From the 1689 London Baptist Confession:
The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience.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 inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and his will which is necessary unto salvation.2 Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church;3 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.4
1. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20
2. Romans 1:19-21; Romans 2:14-15; Psalms 19:1-3
3. Hebrews 1:1
4. Proverbs 22:19-21; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19-20
The Holy Scripture as the Rule of Saving Knowledge, Faith, and Obedience
The opening declaration establishes the primacy and sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures in theological discourse. This assertion is rooted in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, which highlights the divine inspiration of Scripture, equipping the believer for every good work. By positioning the Scriptures as the "only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule," the text eliminates competing claims to ultimate authority, such as tradition or private revelation, emphasizing the necessity of a definitive and objective source for salvific truth.
This doctrine reflects the Reformation's "sola scriptura" principle, countering medieval reliance on church tradition or magisterial pronouncements as co-equal with Scripture. In this context, "sufficient" refers to the ability of Scripture to provide all knowledge necessary for salvation, "certain" underscores its reliability, and "infallible" affirms that it is free from error in its teaching on faith and obedience.
The Role of General Revelation
The text acknowledges the reality and value of general revelation through "the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence." This echoes Romans 1:19-21 and Psalms 19:1-3, which assert that God's attributes—His power, wisdom, and goodness—are evident in creation. General revelation renders humanity "inexcusable" for failing to recognize God's existence and attributes. However, it is deemed insufficient for a saving knowledge of God. This insufficiency points to the limitations of natural theology: while it may lead to a recognition of God's existence, it cannot unveil His redemptive purposes or provide the detailed knowledge of His will required for salvation.
Progressive Revelation and the Necessity of Scripture
The affirmation that God revealed Himself "at sundry times and in divers manners" (Hebrews 1:1) highlights the progressive nature of divine revelation. God’s self-disclosure unfolded through various historical events, prophetic utterances, and personal encounters, culminating in the advent of Christ and the apostolic testimony. This progressive revelation ensured that God's people received knowledge suited to their time and context.
The phrase "for the better preserving and propagating of the truth" identifies the practical necessity of committing revelation to writing. The Scriptures serve as a safeguard against the distortions of human memory, cultural corruption, and satanic deception. By inscribing His will, God provided His church with an enduring, authoritative record to anchor faith and practice.
The Cessation of Former Modes of Revelation
The concluding assertion, that "those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased," reflects a cessationist viewpoint. This cessation aligns with the conviction that the canon of Scripture is closed, having achieved its purpose in providing the full and final revelation of God's will for salvation and life. References to Proverbs 22:19-21 and 2 Peter 1:19-20 emphasize the value of the written word in offering clarity and certainty, preventing subjective or novel claims to divine revelation from undermining the unity and authority of Scripture.
Scripture’s Role in the Preservation and Comfort of the Church
Written Scripture ensures the fidelity and dissemination of divine truth amid changing circumstances. Scripture provides a secure foundation against threats, including the “corruption of the flesh, the malice of Satan, and of the world.” This reflects a high view of the church’s dependence on God’s Word for spiritual stability and assurance. Proverbs 22:19-21 and Romans 15:4 emphasize Scripture’s practical role in offering hope and instruction, highlighting its enduring relevance. These texts invite reflection on the transformative power of the Word to guide and sustain God’s people through every challenge.
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 Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of the Apostles, Paul's Epistle to the Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, To Titus, To Philemon, The Epistle to the Hebrews, Epistle of James, The first and second Epistles of Peter, The first, second, and third Epistles of John, The Epistle of Jude, The Revelation All of which are given by the inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.5
5. 2 Timothy 3:16
The Canon of Holy Scripture: Definition and Scope
The confession delineates the books of the Old and New Testaments as the entirety of the "Word of God written," explicitly naming the canonical texts. This list establishes the boundaries of Scripture, reflecting the Protestant canon that excludes the Apocrypha. This exclusivity asserts the sufficiency of these 66 books as the complete and authoritative Word of God, rejecting additions or subtractions.
Theologically, the concept of canon (from the Greek kanōn, meaning rule or standard) affirms these texts as uniquely inspired and binding for faith and practice. The inclusion of both Testaments demonstrates the unity of Scripture, asserting that the Old and New are complementary, forming a cohesive revelation of God's redemptive purposes.
