Introduction: Many people who profess to be Christians do not think a person can become a Christian with only a Bible. Roman Catholics use the Latin term "Sola Scriptura," meaning solely Scripture, when describing those who believe the Bible is all one needs. But they are not alone.
Most Roman Catholics believe that the Bible + church tradition is needed. As the following Catholic quote shows, they think there are successors to the apostles. "There is no just ground for denying to the Apostolic teachers of the nineteenth century in which we live a prerogative clearly possessed by those of the first, especially as the Divine Word nowhere intimates that this unerring guidance was to die with the Apostles. On the contrary, as the Apostles transmitted to their successors their power to preach, to baptize, to ordain, to confirm, etc., they must also have handed down to them the no-less-essential gift of infallibility." (The Faith of Our Fathers, p. 54) Therefore, what Jesus said, plus the accumulated dogma of the successors to the apostles down through the ages, equals what one must do.
Many Protestants believe in the Bible + a miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit. The Bible can't be understood without a working of the Holy Spirit enabling one to understand it. Due to man's depraved, inherited sinful nature, it is impossible for him to just read the Bible and become a Christian.
Many Pentecostals believe in the Bible + a Holy Spirit baptism. This is similar to the Protestant belief, but is usually joined with a sign of acceptance, namely speaking in tongues.
Many cults believe in the Bible + a latter-day revelation or the interpretations of a "prophet." For example:
The Jehovah's Witnesses say, "The Scripture Studies are practically the Bible itself...furthermore not only do we find that people cannot see the Divine plan when they study the Bible by itself, but we see also, that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years--- if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood the Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years, he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had read merely the Scripture Studies with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures." (Watchtower Sept. 15, 1910 - page 298).
In 1841, the Mormon founder, Joseph Smith, said, "The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would be nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book."
Many denominations believe in the Bible + a clergyman to interpret it for the common man.
The Islam Faith believes it takes the Qur'an and the teachings of Mohammed + the Bible. Muslims believe the Bible has been corrupted-the Old Testament by the prophets, and the New Testament by the apostles. Yet, they believe the Qur'an is totally accurate, unchangeable, and the only real, safe guide for men.
Even non-denominational churches of Christ may fall into the trap. How? By adding human tradition and wisdom to Bible teaching to equal man's salvation. So how do we answer the vital question, CAN A PERSON BECOME A CHRISTIAN WITH ONLY A BIBLE?
The truth:
The power is in the seed, which is God's word. "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." (Luke 8:11) Spiritually speaking, a person can be born of only this seed, "Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." (1 Peter 1:23)
Scripture is described as sufficient. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16,17) It was given only once, "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3)
Though the Bible is in written form, it was given by God through the Holy Spirit. "But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 2:9-11)
Written to give us faith. "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:30,31) Only by obedience to this body of truth can a person become a true Christian. No other writing can provide the information we need to make us true children of God.
Only by reading the Bible can we find the answer to life's most important question, "WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?" Men have tried, ridiculed, tested, misunderstood, misrepresented, and denied the Bible as a book of law. If you are seeking salvation, read it! (Edited KMG)