Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Sola Scriptura

29 passages across 10 documents address Sola Scriptura. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Supreme Necessity of the Written Word as the Only Rule of Faith

"The writings of the prophets and apostles, comprise the old and new Testament, or covenant between God and man." "It is, therefore, necessary that the principal parts of the covenant should be contained and explained in these writings, and that they should declare what God promises and grants unto us, viz: his favor, remission of sins, righteousness, and eternal life; and also what he, in return, requires from us: which is faith and obedience."

"Christ is the substance and ground of the entire Scriptures." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"If true religion is to beam upon us, our principle must be, that it is necessary to begin with heavenly teaching, and that it is impossible for any man to obtain even the minutest portion of right and sound doctrine without being a disciple of Scripture." [John Calvin - Institutes]

II. The Absolute Divine Origin and Infallible Authority of Scripture

"We reply to this objection by laying down this rule, That we are to judge of God according to the revelation which he has made in his word, and not according to the brain of heretics." "The power to give new laws concerning the worship of God, or to give new articles of faith binding the conscience, belongs to no assembly of men or of angels, but to God alone." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"But since no daily responses are given from heaven, and the Scriptures are the only records in which God has been pleased to consign his truth to perpetual remembrance, the full authority which they ought to possess with the faithful is not recognised, unless they are believed to have come from heaven, as directly as if God had been heard giving utterance to them." [John Calvin - Institutes]

III. The Completeness and Sufficiency of the Word over against Human Inventions

"First: that all the glory which properly belongs to God may be attributed to him, which cannot be done unless we acknowledge and confess whatever he will have us to believe concerning himself and his will, and unless we add nothing to these revelations which he has been pleased to make of himself; for God cannot be joined with idols, neither can his truth be mingled with the lies and falsehood of Satan, without casting the greatest reproach upon his name."

"And yet they will maintain, that many things are to be believed, which cannot be proven by the testimony of the Scriptures." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"He forbade that any thing should be added to his word, and that any thing should be taken from it." [John Calvin - Institutes]

IV. The Clarity (Perspicuity) of Scripture and the Right of the Laity to Private Reading

"We are not to believe God on account of the testimony of the church, but the church upon the testimony of God."

"1. That no interpretation is to be received, which does not agree with the rule of faith, or which is opposed to any particular article of faith, or to any command of the Decalogue, or to any express declaration of Scripture, is evident from this, that the Spirit of truth does not contradict itself." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"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]

V. The Subordination of the Church to the Word and the Witness of the Spirit

"The Papists say that the authority of the church is greater than that of the Scriptures, which is false." "Hence traditions lead us to the Scriptures, and bind us to that voice which speaks in them." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"If the doctrine of the apostles and prophets is the foundation of the Church, the former must have had its certainty before the latter began to exist." [John Calvin – Institutes]

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Question 19

Q. How do you come to know this?

A. The holy gospel tells me. God himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, he proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets and foreshadowed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; and finally he fulfilled it through his own beloved Son.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 3:15.

    Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.

  • Gen. 22:18; 49:10.

    Gen. 22:18 And in your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have listened to My voice.”

    49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until that he comes to Shiloh; and to him [is] the obedience of the peoples.

  • Isa. 53; Jer. 23:5–6; Mic. 7:18–20; Acts 10:43; Heb. 1:1–2.

    Jer. 23:5–6 5 Behold, the days are coming, a declaration of YHWH, when I will raise up for David a Branch of Righteousness, and a King shall reign who will deal wisely, and he will do justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    Mic. 7:18–20 18 Who [is] a God like You, lifting away iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion. 19 He will turn back, He will have compassion on us, He will subdue our iniquities. And You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins. 20 You will give forth faithfulness to Jacob, loving devotion to Abraham, which You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    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,

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

  • Lev. 1–7; John 5:46; Heb. 10:1–10.

    John 5:46 For if you⁺ were believing Moses, you⁺ would have been believing Me; for he wrote concerning Me.

    Heb. 10:1–10 1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things about to be, not the image of the things themselves, every year with the same sacrifices that they offer unto perpetuity, never is able to perfect those coming near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, because of no more having conscience of sins, those serving having been cleansed once? 3 But in these [is] a reminder of sins every year. 4 For [it is] impossible [for] the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, coming into the world, He says: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and concerning sin [offerings] You were not well pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the scroll of the book it has been written about Me—to do Your will, O God.’” 8 Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and [those] for sin You did not desire, nor were You well pleased” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first so that He might establish the second, 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    Leviticus 1 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 2 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 3 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 4 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 5 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 6 on BibleHub ↗

    Leviticus 7 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 10:4; Gal. 4:4–5; Col. 2:17.

    Rom. 10:4 For the end of law [is] Christ, unto righteousness to everyone believing.

    Gal. 4:4–5 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law, 5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

    Col. 2:17 which are a shadow the things about to be; but the body [is] of the Christ.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 13: Of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Also of Promises; of the Spirit and of the Letter3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 21

Q. What is true faith?

A. True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in his Word; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These gifts are purely of grace, only because of Christ's merit.

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:3, 17; Heb. 11:1–3; James 2:19.

    John 17:3, 17 3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

    Heb. 11:1–3 1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not being seen. 2 For in this the ancients were well-attested. 3 By faith we understand the ages to have been completed thoroughly by the word of God, in order for that being seen not to have come into being out of the things being visible.

    James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well! Even the demons believe [that], and shudder!

  • Rom. 4:18–21; 5:1; 10:10; Heb. 4:14–16.

    Rom. 4:18–21 18 who against hope in hope believed, for him to become the father of many nations, according to that having been spoken, “So will your seed be.” 19 And not having become weak in the faith, he considered his body already having become dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 Yet he did not doubt in unbelief in the promise of God, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God, 21 and having been fully assured that what He has promised, He is also able to do.

    5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

    10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

    Heb. 4:14–16 14 Therefore, having a great high priest having passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to [our] confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin. 16 Therefore let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

  • Matt. 16:15–17; John 3:5; Acts 16:14.

