Authority of Scripture
Private Judgment
Bibliology · 6 verses
Every believer has the right and duty to search the Scriptures and judge all teaching by the Word of God under the illumination of the Holy Spirit. This Protestant principle does not promote individualism or autonomy but recognizes the priesthood of all believers and the Spirit's work in the covenant community. Private judgment is exercised responsibly within the communion of saints, not in isolation from the church's collective wisdom.
Scripture References
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”