General vs. Special Revelation

9 passages across 7 documents address General vs. Special Revelation. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. General Revelation: The Objective Self-Disclosure of God in Creation and Providence

"Revelation, as this concept is handed to us by religion and is here still taken in the widest sense, is all action which proceeds from God, in order to bring man and keep him in that peculiar relation to Him which is designated by the name of religion." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Revelation is never an unconscious emanation, an involuntary shining-through of God in His works; but always a conscious, free, active making Himself known to man." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Properly speaking, from the standpoint of Scripture all revelation, also that in nature, is supernatural." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Creation is the first revelation of God, beginning and foundation of all subsequent revelation. The biblical concept of revelation is rooted in that of creation... Through creation God first stepped outward for creatures and revealed himself to creatures. When God creates the world through his Word and makes it living through his Spirit, then therein the basic lines of all subsequent revelations are already drawn." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"First of all, throughout the whole of Scripture a revelatio naturalis is taught to us. God’s revelation began in creation and continues in the preservation and government of all things. He reveals himself in the nature around us; displays therein his eternal power and divinity, and in blessings and judgment proves in turn his goodness and his wrath... He also reveals himself in the history of peoples and persons... He also reveals himself in the heart and conscience of every human being... This revelation of God is general, in itself perceptible and intelligible for every human being. Nature and history are the book of God’s omnipotence and wisdom, of his goodness and righteousness." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"That which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

II. The Subjective Capacity: Cognitio Dei Insita (Innate) vs. Cognitio Dei Acquisita (Acquired)

"A distinction is usually made between innate and acquired knowledge of God. This is not a strictly logical distinction, because in the last analysis all human knowledge is acquired... Reformed theology also rejected the doctrine [of innate ideas] in that particular form. And while some of its representatives retained the name 'innate ideas,' but gave it another connotation, others preferred to speak of a cognitio Dei insita (ingrafted or implanted knowledge of God)." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"On the one hand this cognitio Dei insita does not consist in any ideas or formed notions which are present in man at the time of his birth; but on the other hand it is more than a mere capacity which enables man to know God. It denotes a knowledge that necessarily results from the constitution of the human mind, that is inborn only in the sense that it is acquired spontaneously, under the influence of the semen religionis implanted in man by his creation in the image of God, and that is not acquired by the laborious process of reasoning and argumentation. It is a knowledge which man, constituted as he is, acquires of necessity, and as such is distinguished from all knowledge that is conditioned by the will of man." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"Cognitio Dei insita does not mean that the human being immediately, by God himself, is equipped with a sufficient knowledge and no longer has any need of revelation. It does not indicate that he is capable, on his own, of deriving any conscious, clear and true knowledge of God from his own spirit. But it indicates that the human being possesses both the potentia (aptitudo, vis, facultas) and the inclinatio (habitus, disposition), in order in the normal course of development and in the midst of the environment in which God granted him life, of himself and without compulsion, without scientific reasoning and proof, emfutws kai adidaktws, to come to some firm, certain, indubitable knowledge of God." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"The cognitio insita, as soon as it is cognitio and thus not only potentia but actus, has never arisen otherwise than under the influence of the revelation of God in and outside man and is therefore in so far always acquisita." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Acquired knowledge, on the other hand, is obtained by the study of God’s revelation. It does not arise spontaneously in the human mind, but results from the conscious and sustained pursuit of knowledge. It can be acquired only by the wearisome process of perception and reflection, reasoning and argumentation." [Louis Berkhof - Systematic Theology]

"First, in this, that the cognitio Dei innata was obtained of itself, spontaneously, without effort or coercion, whereas the cognitio Dei acquisita was acquired by reasoning and argument, by reflection and proof along the viae causalitatis, eminentiae and negationis; the former was noetica, the latter dianoetica. And second, from that there also flowed this difference, that the first consisted only in principles and was general and necessary, but the second was more elaborated and developed, yielded more concrete propositions and was therefore also subject to all manner of doubt and contestation." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"The law was engraven upon the heart of man in his creation, and is therefore known to all naturally, although no other revelation were given. 'The Gentiles have the work of the law written in their hearts.' (Rom. 2:15.) The gospel is not known naturally, but is divinely revealed to the Church alone through Christ, the Mediator." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg Ca]

III. The Insufficiency of General Revelation and the Darkening Power of Sin

"But man was by sin so darkened in his understanding, that he also could not rightly know and understand this revelation. There was therefore a twofold necessity, viz. that God should again include in the special revelation those truths which in themselves are knowable from nature; and that man, in order again to notice God in nature, first had to be illumined by God’s Spirit." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Since the human mind, through its weakness, was altogether unable to come to God if not aided and upheld by his sacred word, it necessarily followed that all mankind, the Jews excepted, inasmuch as they sought God without the Word, were labouring under vanity and error." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"What is called 'the book of nature' is, in all respects, a book lying open in darkness, till its pages are illuminated and its lessons brought into view, by the light of revelation." [Thomas Ridgley - A Body of Divinity]

"On the insufficiency of general revelation there can hardly be any doubt. In the first place it appears from the fact that this revelation at most provides us with some knowledge of God’s existence and of some of his attributes, such as goodness and righteousness; but it leaves us absolutely unacquainted with the person of Christ, who alone is the way to the Father... General revelation is therefore insufficient for man as a sinner; it knows of no grace and forgiveness; many a time it is even a revelation of wrath, Rom. 1:20. Grace and forgiveness, which must be the essence of religion, is an act of good pleasure, not of nature and necessity... It can instill fear, but no trust and love..." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"The experience of ages proves that the world by wisdom knows not God. The heathen nations, ancient and modern, civilized and savage, have without exception, failed by the light of nature to solve any of the great problems of humanity." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