    Matt. 16:15–17 15 He says to them, “But you⁺, who do you⁺ say I am?” 16 And answering, Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And answering, Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood did not reveal [it] to you, but My Father who [is] in the heavens.

    John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one would be born of water and of the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

    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. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21.

    Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone believing—both to Jew first, and to Greek.

    10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    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.

  • Gal. 2:20.

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

  • Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:10.

    Rom. 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it has been written: “And the righteous one will live by faith.”

    Heb. 10:10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

  • Rom. 3:21–26; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8–10.

    Rom. 3:21–26 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Eph. 2:8–10 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience8 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 91

Q. But what are good works?

A. Only those which are done out of true faith, conform to God's law, and are done for his glory; and not those based on our own opinion or human tradition.

Scripture proofs
  • John 15:5; Heb. 11:6.

    John 15:5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

    Heb. 11:6 And without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for it is necessary for the one coming to God to believe that He is and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him out.

  • Lev. 18:4; 1 Sam. 15:22; Eph. 2:10.

    Lev. 18:4 You⁺ shall do My judgments, and you⁺ shall keep My statutes, to walk in them. I [am] YHWH your⁺ God.

    1 Sam. 15:22 And Samuel said, “Has YHWH delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as [in] listening to the voice of YHWH? Behold, to listen is better than sacrifice, [and] to heed than the fat of rams.

    Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

  • 1 Cor. 10:31.

    1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore whether you⁺ eat or drink or whatever you⁺ do, do all things to the glory of God.

  • Deut. 12:32; Isa. 29:13; Ezek. 20:18–19; Matt. 15:7–9.

    Deut. 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.

    Isa. 29:13 And YHWH says, “Because that this people draws near with its mouth, and honors Me with its lips, and its heart has grown far away from Me, and their reverence toward Me is a commandment taught by men.

    Ezek. 20:18–19 18 And I said to their sons in the wilderness, ‘In the statutes of your⁺ fathers you⁺ shall not walk, and their ordinances you⁺ shall not keep, and with their idols you⁺ shall not defile yourselves. 19 I [am] YHWH your⁺ God; in My statutes you must walk, and My ordinances you must keep and do them,

    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.’”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works7 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 16: Of Good Works4 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 16: Of Faith and Good Works: Of Their Reward and of Man's Merit3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 2: Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; Of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 96

Q. What is God's will for us in the second commandment?

A. That we in no way make any image of God nor worship him in any other way than has been commanded in God's Word.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 4:15–19; Isa. 40:18–25; Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:22–23.

    Deut. 4:15–19 15 And guard greatly your⁺ souls, for you⁺ did not see any form when YHWH spoke to you⁺ at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 lest you⁺ act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female— 17 the likeness of any animal that [is] on the earth, or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, or the likeness of any fish that [is] in the water beneath the earth. 19 And lest you lift up your eyes to the heavens and you see the sun and the moon and the stars—all the host of the heavens—and you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which YHWH your God has given as a heritage to all the peoples under the whole heavens.

    Isa. 40:18–25 18 And to whom would you⁺ liken God? And what likeness will you⁺ arrange for Him? 19 To an idol a craftsman casts, and a metalworker overlays it with gold and fits with chains of silver? 20 One bereft of a contribution chooses a tree not rotten, and a skillful craftsman seeks out for himself to prepare a carved image [that] will not topple? 21 Do you⁺ not know? Have you⁺ not heard? Has it not been declared from the beginning to you⁺? Have you⁺ not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 He is sitting above the circle of the earth, and its dwellers [are] like grasshoppers; He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and He spreads them out like a tent to dwell [in]. 23 The One giving the rulers to nothingness, He makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. 24 Yes, they are hardly planted; yes, they are hardly sown; Yes their stem has hardly taken root in the earth. And also He will blow on them, and they will wither, and the tempest will carry them off like the stubble. 25 “And to whom will you⁺ liken Me? Or [who] is My equal?” Says the Holy One.

    Acts 17:29 Therefore, being offspring of God, we ought not to consider the Divine Being to be like gold or silver or stone, a graven thing of man’s craft and imagination.

    Rom. 1:22–23 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and they changed the glory of the immortal God into the likeness of an image of mortal man and birds and quadrupeds and creeping things.

  • Lev. 10:1–7; 1 Sam. 15:22–23; John 4:23–24.

    Lev. 10:1–7 1 And the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, each took his firepan, and they put fire in it, and they put incense on it, and they brought near before the face of YHWH strange fire, which He had not commanded them. 2 And fire went out from before the face of YHWH, and it consumed them, and they died before the face of YHWH. 3 And Moses said to Aaron, “It [is] what YHWH spoke, saying, ‘By those drawing near to Me I will be shown holy, and before the faces of all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron was silent. 4 And Moses called to Mishael and to Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and he said to them, “Draw near, carry your⁺ brothers from the face of the Holy Place, to the outside of the camp.” 5 And they drew near, and they carried them in their tunics to the outside of the camp, as Moses had spoken. 6 And Moses said to Aaron and to Eleazar and to Ithamar his sons, “Do not uncover your⁺ heads and do not tear your⁺ clothes, and you⁺ shall not die, and upon all the congregation He will be angry. And your⁺ brothers, the whole house of Israel, shall weep the burning that YHWH has burned. 7 And you⁺ shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting, lest you⁺ die; for the anointing oil of YHWH [is] upon you⁺.” And they did according to the word of Moses.

    1 Sam. 15:22–23 22 And Samuel said, “Has YHWH delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as [in] listening to the voice of YHWH? Behold, to listen is better than sacrifice, [and] to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For [as] the sin of witchcraft [is] rebellion, and iniquity and teraphim [is] stubbornness, because you have rejected the word of YHWH, so He has rejected you as king.”