The reliance on 2 Timothy 3:16 (“All Scripture is breathed out by God...”) underscores the divine origin of these texts. The term "inspiration" (theopneustos) reflects the idea that the Holy Spirit superintended the human authors to produce writings that are fully divine in authority and fully human in expression, making them trustworthy and infallible as the "rule of faith and life."
The Old Testament section reflects the Hebrew Scriptures, or the Tanakh, recognized by Judaism as authoritative. The list aligns with the traditional Protestant enumeration of 39 books, organized by subject rather than the tripartite division (Law, Prophets, Writings) typical of Jewish tradition. These books provide the foundation for Christian theology, including doctrines of creation, covenant, law, and prophecy, all of which anticipate the coming of Christ.
The Old Testament Canon
The Protestant rejection of the Apocrypha (included in Catholic and Orthodox canons) reflects debates during the Reformation about the nature of inspiration and the historical use of these texts. Protestants viewed the Apocrypha as historically and theologically valuable but not divinely inspired or binding. This delineation underscores a theology of Scripture that demands rigorous criteria for inclusion in the canon, such as apostolic authority, consistency with previous revelation, held to by Jesus and Paul, and widespread acceptance among the early church.
The New Testament Canon
The New Testament list includes the 27 books universally accepted by historic Christianity. The explicit naming of these texts reaffirms the early church's recognition of their apostolic origin or direct connection to apostolic authority. They provide the doctrinal foundation for understanding salvation through Christ and the ethical implications of living as His disciples. These writings include:
The Inspiration of Scripture
The section culminates with the affirmation that all these books "are given by the inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life." The theological term "rule" signifies that Scripture is the standard by which all doctrine, worship, and ethical behavior are judged. This statement reflects a rejection of competing authorities, such as tradition (while respected, it is not on par with Scripture) or reason and experience (valuable but subordinate to the authoritative Word).
The doctrine of inspiration further implies:
Practical and Theological Implications
The listing of the biblical books serves several key purposes:
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.6
6. Luke 24:27, 44; Romans 3:2
The Nature of the Apocrypha
This section firmly denies the Apocrypha’s inclusion in the canon by asserting that these books are "not of divine inspiration." The Apocrypha, a collection of texts written during the intertestamental period, holds a contested place in Christian history. While included in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) and regarded as deuterocanonical in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, they are excluded by Protestantism, following Jewish tradition and the early church’s understanding of the Hebrew canon.
Jesus Himself, in Luke 24:27 and 44, demonstrates the authority of the canonical Old Testament by expounding on "Moses and all the Prophets" as pointing to Him. His reference to the Law, Prophets, and Psalms (the Writings) reflects the tripartite division of the Hebrew Bible, affirming the Jewish canon. This silence on the Apocrypha indicates its exclusion from the recognized Scriptures of Jesus’ time.
In Romans 3:2, Paul highlights that the "oracles of God" were entrusted to the Jewish people, reinforcing the Jewish canon as the divinely inspired Scriptures. Since the Apocryphal texts were not part of this tradition, they are excluded from the category of “oracles.”
Use of the Apocrypha
The text recognizes the Apocrypha as “human writings,” comparable to other historical or philosophical works. This acknowledgment permits their use for edification or historical insight but rejects their authority for doctrine or as a rule of faith. Examples include their insights into Jewish life and thought during the Second Temple period, which help contextualize the New Testament.
However, by asserting that the Apocrypha has “no authority to the church of God,” the confession establishes a sharp boundary to safeguard doctrine. This reflects the Reformation’s concern to anchor theological authority solely in the inspired Scriptures, distinguishing divine revelation from human traditions.
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.7
7. 2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 5:9
The Source of Scripture’s Authority
This section asserts that the authority of Scripture derives not from human testimony or ecclesiastical approval but from its divine authorship. The grounding in God, "who is truth itself," underscores the objective and inherent nature of Scripture’s authority. Its truthfulness and reliability are anchored in the character of God, the ultimate source of all truth. This statement reflects the Protestant principle of Scripture’s self-authenticating nature (autopistos), meaning that it bears the marks of divine inspiration independently of external validation.
Scriptural Support
2 Peter 1:19-21: Peter highlights the prophetic word as "more fully confirmed," emphasizing that Scripture did not originate in human will but was delivered by individuals moved by the Holy Spirit. This divine origin ensures its authority and trustworthiness.