IV. The Remedial Necessity of Scripture: The Metaphor of the Glasses

"Therefore, though the effulgence which is presented to every eye, both in the heavens and on the earth, leaves the ingratitude of man without excuse, since God, in order to bring the whole human race under the same condemnation, holds forth to all, without exception, a mirror of his Deity in his works, another and better help must be given to guide us properly to God as a Creator. Not in vain, therefore, has he added the light of his Word in order that he might make himself known unto salvation..." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any books however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"Calvin incorporated the theol. naturalis into the corpus of Christian dogmatics, and said that Scripture was the spectacles by which the believer beheld God more clearly also in the works of nature, Instit. I. 6, 1." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"But the theologian... draws his knowledge solely and only from the revelatio specialis, i.e. from Holy Scripture. This is his principium unicum. But he does not limit this special revelation to the person of Christ... The whole revelation, which is summarized in Scripture, is a revelatio specialis, which comes to us in Christ... The believer, thus also finds his way rightly in the world with his Christian confession... through that general revelation he feels at home in the world... Precisely as a Christian, through faith, he sees the revelation of God in nature much better and more clearly than he could notice it earlier. The psychical man does not understand the speech of God in nature and history. He searches the entire universe, without finding God. But the Christian, armed with the spectacles of Holy Scripture, sees God in everything and everything in God." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

V. Special Revelation: The Organic System of Redeeming Words and Deeds

"The revelation, which Scripture makes known to us, does not consist in a few disconnected words and facts, but is one historical and organic whole, a mighty world-governing and world-renewing system of acts of God. It appears, as we saw, in three forms, theophany, prophecy, and miracle... The revelatio specialis is God’s seeking of and God’s coming to man. He must now so reveal himself and so speak and so work, that man is again renewed after his image. Therefore God comes to man in a human way. The incarnation is the central fact in the revelatio specialis, which spreads light over its whole domain. The special revelation of God enters into history, and forms a history, which runs through the centuries." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"The subject of the special revelation is in the proper sense the Logos, the Malak Jhvh, the Christ. He is the mediator of creation... but also of re-creation... Through theophany, prophecy, and miracle he prepares his coming in the flesh. The O. Test. revelation is the history of the coming Christ. Theophany, prophecy, and miracle run out upon him. In Christ they fall together. He is the revelation, the word, the power of God. He shows us the Father, declares to us his name, accomplishes his work. The incarnation is the conclusion, the goal and the end both of Israel’s history, and at the same time the center of all history." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Revelation according to Scripture is therefore a historical process, an organic system, a continual divine action for the breaking of the power of sin, for the establishment of his kingdom, for the restoration of the cosmos, for ἀνακεφαλαιωσις των παντων ἐν Χριστῳ... Soteriological, therefore, is the whole of revelation... a divine work, a world of thoughts and deeds, an ordo gratiae, which combats and conquers the ordo peccati on every terrain." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

"Revelation stands not over against nature, but over against sin. That is the power which revelation seeks to break, but nature it restores and it completes. Creation itself is already revelation. Revelation existed before the fall. Revelation also still exists now in all the works of God’s hands in nature and history. His eternal power and divinity are understood and perceived from the creatures. Analogies of prophecy and miracle also exist outside the revelatio specialis." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

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Belgic Confession

Article 2: The Means by Which We Know God

We know him by two means: First, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God: his eternal power and his divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 1:20. All these things are enough to convict men and to leave them without excuse.

Second, he makes himself known to us more openly by his holy and divine Word, as much as we need in this life, for his glory and for the salvation of his own.

Scripture proofs

Romans 1:20
Romans 1:20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.

Parallel passages (6+)

Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 5 shared topics London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 4 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 21 shared proof text · 3 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation1 shared proof text · shared topic London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation1 shared proof text · shared topic London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence4 shared topics

Canons of Dort

Third and Fourth Head, Article 4: The Inadequacy of the Light of Nature

There is, to be sure, a certain light of nature remaining in man after the fall, by virtue of which he retains some notions about God, natural things, and the difference between what is moral and immoral, and demonstrates a certain eagerness for virtue and for good outward behavior. But this light of nature is far from enabling man to come to a saving knowledge of God and conversion to him—so far, in fact, that man does not use it rightly even in matters of nature and society. Instead, in various ways he completely distorts this light, whatever its precise character, and suppresses it in unrighteousness. In doing so he renders himself without excuse before God.

Canons of Dort

Third and Fourth Head, Article 5: The Inadequacy of the Law

In this respect, what is true of the light of nature is true also of the Ten Commandments given by God through Moses specifically to the Jews. For man cannot obtain saving grace through the Decalogue, because, although it does expose the magnitude of his sin and increasingly convict him of his guilt, yet it does not offer a remedy or enable him to escape from his misery, and, indeed, weakened as it is by the flesh, leaves the offender under the curse.

Parallel passages (1)

Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God3 shared topics

Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture

1. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.

2. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testament, which are these:

Of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

Of the New Testament: The Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of the Apostles, Paul's Epistles to the Romans, Corinthians I, Corinthians II, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians I, Thessalonians II, to Timothy I, to Timothy II, to Titus, to Philemon, The Epistle to the Hebrews, The Epistle of James, The first and second Epistles of Peter, The first, second, and third Epistles of John, The Epistle of Jude, The Revelation of John.

3. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture, and therefore are of no authority in the church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings.

4. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.

5. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scripture. And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God: yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.

6. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word: and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.

7. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all: yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.

8. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which, at the time of the writing of it, was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and, by his singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as, in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal unto them. But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner; and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.

9. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.

10. The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.

Scripture proofs

Rom. 2:14–15; Rom. 1:19–20; Ps. 19:1–4. (See Rom. 1:32–2:1.)
Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]
Rom. 1:19–20 19 because that which [is] known of God is manifest among them, for God has revealed [it] to them. 20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.
Ps. 19:1–4 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David. The heavens are recounting the glory of God, and the firmament is declaring the work of and His hands. 2 Day after day it pours forth speech, and night after night it shows forth knowledge. 3 Without speech and without words, their voice not being heard, 4 their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. He has placed a tent in them for the sun,
Rom. 1:32–2:1 32 who, having known the righteous decree of God that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only are doing them, but also agree with those practicing [them]. 1 Therefore you are without excuse, O man, every one who is judging. For in that which you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, for you, the one judging, practice the same things.
John 17:3; 1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Cor. 2:13–14.
John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent.
1 Cor. 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.
1 Cor. 2:13–14 13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means]. 14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
Heb. 1:1–2.
Heb. 1:1–2 1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,
Luke 1:3–4; Rom. 15:4; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; Isa. 8:20.
Luke 1:3–4 3 it seemed good also to me, having followed closely from the first all things carefully, to write in consecutive order to you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things that you were instructed.
Rom. 15:4 For as much as was written before was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have the hope.
Matt. 4:4, 7, 10 4 But answering, He said, “It has been written: ‘Not on bread alone shall the man live, but on every word coming out through the mouth of God.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it has been written: ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’” 10 Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it has been written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”
Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.
2 Tim. 3:15; 2 Peter 1:19.
2 Tim. 3:15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Peter 1:19 And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you⁺ do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star shall have arisen in your⁺ hearts,
John 20:31; 1 Cor. 14:37; 1 John 5:13; 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 1:1–2; Heb. 2:2–4.
John 20:31 But these have been written so that you⁺ may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that, believing, you⁺ may have life in His name.
1 Cor. 14:37 If anyone thinks to be a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things I write to you⁺ are commands of the Lord.
1 John 5:13 I wrote these things to you⁺, the ones believing in the name of the Son of God, so that you⁺ may know that you⁺ have eternal life.
1 Cor. 10:11 Now these things happened to those [as] types and were written for our admonition, to whom the ends of the ages have come.
Heb. 1:1–2 1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,
Heb. 2:2–4 2 For if the word having been spoken by angels was firm, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, 3 how will we escape, having neglected such a great salvation, which, having received a beginning to be spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those having heard, 4 God testifying with [them] both by signs and wonders, and by various miracles, and distributions of the Holy Spirit according to His will.
Luke 16:29, 31; Luke 24:27, 44; 2 Tim. 3:15–16; John 5:46–47.
Luke 16:29, 31 29 But Abraham says, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, not even will they be persuaded if one should rise out from the dead.’”
Luke 24:27, 44 27 And having begun from Moses and from all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 44 And He said to them, “These [are] My words, which I spoke to you⁺ being still with you⁺, that it is necessary to be fulfilled all things having been written concerning Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms.”
2 Tim. 3:15–16 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,
John 5:46–47 46 For if you⁺ were believing Moses, you⁺ would have been believing Me; for he wrote concerning Me. 47 But if you⁺ do not believe his writings, how will you⁺ believe My words?”
Rev. 22:18–19; Rom. 3:2; 2 Peter 1:21.
Rev. 22:18–19 18 I testify to everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone should add to these things, God will add unto him the plagues written in this book. 19 And if anyone should take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, of those written in this book.
Rom. 3:2 Much in every way. For first indeed, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.
2 Peter 1:21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
2 Peter 1:19–20; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 John 5:9; 1 Thess. 2:13; Rev. 1:1–2.
2 Peter 1:19–20 19 And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you⁺ do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star shall have arisen in your⁺ hearts, 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation.
2 Tim. 3:16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,
1 John 5:9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that He has testified concerning His Son.
1 Thess. 2:13 And because of this, we also give thanks to God unceasingly that, having received the word of God, hearing from us, you⁺ accepted, not the word of men, but just as truly it is, the word of God, which also works in you⁺, those believing.
Rev. 1:1–2 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him to show to His servants what is necessary to take place in quickness. And He signified [it] through having sent His angel to His servant John, 2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, as much as he saw.
1 Tim. 3:15.
1 Tim. 3:15 but if I should delay, so that you may know how it is necessary to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.
1 Cor. 2:9–10; Heb. 4:12; John 10:35; Isa. 55:11 (see Rom. 11:36); Ps. 19:7–11 (see 2 Tim. 3:15); 1 Cor. 2:4–5; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 John 2:20, 27 (see Isa. 59:2).
1 Cor. 2:9–10 9 But as it has been written: “What no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not gone up upon the heart of man—as much as God prepared for those loving Him.” 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.
Heb. 4:12 For the word of God [is] living and effective, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing through and as far as the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrows, and able to judge the reflections and intentions of the heart.
John 10:35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture is not able to be broken—
Isa. 55:11 so is My word that goes forth from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty until it has done that which I delight, and it will prosper for that which I send it.
Rom. 11:36 For from Him and through Him and unto Him [are] all things. To Him [be] the glory to the ages! Amen.