    John 4:23–24 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father also seeks such who worship Him. 24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 519 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 148 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1097 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 47 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 66 shared proof texts

Question 98

Q. But may not images, as books for the unlearned, be permitted in churches?

A. No, we should not try to be wiser than God. He wants the Christian community instructed by the living preaching of his Word— not by idols that cannot even talk.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 10:14–15, 17; 2 Tim. 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:19.

    Rom. 10:14–15, 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!” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    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.

    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,

  • Jer. 10:8; Hab. 2:18–20.

    Jer. 10:8 But they are altogether senseless and foolish, the teaching of of vanities, it [is] of wood!

    Hab. 2:18–20 18 What profit [is] an image when its fashioner has carved it, a molten image and a teacher of falsehood? For the one fashioning trusts upon it [in] his fashioning, making mute idols. 19 Woe [to] the one saying to the wood, ‘Awake!’ Or to a stone of silence, ‘Arise!’ Can it give instruction? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and not any breath [is] within it.” 20 And YHWH [is] in the temple of His holiness; let all the earth be silent before Him.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 895 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1555 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 33 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

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

Article 3: The Written Word of God

We confess that this Word of God was not sent nor delivered by the will of men, but that holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit, as Peter says. Afterwards our God—because of the special care he has for us and our salvation—commanded his servants, the prophets and apostles, to commit this revealed Word to writing. He himself wrote with his own finger the two tables of the law. Therefore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Peter 1:21.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 21 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 31 shared proof text · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith1 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1571 shared proof text · shared topic

Article 4: The Canonical Books

We include in the Holy Scripture the two volumes of the Old and New Testaments. They are canonical books with which there can be no quarrel at all. In the church of God the list is as follows:

In the Old Testament, the five books of Moses—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth; the two books of Samuel, the two books of Kings, the two books of Chronicles; the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther; the book of Job, the Psalms, the three books of Solomon—Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs; the five books of the four major prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel; the books of the twelve minor prophets—Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

In the New Testament, the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, John; the Acts of the Apostles; the thirteen letters of Paul—to the Romans; the two letters to the Corinthians; to the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians; the two letters to the Thessalonians; the two letters to Timothy; to Titus, Philemon; the letter to the Hebrews; the seven letters of the other apostles—one of James; two of Peter; three of John; one of Jude; and the Revelation of the apostle John.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 23 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 33 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 33 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 43 shared topics

Article 5: The Authority of Scripture

We receive all these books and these only as holy and canonical, for the regulating, founding, and establishing of our faith. And we believe without a doubt all things contained in them—not so much because the church receives and approves them as such but above all because the Holy Spirit testifies in our hearts that they are from God, and also because they prove themselves to be from God. For even the blind themselves are able to see that the things predicted in them do happen.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture6 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter XVIII: Of the Notes by Which the True Kirk Is Discerned from the False and Who Will Be Judge of the Doctrine6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture6 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter XX: Of General Councils. Of Their Power, Authority, and Cause of Their Convention5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 2: Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; Of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions5 shared topics

Article 7: The Sufficiency of Scripture

We believe that this Holy Scripture contains the will of God completely and that everything one must believe to be saved is sufficiently taught in it. For since the entire manner of service which God requires of us is described in it at great length, no one—even an apostle or an angel from heaven, as Paul says—ought to teach other than what the Holy Scriptures have already taught us. For since it is forbidden to add to or subtract from the Word of God, this plainly demonstrates that the teaching is perfect and complete in all respects. Therefore we must not consider human writings—no matter how holy their authors may have been—equal to the divine writings; nor may we put custom, nor the majority, nor age, nor the passage of time or persons, nor councils, decrees, or official decisions above the truth of God, for truth is above everything else. For all human beings are liars by nature and more vain than vanity itself. Therefore we reject with all our hearts everything that does not agree with this infallible rule, as we are taught to do by the apostles when they say, "Test the spirits to see if they are of God," and also, "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house."

Scripture proofs
  • Gal. 1:8.

    Gal. 1:8 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!

  • Deut. 12:32; Rev. 22:18–19.

    Deut. 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.

    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.

  • 1 John 4:1.

    1 John 4:1 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 John 10.
Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 33 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 542 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 911 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

First Head, Article 17: The Salvation of Deceased Infants of Believers

Since we must make judgments about God's will from his Word, which testifies that the children of believers are holy, not by nature but by virtue of the gracious covenant in which they together with their parents are included, godly parents ought not to doubt the election and salvation of their children whom God calls out of this life in infancy.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 324 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 794 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World4 shared topics

First Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching concerning election and reprobation, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that the will of God to save those who would believe and persevere in faith and in the obedience of faith is the whole and entire decision of election to salvation, and that nothing else concerning this decision has been revealed in God's Word.

For they deceive the simple and plainly contradict Holy Scripture in its testimony that God does not only wish to save those who would believe, but that he has also from eternity chosen certain particular people to whom, rather than to others, he would within time grant faith in Christ and perseverance. As Scripture says, "I have revealed your name to those whom you gave me" (John 17:6). Likewise, "All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48), and "He chose us before the foundation of the world so that we should be holy" (Eph. 1:4).

Error II.

Who teach that God's election to eternal life is of many kinds: one general and indefinite, the other particular and definite; and the latter in turn either incomplete, revocable, nonperemptory (or conditional), or else complete, irrevocable, and peremptory (or absolute). Likewise, who teach that there is one election to faith and another to salvation, so that there can be an election to justifying faith apart from a peremptory election to salvation.

For this is an invention of the human brain, devised apart from the Scriptures, which distorts the teaching concerning election and breaks up this golden chain of salvation: "Those whom he predestined, he also called; and those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified, he also glorified" (Rom. 8:30).

Error III.