2 Timothy 3:16: Scripture is "breathed out by God" (theopneustos), underscoring its divine origin and practical utility. Its sufficiency extends to teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, making it authoritative for all aspects of faith and life.
2 Thessalonians 2:13: Paul commends the Thessalonians for receiving the Word of God as it truly is—divine in origin and effective in transforming lives. This verse highlights the transformative power of Scripture as evidence of its divine source.
1 John 5:9: John appeals to the greater authority of God's testimony over human testimony, reinforcing that the authority of Scripture rests in its divine authorship and not in human endorsement.
We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church of God to an 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.8
8. John 16:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12; 1 John 2:20, 27
The Role of the Church’s Testimony
The section begins by acknowledging that the testimony of the church has a significant role in leading believers to esteem the Scriptures highly. Historically, the church has preserved, proclaimed, and defended the Scriptures, giving witness to their divine origin and authority. However, this testimony is not the ultimate basis for belief in Scripture’s infallibility; rather, it serves as an external and secondary argument that guides believers toward recognizing the Bible’s unique status.
The theological insight here is critical: while the church’s historical witness is important for affirming the canon and providing a context for scriptural reception, it does not confer authority upon Scripture. Instead, the authority of the Bible is inherent, derived from its divine authorship.
Internal Evidence of Scripture’s Divine Origin
The confession identifies several internal qualities of the Bible that powerfully demonstrate its divine inspiration. One such quality is the heavenliness of the matter, as the Bible’s teachings reflect truths that transcend human wisdom, revealing the nature of God, the person and work of Christ, and the reality of salvation by grace through faith. These doctrines originate from a heavenly source and bring about heavenly effects, affirming their divine origin. Similarly, the efficacy of the doctrine provides compelling evidence of the Bible’s divine nature. Scripture’s transformative power is highlighted in passages like Hebrews 4:12, which describes the Word’s ability to pierce the heart, convict of sin, and lead to repentance and spiritual renewal.
Another striking characteristic is the majesty of the style. The Bible’s literary qualities, including its profound simplicity, poetic beauty (as seen in the Psalms), and prophetic authority, display an unparalleled majesty that suggests divine authorship. The consent of all the parts further underscores its supernatural origin. Despite being composed over centuries by diverse human authors, the Bible exhibits unity and consistency, presenting a coherent narrative centered on God’s redemptive plan through Christ. This harmony amidst diversity is remarkable and points to the guidance of a divine author.
The scope of the whole also testifies to its divine inspiration, as the Bible’s ultimate purpose is to glorify God. From creation in Genesis to the consummation in Revelation, the Scriptures consistently exalt God as sovereign, holy, and merciful, displaying His glory in salvation and judgment. Finally, the Bible’s discovery of salvation uniquely reveals the "only way of man’s salvation"—the gospel of Jesus Christ. Its clarity and exclusivity in addressing humanity’s deepest need for reconciliation with God affirm its divine origin. These "incomparable excellencies" collectively demonstrate that the Bible is not merely a human product but the inspired Word of God.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
While external arguments and internal evidences of Scripture’s divine origin are compelling, the confession emphasizes that "our full persuasion and assurance" of its truth and authority ultimately depends on the inward work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s role is essential in illumination, witness, and the glorification of Christ.
The Holy Spirit enables believers to understand and accept the truths of Scripture. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 explains that the Spirit reveals "the deep things of God" that cannot be comprehended by natural means. According to 1 John 2:20, 27, the Spirit teaches and confirms the truth of God’s Word in the hearts of believers, giving them an anointing to discern divine truth from error. As stated in John 16:13-14, the Spirit guides believers into all truth and glorifies Christ by making Him known through the Word.
The Balance of Evidence and Faith
The confession wisely balances external evidence, internal characteristics, and the Holy Spirit’s witness. While the testimony of the church and the Bible’s intrinsic qualities provide rational and historical support, they are insufficient to produce saving faith or full assurance on their own. Faith in the Bible as the Word of God ultimately depends on the Spirit’s work, which aligns the believer’s heart with the truth revealed in Scripture.
This balance addresses two potential errors: Rationalism, in overemphasizing external or internal evidence at the expense of the Spirit’s role. And subjectivism, relying solely on subjective spiritual experiences without regard for the objective testimony of Scripture’s qualities or the church’s witness.