Ps. 19:7–11 7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of YHWH [are] straight, making glad the heart; the commandment of YHWH [is] pure, bringing light to the eyes. 9 The fear of YHWH is pure, standing forever; the judgments of YHWH [are] true, being righteous altogether, 10 being desired above gold, and much above pure gold, and sweeter than honey and flowing honey from the honeycomb. 11 Indeed, Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them [is] great reward.
2 Tim. 3:15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Cor. 2:4–5 4 And my speech and my preaching [were] not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your⁺ faith may not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Thess. 1:5 because our gospel came to you⁺ not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much full assurance, just as you⁺ know what we were among you⁺ on account of you⁺.
1 John 2:20, 27 20 And you⁺ have the anointing from the Holy One, and all [of] you⁺ know. 27 And you⁺, the anointing that you⁺ received from Him remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have no need that anyone should teach you⁺. But as the same anointing teaches you⁺ concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it taught you⁺, remain in Him.
Isa. 59:2 For but your⁺ iniquities [that] have been causing separation for you⁺ from your⁺ God, and your⁺ sins have hidden the Face from you⁺, away from hearing.
2 Tim. 3:16–17; Gal. 1:8–9; 2 Thess. 2:2.
2 Tim. 3:16–17 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.
Gal. 1:8–9 8 But even if we or an angel out of heaven should preach a gospel to you⁺ contrary to what we preached to you⁺, let him be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: If anyone preaches a gospel [to] you⁺ contrary to what you⁺ received, let him be accursed!
2 Thess. 2:2 for you⁺ not quickly to be shaken in mind, nor to be alarmed, neither through spirit nor through word, nor through letter as through us, as that the day of the Lord is present.
John 6:45; 1 Cor. 2:12, 14–15; Eph. 1:18. (See 2 Cor. 4:6.)
John 6:45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me.
1 Cor. 2:12, 14–15 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God, 14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the spiritual [man] judges all things, but he himself is judged by no one.
Eph. 1:18 the eyes your⁺ of heart being enlightened for you⁺ to know what is the hope of His calling, what [are] the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
2 Cor. 4:6 For God [is] the One having said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who shone in our hearts for the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
1 Cor. 11:13–14; 1 Cor. 14:26, 40.
1 Cor. 11:13–14 13 Judge in yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you⁺ that indeed if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,
1 Cor. 14:26, 40 26 What then is it, brothers? When you⁺ may come together, each has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 40 But let all things be done properly and according to order.
2 Peter 3:16.
2 Peter 3:16 as also in all the letters, speaking in them concerning these things, in which some things are difficult to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
Ps. 119:105, 130; Deut. 29:29; Deut. 30:10–14; Acts 17:11.
Ps. 119:105, 130 105 Your word [is] a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. 130 The opening of Your words gives light, giving understanding to the simple ones.
Deut. 29:29 The things hidden are of YHWH our God, and the things revealed [are] to us and to our sons even to forever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.
Deut. 30:10–14 10 if you listen to the voice of YHWH your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes written in the Book of this Law, [and] if you turn to YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 11 For this commandment that I command you today is not too wonderful for you, and it is not far off. 12 It [is] not in the heavens, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend for us into the heavens and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Nor [is] it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go for us to beyond the sea and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word [is] very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.
Acts 17:11 Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so.
Matt. 5:18; Ps. 119:89.
Matt. 5:18 For truly I say to you⁺, until the heaven and the earth should pass away, not even one iota, or one stroke of a letter, shall pass away from the Law, until everything should come to pass.
Ps. 119:89 Forever, O YHWH, [is] Your word, standing fixed in the heavens.
Isa. 8:20; Matt. 15:3, 6; Acts 15:15. (See Luke 16:31.)
Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.
Matt. 15:3, 6 3 And answering, He said to them, “Why also do you⁺ transgress the commandment of God because of your⁺ tradition? 6 he shall not honor his father or his mother. And you⁺ made void the word of God because of your⁺ tradition.
Acts 15:15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
Luke 16:31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, not even will they be persuaded if one should rise out from the dead.’”
John 5:39; Acts 17:11; Rev. 1:3. (See 2 Tim. 3:14–15.)
John 5:39 You⁺ search the Scriptures because you⁺ think to have eternal life in them, and these are they testifying concerning Me;
Acts 17:11 Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so.
Rev. 1:3 Blessed [is] the one reading and those hearing the words of the prophecy and keeping the things written in it; for the time [is] near.
2 Tim. 3:14–15 14 But you, abide in the things you learned and were convinced of, having known from whom you learned, 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Matt. 28:19–20. (See 1 Cor. 14:6; Mark 15:34.)
Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”
1 Cor. 14:6 But now, brothers, if I should come to you⁺ speaking in tongues, what will I profit you⁺, unless I should speak to you⁺ either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?
Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”
Col. 3:16. (See Ex. 20:4–6; Matt. 15:7–9.)
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.
Ex. 20:4–6 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments.
Matt. 15:7–9 7 Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you⁺, saying: 8 ‘This people honors Me with the lips, but their heart is kept far away from Me; 9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”
Rom. 15:4.
Rom. 15:4 For as much as was written before was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have the hope.
Acts 15:15; John 5:46. (See 2 Peter 1:20–21.)
Acts 15:15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
John 5:46 For if you⁺ were believing Moses, you⁺ would have been believing Me; for he wrote concerning Me.
2 Peter 1:20–21 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
Matt. 22:29, 31; Acts 28:25. (See 1 John 4:1–6.)
Matt. 22:29, 31 29 And answering, Jesus said to them, “You⁺ go astray, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, did you⁺ not read what has been spoken to you⁺ by God, saying,
Acts 28:25 And being discordant with one another they began to leave, Paul having said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly by the prophet Isaiah to your⁺ fathers,
1 John 4:1–6 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 In this you⁺ know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ having come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God, and this is that of the antichrist, which you⁺ heard that is coming, and now is already in the world. 4 You⁺ are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is the One in you⁺ than the one in the world. 5 They are of the world; because of this they speak from out of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. The one knowing God hears us. The one who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Parallel passages (6+)