Who teach that God's good pleasure and purpose, which Scripture mentions in its teaching of election, does not involve God's choosing certain particular people rather than others, but involves God's choosing, out of all possible conditions (including the works of the law) or out of the whole order of things, the intrinsically unworthy act of faith, as well as the imperfect obedience of faith, to be a condition of salvation; and it involves his graciously wishing to count this as perfect obedience and to look upon it as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For by this pernicious error the good pleasure of God and the merit of Christ are robbed of their effectiveness and people are drawn away, by unprofitable inquiries, from the truth of undeserved justification and from the simplicity of the Scriptures. It also gives the lie to these words of the apostle: "God called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of works, but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time" (2 Tim. 1:9).

Error IV.

Who teach that in election to faith a prerequisite condition is that man should rightly use the light of nature, be upright, unassuming, humble, and disposed to eternal life, as though election depended to some extent on these factors.

For this smacks of Pelagius, and it clearly calls into question the words of the apostle: "We lived at one time in the passions of our flesh, following the will of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in transgressions, made us alive with Christ, by whose grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with him and seated us with him in heaven in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages we might show the surpassing riches of his grace, according to his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith (and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God) not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph. 2:3–9).

Error V.

Who teach that the incomplete and nonperemptory election of particular persons to salvation occurred on the basis of a foreseen faith, repentance, holiness, and godliness, which has just begun or continued for some time; but that complete and peremptory election occurred on the basis of a foreseen perseverance to the end in faith, repentance, holiness, and godliness. And that this is the gracious and evangelical worthiness, on account of which the one who is chosen is more worthy than the one who is not chosen. And therefore that faith, the obedience of faith, holiness, godliness, and perseverance are not fruits or effects of an unchangeable election to glory, but indispensable conditions and causes, which are prerequisite in those who are to be chosen in the complete election, and which are foreseen as achieved in them.

This runs counter to the entire Scripture, which throughout impresses upon our ears and hearts these sayings among others: "Election is not by works, but by him who calls" (Rom. 9:11–12); "All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48); "He chose us in himself so that we should be holy" (Eph. 1:4); "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16); "If by grace, not by works" (Rom. 11:6); "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son" (1 John 4:10).

Error VI.

Who teach that not every election to salvation is unchangeable, but that some of the chosen can perish and do in fact perish eternally, with no decision of God to prevent it.

By this gross error they make God changeable, destroy the comfort of the godly concerning the steadfastness of their election, and contradict the Holy Scriptures, which teach that "the elect cannot be led astray" (Matt. 24:24), that "Christ does not lose those given to him by the Father" (John 6:39), and that "those whom God predestined, called, and justified, he also glorifies" (Rom. 8:30).

Error VII.

Who teach that in this life there is no fruit, no awareness, and no assurance of one's unchangeable election to glory, except as conditional upon something changeable and contingent.

For not only is it absurd to speak of an uncertain assurance, but these things also militate against the experience of the saints, who with the apostle rejoice from an awareness of their election and sing the praises of this gift of God; who, as Christ urged, "rejoice" with his disciples "that their names have been written in heaven" (Luke 10:20); and finally who hold up against the flaming arrows of the devil's temptations the awareness of their election, with the question "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?" (Rom. 8:33).

Error VIII.

Who teach that it was not on the basis of his just will alone that God decided to leave anyone in the fall of Adam and in the common state of sin and condemnation or to pass anyone by in the imparting of grace necessary for faith and conversion.

For these words stand fast: "He has mercy on whom he wishes, and he hardens whom he wishes" (Rom. 9:18). And also: "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given" (Matt. 13:11). Likewise: "I give glory to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and have revealed them to little children; yes, Father, because that was your pleasure" (Matt. 11:25–26).

Error IX.

Who teach that the cause for God's sending the gospel to one people rather than to another is not merely and solely God's good pleasure, but rather that one people is better and worthier than the other to whom the gospel is not communicated.

For Moses contradicts this when he addresses the people of Israel as follows: "Behold, to Jehovah your God belong the heavens and the highest heavens, the earth and whatever is in it. But Jehovah was inclined in his affection to love your ancestors alone, and chose out their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as at this day" (Deut. 10:14–15). And also Christ: "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! for if those mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" (Matt. 11:21).

Scripture proofs
  • John 17:6

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

  • Acts 13:48

    Acts 13:48 And the Gentiles hearing were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

  • Eph. 1:4

    Eph. 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love

  • Rom. 8:30

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

  • 2 Tim. 1:9

    2 Tim. 1:9 the One having saved us and having called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, having been given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

  • Eph. 2:3–9

    Eph. 2:3–9 3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His much love with which He loved us, 5 even us being dead in trespasses, made [us] alive with Christ—by grace you⁺ are saved— 6 and He raised [us] up together and seated [us] together in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

  • Rom. 9:11–12

    Rom. 9:11–12 11 for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand— 12 not of works but of the One calling, it was said to her, “The greater will serve the lesser.”

  • John 15:16

    John 15:16 You⁺ did not choose Me, but I chose you⁺, and I appointed you⁺ so that you⁺ should go and bear fruit, and [that] your⁺ fruit should remain, so that whatever you⁺ might ask the Father in My name, He may give you⁺.

  • Rom. 11:6

    Rom. 11:6 and if by grace, no longer out of works; otherwise grace no longer is grace.

  • 1 John 4:10

    1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son [as] a propitiation for our sins.

  • Matt. 24:24

    Matt. 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen.

  • John 6:39

    John 6:39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day.

  • Luke 10:20

    Luke 10:20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you⁺; but rejoice that your⁺ names have been written in the heavens.”

  • Rom. 8:33

    Rom. 8:33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying.

  • Rom. 9:18

    Rom. 9:18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.

  • Matt. 13:11

    Matt. 13:11 And answering, He said to them, “Because to you⁺ it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to these it has not been given.

  • Matt. 11:25–26

    Matt. 11:25–26 25 In that time, answering, Jesus said, “I acknowledge You, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, because You hid these things from the wise and intelligent, and You revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, because of this it was good pleasure before You.

  • Deut. 10:14–15

    Deut. 10:14–15 14 Behold, unto YHWH your God [are] the heavens and the heavens of the heavens, the earth and all that [is] in it. 15 Yet in your fathers YHWH delighted to love them, and He chose their seed after them, you⁺, above all peoples, as [it is] this day.

