Can Sola Scriptura explain how Christians know which writings belong in the Bible? In this powerful teaching, Sam Shamoun examines the canon of Scripture and exposes the fundamental problem facing the Protestant doctrine that Scripture alone is the Church’s only infallible rule of faith. If the Bible does not contain an inspired list of its own books, on what basis can a Protestant know that Clement and other early Christian writings are not Scripture?
Sam Shamoun explains why he moved from Sola Scriptura to Prima Scriptura—the belief that Scripture is primary but not the sole rule of faith. Using 2 Timothy 3:15–17, Sam Shamoun explores the meaning of “God-breathed,” the purpose of the sacred writings, and how Scripture reveals Jesus Christ, leads believers to salvation, and equips the man of God for teaching, correction, righteousness, and every good work.
The discussion also addresses apostolic authority, bishops, evangelists, the laying on of hands, and the Church’s responsibility to train and commission Christian leaders. Sam Shamoun then presents the argument he once used to defend Sola Scriptura against the canon dilemma—and demonstrates the simple biblical question that ultimately refutes it.
Finally, Sam Shamoun turns to 1 Timothy 3:15, where the Church of the living God is called the pillar and foundation of the truth. If the Church preserves, guards, explains, and defends God’s indestructible truth, then the true Church must also be preserved from total corruption. Sam Shamoun shows why this passage is a nightmare for Protestantism and why Christians must return to the historic, apostolic Church to understand the biblical canon and the faith delivered by Jesus Christ and His apostles.
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Protestants struggle to identify the biblical canon
1:29 Why Sam Shamoun reconsidered Sola Scriptura
2:02 Prima Scriptura versus Sola Scriptura
3:36 The purpose of Scripture and salvation in Jesus Christ
5:03 What “God-breathed” Scripture actually means
5:47 The man of God, bishops, and apostolic authority
7:31 Sam Shamoun’s former defense against the canon argument
9:35 The simple question that refutes that defense
10:07 The Church is the pillar and foundation of truth
13:13 Why 1 Timothy 3:15 is a nightmare for Protestantism
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
I am not Sam Shamoun. This channel edits and shares clips from his teachings with permission in order to make his content more accessible and help spread the Word of God. All credit for the teaching belongs to Sam Shamoun.