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Westminster Shorter Catechism

Question 2

Q. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Scripture proofs

Matt. 19:4–5 (with Gen. 2:24); Luke 24:27, 44; 1 Cor. 2:13; 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 2 Peter 3:2, 15–16.
Matt. 19:4–5 4 And answering, He said, “Did you⁺ not read that the One having created from the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and He said, ‘On account of this a man will leave the father and the mother and be joined with his wife, and the two will be for one flesh’?
Gen. 2:24 Upon thus a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Luke 24:27, 44 27 And having begun from Moses and from all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 44 And He said to them, “These [are] My words, which I spoke to you⁺ being still with you⁺, that it is necessary to be fulfilled all things having been written concerning Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms.”
1 Cor. 2:13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means].
1 Cor. 14:37 If anyone thinks to be a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things I write to you⁺ are commands of the Lord.
2 Peter 1:20–21 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
2 Peter 3:2, 15–16 2 to remember the words having been spoken beforehand by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of the Lord and Savior by your⁺ apostles, 15 And esteem the patience of our Lord [as] salvation, just as also our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom having been given to him, wrote to you⁺, 16 as also in all the letters, speaking in them concerning these things, in which some things are difficult to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
Deut. 4:2; Ps. 19:7–11; Isa. 8:20; John 15:11; John 20:30–31; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:15–17; 1 John 1:4.
Deut. 4:2 You⁺ shall not add to the word that I command you⁺, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of YHWH your⁺ God that I command you⁺.
Ps. 19:7–11 7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of YHWH [are] straight, making glad the heart; the commandment of YHWH [is] pure, bringing light to the eyes. 9 The fear of YHWH is pure, standing forever; the judgments of YHWH [are] true, being righteous altogether, 10 being desired above gold, and much above pure gold, and sweeter than honey and flowing honey from the honeycomb. 11 Indeed, Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them [is] great reward.
Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.
John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you⁺ so that My joy may be in you⁺ and your⁺ joy may be full.
John 20:30–31 30 Therefore indeed Jesus also did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these have been written so that you⁺ may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that, believing, you⁺ may have life in His name.
Acts 17:11 Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so.
2 Tim. 3:15–17 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.
1 John 1:4 And these things we write so that our joy may be full.

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Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture18 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 312 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 46 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Heidelberg Catechism · Question 1135 shared proof texts Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1555 shared proof texts

Westminster Larger Catechism

Question 2

Q. How doth it appear that there is a God?

A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.

Scripture proofs

Rom. 1:19–20; Acts 17:28. (See Ps. 19:1–3.)
Rom. 1:19–20 19 because that which [is] known of God is manifest among them, for God has revealed [it] to them. 20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.
Acts 17:28 ‘For in Him we live and move and are.’ As also some of the poets among you⁺ have said, ‘For we are also [His] offspring.’
Ps. 19:1–3 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David. The heavens are recounting the glory of God, and the firmament is declaring the work of and His hands. 2 Day after day it pours forth speech, and night after night it shows forth knowledge. 3 Without speech and without words, their voice not being heard,
1 Cor. 2:9–10; 1 Cor. 1:20–21; 2 Tim. 3:15–17. (See Isa. 59:21.)
1 Cor. 2:9–10 9 But as it has been written: “What no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not gone up upon the heart of man—as much as God prepared for those loving Him.” 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.
1 Cor. 1:20–21 20 Where [is] the wise [man]? Where [is] the scribe? Where [is] the debater of this age? Did not God make foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.
2 Tim. 3:15–17 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.
Isa. 59:21 “And Me, this [is] My covenant with them,” says YHWH. “My Spirit who [is] upon you, and My words that I have put in your mouth, they will not depart from your mouth and from the mouth of your seed, and from the mouth of the seed of your seed, says YHWH, from now and even to forever.”

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Second Helvetic Confession

Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God

We believe and confess the canonical Scriptures of the holy prophets and apostles of both Testaments to be the very true Word of God, and to have sufficient authority of themselves, not of men. For God Himself spoke to the fathers, prophets, apostles, and speaks yet unto us by the Holy Scriptures.

And in this Holy Scripture, the universal church of Christ has all things fully expounded, whatsoever belong both to a saving faith, and also to the framing of a life acceptable to God: in which respect it is expressly commanded of God that nothing be either put to or taken from the same (Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18–19).

We judge, therefore, that from these Scriptures is to be taken true wisdom and godliness, the reformation and government of churches; as also instruction in all duties of piety: and to be short, the confirmation of opinions, and the confutation of errors, with all exhortations; according to that of the apostle: "All Scripture inspired of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof" (2 Tim. 3:16–17). Again, "These things I write unto thee," says the apostle to Timothy, "that thou mayest know how it behoveth thee to be conversant in the house of God" (1 Tim. 3:14–15). Again, the self-same apostle to the Thessalonians: "When," says he, "ye received the word from us, ye received not the word of men, but, as it was indeed, the Word of God" (1 Thess. 2:13). For the Lord Himself has said in the gospel, "It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of my Father speaketh in you" (Matt. 10:20); therefore, "he that heareth you, heareth Me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth Me" (Luke 10:16).

Wherefore when this Word of God is now preached in the church by preachers and received of the faithful; and that neither any other Word of God is to be feigned nor to be expected from heaven: and that now the Word of God which is preached is to be regarded, not the minister that preaches; who although he may be evil and a sinner, nevertheless the Word of God abides true and good.