  • Matt. 11:21

    Matt. 11:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles having happened in you⁺ had happened in Tyre and Sidon, long ago in sackcloth and ashes they would have repented.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree14 shared proof texts · 12 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling11 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared proof texts · 11 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 677 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 7 shared topics

Fifth Head, Article 14: God's Use of Means in Perseverance

And, just as it has pleased God to begin this work of grace in us by the proclamation of the gospel, so he preserves, continues, and completes his work by the hearing and reading of the gospel, by meditation on it, by its exhortations, threats, and promises, and also by the use of the sacraments.

Parallel passages (6)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 193 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 213 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 653 shared topicsScots Confession · Preface3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God3 shared topicsScots Confession · Chapter XIV: What Works Are Reputed Good before God3 shared topics

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+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture43 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 218 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 313 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 211 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 410 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 15510 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture18 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 312 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture10 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 46 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1135 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1555 shared proof texts

Question 3

Q. What do the Scriptures principally teach?

A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:1; John 5:39; John 20:31; Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:15.

    Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

    John 5:39 You⁺ search the Scriptures because you⁺ think to have eternal life in them, and these are they testifying concerning Me;

    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.

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    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.

  • Deut. 10:12–13; Josh. 1:8; Ps. 119:105; Mic. 6:8; 2 Tim. 3:16–17.

    Deut. 10:12–13 12 And now, O Israel, what does YHWH your God require of you except but to fear YHWH your God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 [and] to keep the commandments of YHWH, and His statutes that I command you today for good to you?

    Josh. 1:8 The Book of this Law shall not depart from your mouth, and you shall meditate in it day and night, so that you will be careful to do according to all written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will succeed.

    Ps. 119:105 Your word [is] a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

    Mic. 6:8 He has shown to you, O man, what [is] good. And what does YHWH seek from you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to be humble to walk with your God?

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 57 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture6 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1034 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1554 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

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.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture11 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture10 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 23 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 33 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1033 shared proof texts

Question 3

Q. What is the Word of God?

A. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Peter 3:2, 15–16; Matt. 19:4–5 (with Gen. 2:24).

    2 Tim. 3:16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness,

    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 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.

    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.

  • Deut. 4:2; Eph. 2:20; Rev. 22:18–19; Isa. 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Gal. 1:8–9; 2 Tim. 3:15–16.

    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⁺.

    Eph. 2:20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,

    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.

    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.’”

    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 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,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture13 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 212 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture12 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 7: The Sufficiency of Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce3 shared proof texts

Question 4

Q. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the Word of God?

A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God, by their majesty and purity; by the consent of all the parts, and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God; by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers unto salvation: but the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very Word of God.

Scripture proofs
  • Hos. 8:12; 1 Cor. 2:6–7, 13; Ps. 119:18, 129.

    Hos. 8:12 Were I to write for him the myriad [things] of My law, they would be regarded as a strange thing.

    1 Cor. 2:6–7, 13 6 But we speak wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery having been hidden away, which God predestined before the ages for our glory, 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].

    Ps. 119:18, 129 18 Open my eyes, that I may see the wonders from Your law. 129 Wonderful [are] Your testimonies; upon thus, my soul has kept watch [over] them.

  • Ps. 12:6; Ps. 119:140.

    Ps. 12:6 The words of YHWH [are] pure words, silver refined in a furnace of earth, purified sevenfold.

    Ps. 119:140 Your word [is] exceedingly pure, and Your servant has loved it.

  • Luke 24:27; Acts 10:43; Acts 26:22.

    Luke 24:27 And having begun from Moses and from all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Acts 26:22 Therefore, having obtained help from God up to this day, I have stood bearing witness both to small and to great, saying nothing other than that which both the prophets and Moses said was about to happen:

  • Rom. 3:19, 27; Rom. 16:25–27. (See 2 Cor. 3:6–11.)

    Rom. 3:19, 27 19 Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith.

    Rom. 16:25–27 25 Now to Him being able to strengthen you⁺ according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery having been kept silent in the times of the ages, 26 but now having been made manifest also through the prophetic writings, according to the commandment of the eternal God having been made known to all the Gentiles unto obedience of faith— 27 [to] the only wise God [be] the glory unto the ages of the ages, which [is] through Jesus Christ! Amen.

    2 Cor. 3:6–11 6 who also made us sufficient [as] ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, having been engraved in letters on stones, came into being in glory so as for the sons of Israel not to be able to look intently into the face of Moses on account of the glory of his face that is fading away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more in glory? 9 For if in the ministry of condemnation [was] glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound [in] glory! 10 For even that having been glorious has no glory in this respect, on account of the glory surpassing [it]. 11 For if that which is fading away [was] through glory, much more [is] that remaining in glory!

  • Acts 18:28; Heb. 4:12; James 1:18; Ps. 19:7–9; Rom. 15:4; Acts 20:32.

    Acts 18:28 For he was powerfully refuting the Jews publicly, showing by the Scriptures Jesus to be the Christ.

    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.

    James 1:18 Having willed [it], He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a certain firstfruits of His creatures.

    Ps. 19:7–9 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,

    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 20:32 And now I commit you⁺ to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build [you] up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified.

  • John 16:13–14. (See 1 John 2:20, 27; John 20:31.)

    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 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.

    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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture10 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture7 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 26 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man6 shared proof textsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1133 shared proof texts

Question 5

Q. What do the Scriptures principally teach?

A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:1; Ex. 34:5–7; Ps. 48:1; John 20:31. (See 2 Tim. 3:15.)

    Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

    Ex. 34:5–7 5 And YHWH descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed in His name, YHWH. 6 And YHWH passed before his face and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion and truth, 7 keeping loving devotion to the thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and he will surely not acquit [the guilty], visiting iniquity of fathers upon sons and upon sons of sons, upon a third and upon a fourth.”

