Is Jesus Enough?

This article is mainly for teens who say, “Jesus is enough for me and I don’t need anyone else or any other rules.” At first, that might sound humble or spiritual, but when you really think about it, it doesn’t quite add up.

If a religion claims to be the truth for all of mankind, it should have a complete system, a way to guide people in every aspect of life. That’s what we’d call a proper “lifestyle framework” or a set of clear life instructions.

But if you look honestly at modern Christianity, especially the individualist version many follow today, it becomes clear:

There aren’t detailed rulings to help you deal with everyday situations.

Let me give you two simple examples:

1. What should you do if food is served but it’s prayer time which one takes priority?

2. How much should you eat daily or how often should you fast to stay spiritually and physically healthy?

Now, you might say:

“Our religion doesn’t go that deep into these things!”

Or

“We just ask doctors or look at science for help.”

But guess what? Islamic law (Shari’ah) covers even these small things. Muslims have something called “Fatwa” Meaning: Rulings by scholars that answer real-life situations using deep understanding of the Qur'an and Hadith.

Now if someone says:

“I don’t follow any priest, pope, or saint. I only follow what Jesus said.”

Then, respectfully you’re implying that the saints and scholars of your own religion are less knowledgeable than you.

But the truth is: those scholars studied Christianity deeply, learned from previous scholars, and spent their lives understanding and preserving the message of Jesus.

So if Christianity really is a religion for all people and all times, it has to provide lifelong rulings and guidance. And to access that, you’ll need learned people: scholars, saints, and teachers who help apply those teachings to real-life situations in every generation.

As mentioned for the mankind in Bible,

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. (Pslam 16:3)

Why is it necessary to take rulings from scholars and saints?

The answer is simple:

“Life is a straight path filled with unique challenges— and not every one of those challenges is directly addressed in the Bible.”

Respectfully, we get the love and devotion for Jesus and we all should have that. But saying 'I don't need saints or scholars' kinda ignores how Jesus himself worked. Jesus taught, guided, and trained disciples. He didn’t just say ‘follow Me’ and leave people in the dark; he passed knowledge on, explained scripture, and built a community of followers to carry his message.

Now think about it: who preserved the Bible? Who explained the tough teachings? Who fought heresies, protected the faith, and passed it down to us? It wasn’t just a personal relationship. It was saints, apostles, church fathers, and scholars who lived and died for this.

You wouldn't know more about Christianity and the ancient scriptures or the rullings if there was no saint working on them to preserve it for you.

As God has praised them,

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. (Philippians 4:21)

If you believe Jesus alone is sufficient and that the saints have already fulfilled their roles, then here’s a challenge:

If Christianity is truly a complete way of life, can you point to any scriptures that offer detailed guidance on how to govern a nation or lead an empire?

Saying 'Jesus is enough' but rejecting those He used to teach and protect His message… is like saying ‘I love my favorite song, but I don’t need the musicians or instruments who recorded it.’ It doesn’t work like that. God works through people.

Even in the Bible, God used Moses, David, the Prophets, the Apostles..why? Couldn’t He just do it alone? Sure. But He chooses to use people to teach, lead, and guide and that’s His way. So rejecting scholars and saints is like rejecting the very tools God used to guide us.”

Refutation by Saints:

St. Irenaeus of Lyon (2nd century) said,

“It is within the power of all, therefore, in every Church, who may wish to see the truth, to contemplate clearly the tradition of the apostles manifested throughout the whole world.”

— Against Heresies, Book 3, Ch. 3

St. Clement of Alexandria,

“Those who are obedient follow the guidance of those whom God has appointed as shepherds. They do not despise the instructions given by those who are more experienced.”

— Stromata, Book 6

Lastly, St. John Chrysostom,

“He who does not have the Church as his mother cannot have God as his Father.”

— Homilies on Ephesians

Refutation from the Bible:

Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet.

“Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” (Acts 8:30-31)

1. How can I, unless someone guides me? This is the proper question of anyone who wants to understand the Bible. We should never feel bad if we need to be taught before we can understand many things.
2. It is wonderful when we come to understand the great truths of Bible on our own, but God also has a place and a purpose for teachers among the followers of Jesus.
3. To get more understanding from our Bibles, we must plunge in. Butterflies wander over the flowers in the garden and accomplish nothing, but bees plunge right down into the flower, and carry away essential food. We won’t get anything if we just hover over our Bibles; we have to dive right in. Reference- Enduring Word (Commentary)

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

At the end of the day, even the Bible itself highlights the role of teachers, because we’re meant to learn from them. Even someone who becomes a saint doesn’t get there alone then they need a teacher. And let’s not forget that even the disciples had a teacher, and that teacher was none other than Jesus Christ Himself.