Neither do we think that, therefore, the outward preaching is to be thought as fruitless because the instruction in true religion depends on the inward illumination of the Spirit; or because it is written, "No man shall teach his neighbor; for all men shall know Me" (Jer. 31:34) and "He that watereth or he that planteth is nothing but God who giveth the increase" (1 Cor. 3:7). For albeit, "No man can come to Christ unless he is drawn by the Heavenly Father" (John 6:44) and is inwardly lightened by the Holy Ghost, yet we know undoubtedly that it is the will of God that His Word should be preached even outwardly. God could indeed by His Holy Spirit or by the ministry of an angel without the ministry of St. Peter have taught Cornelius in the Acts; but nevertheless, He refers him to Peter of whom the angel speaking says, "He shall tell thee what thou must do" (Acts 10:6).

For he that illumines inwardly by giving men the Holy Ghost, the self-same, by way of commandment, said unto His disciples. "Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). And so Paul preached the Word outwardly to Lydia, a purple-seller among the Philippians: but the Lord inwardly opened the woman's heart (Acts 16:14). And the same Paul, upon an elegant gradation, fitly placed in the tenth chapter to the Romans, at last infers, "Therefore, faith is by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:14–17). We know in the meantime that God can illumine whom and when He will, even without the external ministry, which is a thing pertaining to His power: but we speak of the usual way of instructing men, delivered unto us of God, both in commandment and examples.

We, therefore, detest all the heresies of Artemon, the Manichees, the Valentinians, of Cerdon, and the Marcionites, who denied that the Scriptures proceeded from the Holy Ghost; or else received not, or polished and corrupted some of them.

And yet we do not deny that certain books of the Old Testament were of the ancient authors called apocryphal; and of others, ecclesiastical; to wit, such as they would have to be read in the churches, but not alleged to avouch or confirm the authority of faith by them. As also, Augustine in his De Civitate Dei (Book 18, chapter 38) makes mention that "in the books of the Kings, the names and books of certain prophets are reckoned," but he adds that "they are not in the Canon;" and that "those books which we have, suffice unto godliness."

Scripture proofs

Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18–19
Deut. 4:2 You⁺ shall not add to the word that I command you⁺, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of YHWH your⁺ God that I command you⁺.
Rev. 22:18–19 18 I testify to everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone should add to these things, God will add unto him the plagues written in this book. 19 And if anyone should take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, of those written in this book.
2 Tim. 3:16–17
2 Tim. 3:16–17 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.
1 Tim. 3:14–15
1 Tim. 3:14–15 14 I write these things to you, hoping to come to you in quickness, 15 but if I should delay, so that you may know how it is necessary to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.
1 Thess. 2:13
1 Thess. 2:13 And because of this, we also give thanks to God unceasingly that, having received the word of God, hearing from us, you⁺ accepted, not the word of men, but just as truly it is, the word of God, which also works in you⁺, those believing.
Matt. 10:20
Matt. 10:20 For you⁺ are not the ones speaking, but the Spirit of your⁺ Father speaking in you⁺.
Luke 10:16
Luke 10:16 The one hearing you⁺ hears Me, and the one setting you⁺ aside sets Me aside, and the one setting Me aside sets aside the One having sent Me.”
Jer. 31:34
Jer. 31:34 And they will teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know YHWH; for all of them will know Me, from the least of them and to the greatest of them, a declaration of YHWH. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
1 Cor. 3:7
1 Cor. 3:7 So neither the one planting nor the one watering is anything, but [only] God, the One giving growth.
John 6:44
John 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day.
Acts 10:6
Acts 10:6 He lodges with a certain Simon, a tanner whose house is by the sea.”
Mark 16:15
Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Having gone into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation.
Acts 16:14
Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, worshiping God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to attend to the things being spoken by Paul.
Rom. 10:14–17
Rom. 10:14–17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!” 16 But not all heeded the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

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Second Helvetic Confession

Chapter 12: Of the Law of God

We teach that the will of God is set down unto us in the Law of God; to wit, what He would have us to do or not to do, what is good and just, or what is evil and unjust. We, therefore, confess that "The law is good and holy" (Rom. 7:12) and that this Law is by the finger of God, either "written in the hearts of men" (Rom. 2:15) and so is called the law of nature, or engraven in the two tables of stone and more largely expounded in the books of Moses (Ex. 20:1–17; Deut. 5:6–21). For plainness' sake, we divide it into the moral law, which is contained in the commandments, or the two tables expounded in the books of Moses; into the ceremonial, which appoints ceremonies and the worship of God; and into the judicial law, which is occupied about political and domestic affairs.

We believe that the whole will of God, and all necessary precepts for every part of this life, are fully delivered in this Law. For otherwise the Lord would not have forbidden that "any thing should be either added to or taken away from this law" (Deut. 4:2; 12:32); neither would He have commanded us to go straight forward in this and "not to decline out of the way, either to the right hand or to the left" (Josh. 1:7).

We teach that this Law was not given to men that we should be justified by keeping it; but that by the knowledge thereof we might rather acknowledge our infirmity, sin, and condemnation; and so despairing of our own strength, might turn unto Christ by faith. For the apostle says plainly, "The law worketh wrath" (Rom. 4:15) and "By the law cometh the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20) and "If there had been a law given, which could have justified and given us life, surely righteousness should have been by the law: but the scripture (to wit, of the law) hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ should be given to them which believe" (Gal. 3:21–22). "Therefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (v. 24).