    Ps. 48:1 A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Great [is] YHWH, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, the mountain of His holiness.

    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.

    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.

  • Deut. 10:12–13; 2 Tim. 3:15–17; Acts 16:30–31.

    Deut. 10:12–13 12 And now, O Israel, what does YHWH your God require of you except but to fear YHWH your God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 [and] to keep the commandments of YHWH, and His statutes that I command you today for good to you?

    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.

    Acts 16:30–31 30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 37 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 24 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1223 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1033 shared proof texts

Preface

Professed and believed by the Protestants within the realm of Scotland. Published by them in Parliament and by the estates thereof. Ratified and approved, as wholesome and sound doctrine grounded upon the infallible truth of God's Word.

And these glad tidings of the kingdom will be preached through the whole world for a witness unto all nations: And then will the end come.

The Estates of Scotland, with the inhabitants of the same, professing Christ Jesus, His holy gospel, to their natural countrymen and to all other realms and nations professing the same Lord Jesus with them, wish grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the spirit of righteous judgment, for salvation.

Long have we thirsted, dear brethren, to have notified unto the world the sum of that doctrine which we profess and for which we have sustained infamy and danger. But such has been the rage of Satan against us and against Christ Jesus His eternal verity, lately borne among us that to this day no time has been granted unto us to clear our consciences, as most gladly we would have done. For how we have been tossed heretofore, the most part of Europe (as we suppose) does understand. But seeing that of the infinite goodness of our God (which never suffers His afflicted utterly to be confounded) above expectation, we have obtained some rest and liberty, [and] we could not but set forth this brief and plain confession of such doctrine as is propounded unto us, and as we believe and profess, partly for satisfaction of our brethren, whose hearts we doubt not have been and yet are wounded by the despiteful railing of such as yet have not learned to speak well: and partly for stopping the mouths of the impudent blasphemers, which boldly damn that which they have neither heard nor yet understood. Not that we judge that the cankered malice of such is able to be cured by this our simple confession. No, we know that the sweet savor of the gospel is and will be death to the sons of perdition. But we have chief respect to our weak and infirm brethren, to whom we would communicate the bottom of our hearts, lest they be troubled or carried away by [the] diversity of rumors which Satan spreads contrary to us, to the defacing of this our most godly enterprise. Protesting that if any man will note in this our confession any article or sentence repugnant to God's holy Word, that it would please him, of his gentleness and for Christian charity's sake, to admonish us of the same in writing. And we on our honor and fidelity do promise unto him satisfaction from the mouth of God (that is, from His Holy Scriptures) or else reformation of that which he will prove to be amiss. For God we take to record in our conscience, that from our hearts we abhor all sects of heresy and all teachers of erroneous doctrine, and that with all humility we embrace the purity of Christ's gospel, which is the only food of our souls—and, therefore, so precious unto us, that we are determined to suffer the extremity of worldly danger, rather than that we will suffer our selves to be defrauded of the same. For hereof we are most certainly persuaded, that whosoever denies Christ Jesus or is ashamed of Him in the presence of men, will be denied before the Father, and before His holy angels. And, therefore, by the assistance of the mighty Spirit of the same our Lord Jesus, we firmly purpose to abide to the end in the confession of this our faith, as by the following articles.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topics

Chapter XIV: What Works Are Reputed Good before God

We confess and acknowledge that God has given to man His holy law (Ex. 20; Deut. 4–5) in which not only are forbidden all such works as displease and offend His godly majesty, but also are commanded all such as please Him and as He has promised to reward. And these works be of two sorts. The one are done to the honor of God; the other to the profit of our neighbors; and both have the revealed will of God for their assurance. To have one God, to worship and honor Him, to call upon Him in all our troubles, reverence His holy name, to hear His Word, to believe the same, to communicate with His holy sacraments are the works of the first table. To honor father and mother (Eph. 6), princes, rulers and superior powers (Rom. 13; 1 Tim. 2, 6), to love them, to support them, yes to obey their charges (not repugnant to the commandments of God), to save the lives of innocents (Ezek. 22), to repress tyranny (Jer. 22), to defend the oppressed (Isa. 58), to keep our bodies clean and holy (1 Thess. 4), to live in sobriety and temperance (Luke 2), to deal justly with all men both in word and deed, and finally to repress all appetite of our neighbor's hurt, are the good works of the second table which are most pleasing and acceptable unto God as those works that are commanded by Himself. The contrary of which is sin most odious which always displeases Him and provokes Him to anger (Eph. 5). As not to call upon Him alone when we have need, not to hear His Word with reverence, to condemn and despise it, to have or to worship idols, to maintain and defend idolatry, lightly to esteem the revered name of God, to profane, abuse, or condemn the sacraments of Christ Jesus, to disobey or resist any that God has placed in authority (while they pass not over the bounds of their office) (Rom. 13), to murder, to consent thereto, to bear hatred or to suffer innocent blood to be shed, if we may withstand it (Ezek. 22), and finally the transgression of any other commandment in the first or second table, we confess and affirm to be sin by which God's hot displeasure is kindled against the proud and unthankful world.

So that good works we affirm to be these only that are done in faith, at God's commandment, who in His law has expressed what are the things that please Him. And evil works we affirm [are] not only those that expressly are done against God's commandment, but those also that in matters of religion and worshipping of God have no other assurance but the invention and opinion of man, which God from the beginning has ever rejected. As by the prophet Isaiah and by our master Christ Jesus, we are taught in these words, "In vain do they worship Me, teaching the doctrines and precepts of men" (Isa. 29; Matt. 13).

