. You may recall that Jesus strongly rebuked the religious leaders of His day who had elevated human traditions to be of equal authority with scripture. In fact He told them that their worship had become vain because they were “teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:1-9).
Ironically, some religious groups which grew out of the Reformation Movement have made the mistake of adopting doctrines and practices foreign to the New Testament but supported by tradition. More than that, some have gone farther by adding a third source of authority. This is what is sometimes called “The Three-Legged Stool”: 1. scripture, 2. tradition, and 3. reason.
“Reason” being what seems right in our judgment (“sanctified common sense”).
The apostle Paul wrote, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” - 2Tim 3:16-17
God has revealed His will to us in scripture, and that, and that alone, is where we must go to determine what pleases Him.
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