For neither could there ever, nor at this day can any flesh satisfy the law of God, and fulfill it, by reason of the weakness in our flesh, which remains and sticks fast in us, even to our last breath. For the apostle says again, "That which the law could not perform, inasmuch as it was weak through the flesh, that did God perform, sending His own Son in similitude of flesh subject to sin" (Rom. 8:3). Therefore, Christ is the perfecting of the Law, and our fulfilling of it (Rom. 10:4); who as He took away the curse of the Law, when He was made a curse for us (Gal. 3:13) so He communicates unto us by faith His fulfilling thereof, and His righteousness and obedience are imputed unto us.

The law of God, therefore, is thus far abrogated; that is, it does not henceforth condemn neither work wrath in us. "For we are under grace, and not under the law" (Rom. 6:14). Moreover, Christ did fulfill all the figures of the Law. Wherefore, the shadow ceased, when the body came; so that, in Christ, we have now all truth and fullness. Yet we do not therefore disdain or reject the Law. We remember the words of the Lord saying, "I came not to destroy the Law and the prophets, but to fulfill them" (Matt. 5:17). We know that in the Law are described unto us the kinds of virtues and vices. We know that the Scripture of the Law if it is expounded by the gospel is very profitable to the church, and that, therefore, the reading of it is not to be banished out of the church. For although the countenance of Moses was covered with a veil, yet the apostle affirms that the veil is taken away and abolished by Christ (2 Cor. 3:14). We condemn all things which the old or new heretics have taught against the Law of God.

Scripture proofs

Rom. 7:12
Rom. 7:12 So indeed, the law [is] holy, and the commandment [is] holy and righteous and good.
Rom. 2:15
Rom. 2:15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]
Ex. 20:1–17; Deut. 5:6–21
Ex. 20:1–17 1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You shall have no other gods before My face. 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who takes His name in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work, 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates. 11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. 12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 13 You shall not murder. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not answer against your neighbor [as] a false witness. 17 You shall not covet the house of your neighbor; you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Deut. 5:6–21 6 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 7 You shall have no other gods before Me. 8 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water beneath the earth. 9 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them, for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons and on the third and fourth of those hating Me, 10 and showing loving devotion to thousands, to those loving Me and keeping My commandments. 11 You shall not lift up the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who lifts up His name in vain. 12 Observe the day of the Sabbath, to keep it holy, as YHWH your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 and the seventh day [is] the Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and your ox, and your donkey, and any of your cattle, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates—that your manservant and your maidservant may rest like you. 15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and YHWH your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Upon thus YHWH your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. 16 Honor your father and your mother, as YHWH your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, that it may be well with you in the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 17 You shall not murder. 18 And you shall not commit adultery. 19 And you shall not steal. 20 And you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 21 And you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, and you shall not covet the house of your neighbor, his field, and his manservant, and his maidservant, his ox, and his donkey, and anything that [is] unto your neighbor.”
Deut. 4:2; 12:32
Deut. 4:2 You⁺ shall not add to the word that I command you⁺, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of YHWH your⁺ God that I command you⁺.
12:32 The whole thing, whatever I command you⁺, be careful to observe it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.
Josh. 1:7
Josh. 1:7 Only be strong and be very courageous, to be careful to do according to all the law that Moses My servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may prosper in every [place] where you go.
Rom. 4:15
Rom. 4:15 For the law brings about wrath; and where there is no law, neither [is there] transgression.
Rom. 3:20
Rom. 3:20 Therefore by works of the law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through the law [is] knowledge of sin.
Gal. 3:21–22
Gal. 3:21–22 21 [Is] the law, therefore, contrary to the promises of God? Never may it be! For if a law were given being able to make alive, then righteousness indeed would have been from out of the law. 22 But the Scripture shut in all things under sin, so that by faith from Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those believing.
Rom. 8:3
Rom. 8:3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,
Rom. 10:4
Rom. 10:4 For the end of law [is] Christ, unto righteousness to everyone believing.
Gal. 3:13
Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”
Rom. 6:14
Rom. 6:14 For sin will not rule over you⁺, for you⁺ are not under law, but under grace.
Matt. 5:17
Matt. 5:17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.
2 Cor. 3:14
2 Cor. 3:14 But their minds were hardened; for until the present day, the same veil remains upon the reading of the old covenant, not being unveiled, which is removed in Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)

Heidelberg Catechism · Question 9233 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God23 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day9 shared proof texts · shared topic Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 578 shared proof texts Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1158 shared proof texts London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

London Baptist Confession (1689)

Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture

1. The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience: although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and his will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterward for the better preserving, and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy Scriptures to be most necessary, those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.

2. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written; are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these:

3. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon (or rule) of the Scripture, and therefore are of no authority to the church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved or made use of, than other human writings.

4. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof; therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.

5. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church of God, to a high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, and the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, and many other incomparable excellencies, and entire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet, notwithstanding, our full persuasion, and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.

6. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word, and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church common to human actions and societies; which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.

7. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.

8. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal to them. But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have a right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation, unto which they come, that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope.

9. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold but one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly.