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 19: Of the Sacraments of the Church of Christ5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 864 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Conclusion: Rejection of False Accusations4 shared topics

Chapter XVIII: Of the Notes by Which the True Kirk Is Discerned from the False and Who Will Be Judge of the Doctrine

Because that Satan from the beginning has labored to deck his pestilent synagogue with the title of the kirk of God and has inflamed the hearts of cruel murderers to persecute, trouble and molest the true kirk and members thereof, as Cain did Abel, Ishmael Isaac, Esau Jacob (Gen. 4, 21, 27), and the whole priesthood of the Jews, Christ Jesus Himself and His apostles after Him (Matt. 23; John 11; Acts 3), it is one thing most requisite that the true kirk be discerned from the filthy synagogue by clear and perfect notes, lest we being deceived receive and embrace to our own condemnation the one for the other. The notes, signs, and assured tokens by which the immaculate spouse of Christ Jesus is known from that horrible harlot, the kirk malignant, we affirm are neither antiquity, title usurped, lineal descent, place appointed, nor multitude of men approving any error. For Cain in age and title was preferred to Abel and Seth. Jerusalem had prerogative above all places of the earth, where also were the priests lineally descended from Aaron, and a greater multitude followed the scribes and Pharisees and priests than unfeignedly believed and approved Christ Jesus and His doctrine. And yet as we suppose no man (of whole judgment) will grant that any of the forenamed were the kirk of God. The notes, therefore, of the true kirk of God, we believe, confess and avow to be first, the true preaching of the Word of God, in which God has revealed Himself to us (John 1, 10) as the writings of the prophets and apostles do declare. Secondly, the right administration of the sacraments of Christ Jesus must be annexed unto the Word and promises of God to seal and confirm the same in our hearts. Last, ecclesiastical discipline (Rom. 4), uprightly ministered as God's Word prescribes whereby vice is reproved and virtue nourished (1 Cor. 5). Wheresoever then these former notes are seen and of any time continue (be the number never so few, about two or three), there without all doubt is the true kirk of Christ, who according to His promise is in the midst of them: not that universal (of which we have before spoken) but particular, such as was in Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, and other places (Acts 16, 18, etc.; 1 Cor. 1; Acts 20) in which the ministry was planted by Paul and were of himself named the kirks of God. And such kirks we the inhabitants of the realm of Scotland, professors of Christ Jesus, confess ourselves to have in our cities, towns, and places reformed. For the doctrine taught in our kirks is contained in the written Word of God, to wit, in the books of the New and Old Testaments. In those books we mean which of the ancient have been reputed canonical in the which we affirm that all things necessary to be believed for the salvation of mankind is sufficiently expressed (John 21), the interpretation whereof we confess neither appertains to private nor public persons, neither yet to any kirk for any preeminence or prerogative personal or local which one has above another, but appertains to the Spirit of God by which also the Scripture was written.

When controversy then happens, for the right understanding of any place or sentence of Scripture or for the reformation of any abuse within the kirk of God, we ought not so much to look at what men before us have said or done, as unto that which the Holy Ghost uniformly speaks within the body of the Scriptures, and unto that which Christ Jesus Himself did and commanded to be done (1 Cor. 11). For this is a thing universally granted, that the Spirit of God (which is the spirit of unity) is in nothing contrary unto Himself. If then the interpretation, determination or sentence of any doctor, kirk or council, repugnant to the plain Word of God written in any other place of Scripture, it is a thing most certain that there is not the true understanding and meaning of the Holy Ghost, supposing that councils, realms, and nations have approved and received the same. For we dare not receive nor admit any interpretation which is directly repugnant to any principal point of our faith, to any other plain text of Scripture or yet unto the rule of charity.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 14: Of Repentance, and the Conversion of Man6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 17: Of the Catholic and Holy Church of God, and of the One Only Head of the Church6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 18: Of the Ministers of the Church, Their Institution and Offices6 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 5: The Authority of Scripture6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture6 shared topics

Chapter XIX: The Authority of the Scriptures

As we believe and confess the Scriptures of God sufficient to instruct and make the man of God perfect (2 Tim. 3), so do we affirm and avow the authority of the same to be of God and neither to depend on men nor angels. We affirm, therefore, that such as allege the Scripture to have no authority but that which it receives from the kirk, to be blasphemous against God and injurious to the true kirk which always hears and obeys the voice of her own spouse and pastor (John 10), but takes not upon her to be mistress over the same.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Belgic Confession · Article 5: The Authority of Scripture4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 2: Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; Of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture4 shared topicsThe Cambridge Declaration · Sola Scriptura: The Erosion of Authority4 shared topics

Chapter XX: Of General Councils. Of Their Power, Authority, and Cause of Their Convention

As we do not rashly damn that which godly men assembled together in general councils lawfully gathered have propounded unto us, so without just examination dare we not receive whatsoever is forced upon men under the name of general councils. For plain it is that as they were men so have some of them manifestly erred and that in matters of great weight and importance. So far then as the council proves the determination and commandment that it gives by the plain Word of God, so far do we reverence and embrace the same. But if men under the name of a council pretend to forge unto us new articles of our faith or to make constitutions repugnant to the Word of God, then utterly we must refuse the same as the doctrine of devils which draw our souls from the voice of our only God to follow the doctrines and constitutions of men (1 Tim. 4). The cause then why general councils convened was neither to make any perpetual law (which God before had not made) neither yet to forge new articles of our belief, neither to give the Word of God authority, much less to make that to be His Word or yet the true interpretation of the same which was not before by His holy will expressed in His Word. But the cause of councils (we mean of such as merit the name of councils) was partly for confutation of heresies and for giving public confession of their faith to the posterity following which both they did by the authority of God's written Word and not by any opinion or prerogative that they could not err by reason of their general assembly. And this we judge to have been the chief cause of general councils. The other was for good policy and order to be constituted and observed in the kirk, in which (as in the house of God) it becomes all things to be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14). Not that we think that one policy and one order in ceremonies can be appointed for all ages, times, and places: for as ceremonies (such as man has devised) are but temporal so may and ought they to be changed when they rather foster superstition than that they edify the kirk using the same.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 2: Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; Of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions6 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 5: The Authority of Scripture5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture5 shared topicsThe Cambridge Declaration · Sola Scriptura: The Erosion of Authority5 shared topics

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.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture6 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 896 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1556 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling6 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 1036 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 985 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Chapter 2: Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; Of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions

The apostle Peter has said that "The Holy Scriptures are not of any private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20); therefore, we do not allow all expositions. Whereupon, we do not acknowledge that which they call the meaning of the Church of Rome for the true and natural interpretation of the Scriptures; which the defenders of the Roman Church strive to force all men simply to receive: but we acknowledge that interpretation of Scriptures to be authentic and proper, which being taken from the Scriptures themselves (that is, from the phrase of that tongue in which they were written, they being also weighed according to the circumstances, and expounded according to the proportion of places, either of like or of unlike, also of more and plainer) accords with the rule of faith and charity, and makes notably for God's glory and man's salvation.