10. The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved.

Scripture proofs

2 Tim. 3:15–17; Isa. 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Eph. 2:20.
2 Tim. 3:15–17 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.
Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.
Luke 16:29, 31 29 But Abraham says, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, not even will they be persuaded if one should rise out from the dead.’”
Eph. 2:20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,
Rom. 1:19–21; Rom. 2:14–15; Ps. 19:1–3.
Rom. 1:19–21 19 because that which [is] known of God is manifest among them, for God has revealed [it] to them. 20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse. 21 For having known God, not as God did they glorify [Him], or give thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom. 2:14–15 14 For when Gentiles, not having the law, may do by nature the things of the law, these not having a law are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending [them]
Ps. 19:1–3 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David. The heavens are recounting the glory of God, and the firmament is declaring the work of and His hands. 2 Day after day it pours forth speech, and night after night it shows forth knowledge. 3 Without speech and without words, their voice not being heard,
Heb. 1:1.
Heb. 1:1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
Prov. 22:19–21; Rom. 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19–20.
Prov. 22:19–21 19 For your trust to be in YHWH, I have caused you to know this day—even you. 20 Have I not written to you thirty sayings of counsels and knowledge, 21 to make you know the truth of the words of faithfulness, to return words of faithfulness to those sending you?
Rom. 15:4 For as much as was written before was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have the hope.
2 Peter 1:19–20 19 And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you⁺ do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star shall have arisen in your⁺ hearts, 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation.
2 Tim. 3:16.
2 Tim. 3:16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,
Luke 24:27, 44; Rom. 3:2.
Luke 24:27, 44 27 And having begun from Moses and from all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 44 And He said to them, “These [are] My words, which I spoke to you⁺ being still with you⁺, that it is necessary to be fulfilled all things having been written concerning Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Rom. 3:2 Much in every way. For first indeed, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.
2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 John 5:9.
2 Peter 1:19–21 19 And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you⁺ do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star shall have arisen in your⁺ hearts, 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
2 Tim. 3:16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,
2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought to give thanks to God always concerning you⁺, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you⁺ from the beginning unto salvation in the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,
1 John 5:9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that He has testified concerning His Son.
John 16:13–14; 1 Cor. 2:10–12; 1 John 2:20, 27.
John 16:13–14 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, shall come, He will guide you⁺ into all the truth. For He will not speak from Himself, but whatever He may hear, He will speak. And He will declare to you⁺ the things coming. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take from that which [is] Mine and will declare [it] to you⁺.
1 Cor. 2:10–12 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who of men knows the [things] of the man except the spirit of the man that [is] in him? So also, no one has known the [things] of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God,
1 John 2:20, 27 20 And you⁺ have the anointing from the Holy One, and all [of] you⁺ know. 27 And you⁺, the anointing that you⁺ received from Him remains in you⁺, and you⁺ have no need that anyone should teach you⁺. But as the same anointing teaches you⁺ concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and just as it taught you⁺, remain in Him.
2 Tim. 3:15–17; Gal. 1:8–9.
2 Tim. 3:15–17 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.
Gal. 1:8–9 8 But even if we or an angel out of heaven should preach a gospel to you⁺ contrary to what we preached to you⁺, let him be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: If anyone preaches a gospel [to] you⁺ contrary to what you⁺ received, let him be accursed!
John 6:45; 1 Cor. 2:9–12.
John 6:45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me.
1 Cor. 2:9–12 9 But as it has been written: “What no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not gone up upon the heart of man—as much as God prepared for those loving Him.” 10 For God revealed [it] to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who of men knows the [things] of the man except the spirit of the man that [is] in him? So also, no one has known the [things] of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God,
1 Cor. 11:13–14; 1 Cor. 14:26, 40.
1 Cor. 11:13–14 13 Judge in yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you⁺ that indeed if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,
1 Cor. 14:26, 40 26 What then is it, brothers? When you⁺ may come together, each has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 40 But let all things be done properly and according to order.
2 Peter 3:16.
2 Peter 3:16 as also in all the letters, speaking in them concerning these things, in which some things are difficult to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
Ps. 19:7; Ps. 119:130.
Ps. 19:7 The law of YHWH [is] perfect, refreshing the soul; the testimony of YHWH [is] sure, making wise the simple.
Ps. 119:130 The opening of Your words gives light, giving understanding to the simple ones.
Rom. 3:2.
Rom. 3:2 Much in every way. For first indeed, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.
Isa. 8:20; Acts 15:15.
Isa. 8:20 to the law and to the testimony?" If they do not speak this according to the word, [it is] because there is not in them dawn.
Acts 15:15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
John 5:39.
John 5:39 You⁺ search the Scriptures because you⁺ think to have eternal life in them, and these are they testifying concerning Me;
1 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11–12, 24, 28.
1 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11–12, 24, 28 6 But now, brothers, if I should come to you⁺ speaking in tongues, what will I profit you⁺, unless I should speak to you⁺ either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching? 9 So also you⁺, unless you⁺ give intelligible speech through the tongue, how will it be known what [is] being spoken? For you⁺ will be speaking into the air. 11 Therefore unless I know the power of the voice, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking, a barbarian to me. 12 So also you⁺, since you⁺ are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek for the edification of the church, so that you⁺ may abound. 24 But if all prophesy and some unbeliever or uninstructed one should come in, he is convicted by all, he is examined by all, 28 But if there may be no interpreter, let him be silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
Col. 3:16.
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.
2 Peter 1:20–21; Acts 15:15–16.
2 Peter 1:20–21 20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation. 21 For not by the will of man was prophecy brought forth at any time, but being carried by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
Acts 15:15–16 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written: 16 ‘After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen, and its ruins I will rebuild, and I will set it upright,
Matt. 22:29, 31–32; Eph. 2:20; Acts 28:23.
Matt. 22:29, 31–32 29 And answering, Jesus said to them, “You⁺ go astray, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, did you⁺ not read what has been spoken to you⁺ by God, saying, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
Eph. 2:20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,
Acts 28:23 Then, having appointed to him a day, many came to him to the lodging, to whom he expounded from morning to evening, fully testifying to the kingdom of God and persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

Parallel passages (6+)

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