Wherefore we do not condemn the holy treatises of the fathers, agreeing with the Scriptures; from whom, notwithstanding, we do modestly dissent, as they are deprehended to set down things merely strange, or altogether contrary to the same. Neither do we think that we do them any wrong in this matter; seeing that they all, with one consent, will not have their writings matched with the canonical Scriptures; but bid us allow of them so far forth as they either agree with them, or disagree, and bid us take those things that agree, and leave those that disagree.

And according to this order we do account of the decrees or canons of councils. Wherefore we suffer not ourselves in controversies about religion or matters of faith, to be pressed with the bare testimonies of fathers, or decrees of councils; much less with received customs, or with the multitude of men being of one judgment, or with prescription of long time. Therefore, in controversies of religion, or matters of faith, we cannot admit any other judge than God Himself, pronouncing by the Holy Scriptures, what is true, what is false, what is to be followed, or what to be avoided. So we do not rest but in the judgments of spiritual men, drawn from the Word of God. Certainly Jeremiah and other prophets vehemently condemned the assemblies of priests, gathered against the law of God: and diligently forewarned us that we should not hear the fathers, or tread in their path, who, walking in their own inventions swerved from the law of God (Ezek. 20:18).

Likewise we reject human traditions which, although they are set out with goodly titles, as though they were divine and apostolic, delivered to the church by the lively voice of the apostles, and as it were, by the hands of apostolic men by means of bishops succeeding in their places yet being compared with the Scriptures, disagree with them and by that disagreement betray themselves in no wise to be apostolic. For as the apostles did not disagree among themselves in doctrine, so the apostles' scholars did not set forth things contrary to the apostles. Nay, it is blasphemous to avow that the apostles by lively voice delivered things contrary to their writings. Paul affirms expressly that he "taught the same things in all churches" (1 Cor. 4:17). And again, "We," says he, "write no other things unto you, than which ye read, or also acknowledge" (2 Cor. 1:13). Also, in another place, he witnesses that he and His disciples, to wit apostolic men, "walked in the same way, and jointly by the same Spirit did all things" (2 Cor. 12:18). The Jews also, in time past, had their traditions of elders; but these traditions were severely confuted by the Lord, showing that the keeping of them hinders God's law, and that "God is in vain worshipped of such" (Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:6–7).

Scripture proofs
  • 2 Peter 1:20

    2 Peter 1:20 knowing this first, that every prophecy of Scripture is not of its own interpretation.

  • Ezek. 20:18

    Ezek. 20:18 And I said to their sons in the wilderness, ‘In the statutes of your⁺ fathers you⁺ shall not walk, and their ordinances you⁺ shall not keep, and with their idols you⁺ shall not defile yourselves.

  • 1 Cor. 4:17

    1 Cor. 4:17 Because of this, I sent to you⁺ Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you⁺ of my ways that [are] in Christ Jesus, as I teach everywhere in every church.

  • 2 Cor. 1:13

    2 Cor. 1:13 For we write no other [things] to you⁺ but what you⁺ read or also understand. And I hope that you⁺ will understand to the end,

  • 2 Cor. 12:18

    2 Cor. 12:18 I exhorted Titus [to go], and I sent with [him] the brother. Did Titus take advantage of you⁺? Did we not walk in the same Spirit? Not in the same footsteps?

  • Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:6–7

    Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

    Mark 7:6–7 6 And He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you⁺ hypocrites, as it has been written: ‘This people honors Me with the lips, but their heart is kept far away from Me; 7 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture2 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works3 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 912 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith1 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

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:

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 (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+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture43 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 312 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 210 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 210 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 47 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1567 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Sola Scriptura: The Erosion of Authority

Scripture alone is the inerrant rule of the church's life, but the evangelical church today has separated Scripture from its authoritative function. In practice, the church is guided, far too often, by the culture. Therapeutic technique, marketing strategies, and the beat of the entertainment world often have far more to say about what the church wants, how it functions and what it offers, than does the Word of God. Pastors have neglected their rightful oversight of worship, including the doctrinal content of the music. As biblical authority has been abandoned in practice, as its truths have faded from Christian consciousness, and as its doctrines have lost their saliency, the church has been increasingly emptied of its integrity, moral authority and direction.

Rather than adapting Christian faith to satisfy the felt needs of consumers, we must proclaim the law as the only measure of true righteousness and the gospel as the only announcement of saving truth. Biblical truth is indispensable to the church's understanding, nurture and discipline.

Scripture must take us beyond our perceived needs to our real needs and liberate us from seeing ourselves through the seductive images, cliches, promises and priorities of mass culture. It is only in the light of God's truth that we understand ourselves aright and see God's provision for our need. The Bible, therefore, must be taught and preached in the church. Sermons must be expositions of the Bible and its teachings, not expressions of the preacher's opinions or the ideas of the age. We must settle for nothing less than what God has given.

The work of the Holy Spirit in personal experience cannot be disengaged from Scripture. The Spirit does not speak in ways that are independent of Scripture. Apart from Scripture we would never have known of God's grace in Christ. The biblical Word, rather than spiritual experience, is the test of truth.

Thesis One: Sola Scriptura

We reaffirm the inerrant Scripture to be the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.

We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian's conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.

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