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.9 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,10 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.11
9. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Galatians 1:8-9
10. John 6:45; 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
11. 1 Corinthians 11:13-14; 1 Corinthians 14:26,40
Sufficiency of the Bible
The confession asserts that the Bible is sufficient and complete, containing "the whole counsel of God" concerning all matters necessary for His glory, human salvation, faith, and life. This sufficiency means that all essential doctrines and moral principles are either explicitly stated or necessarily implied within Scripture, leaving no need for supplementation through new revelations or human traditions. Passages such as 2 Timothy 3:15-17 affirm this claim, declaring Scripture to be "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," equipping believers for every good work. Similarly, Galatians 1:8-9 warns against adding to the gospel, underscoring the completeness of God’s revealed Word.
The Holy Spirit's Illumination
Despite Scripture's sufficiency, the confession acknowledges the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s inward illumination for a saving understanding of its truths. This is not a deficiency in the Bible itself but rather a recognition of human inability to fully grasp divine truths apart from God’s enabling work. Jesus declares in John 6:45 that "they will all be taught by God," emphasizing the Spirit’s role in revealing the Word to believers. Likewise, 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 highlights that the Spirit searches and reveals the deep things of God, making His Word comprehensible and transformative for the faithful.
Practical Principles
The confession also addresses practical matters related to church life and worship, acknowledging that Scripture does not provide detailed instructions for every circumstance. Instead, some aspects of worship and church governance, which are common to all human societies, are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence. These must always align with the general principles of the Word. 1 Corinthians 11:13-14 and 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40 provide examples of this principle, urging orderly worship and appealing to reason and natural understanding in governing communal life. Such directives underscore the importance of applying scriptural principles in diverse and changing contexts while maintaining fidelity to God’s revealed will.
All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all;12 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.13
12. 2 Peter 3:16
13. Psalms 19:7; Psalms 119:130
Not All Parts of Scripture Are Equally Clear
The confession acknowledges that not all passages of Scripture are equally plain or easy to understand. Some texts, by their nature, require more effort and wisdom to interpret, as they may involve complex theological concepts, symbolic language, or cultural and historical contexts. 2 Peter 3:16 illustrates this point, where Peter refers to some of Paul’s writings as “hard to understand,” noting that they are sometimes distorted by the ignorant or unstable. This acknowledgment encourages humility in approaching Scripture and reliance on sound hermeneutical principles to grasp its more challenging portions.
Clarity of Essential Truths for Salvation
Despite the varying difficulty of specific passages, the confession strongly asserts the perspicuity of Scripture in relation to matters necessary for salvation. The truths that must be "known, believed, and observed for salvation" are so clearly presented in the Bible that both the learned and unlearned, using ordinary means, can comprehend them. Psalm 19:7 supports this claim, declaring, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Similarly, Psalm 119:130 affirms that “the unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” These passages highlight Scripture's accessibility and its ability to provide clarity and guidance for all believers, regardless of education or intellect.
The Role of Ordinary Means
The confession also emphasizes the importance of “ordinary means” in attaining understanding. This includes practices such as regular reading of the Bible, prayer, participation in the church’s teaching ministry, and reliance on the Holy Spirit’s illumination. Through these means, both the learned and unlearned can grasp the essential truths of salvation without requiring extraordinary insight or revelation.
Encouragement and Assurance
This balance of acknowledging the difficulty of certain parts of Scripture while affirming the clarity of its central message provides encouragement and assurance to believers. It reassures the faithful that God has made His Word sufficiently plain for salvation and Christian living while also recognizing the value of diligent study and teaching to grow deeper in understanding. This doctrine fosters confidence in Scripture’s accessibility and challenges believers to faithfully engage with its teachings in reliance on the Spirit.
The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old),14 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 authentic; so as in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal to them.15 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,16 and search them,17 therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come,18 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.19
14. Romans 3:2
15. Isaiah 8:20
16. Acts 15:15
17. John 5:39
18. 1 Corinthians 14:6, 9, 11-12, 24, 28
19. Colossians 3:16
The Authenticity of the Original Texts
The confession begins by affirming that the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek are the original languages in which God inspired the Scriptures. These texts, described as being "immediately inspired by God," carry the highest authority in matters of faith and doctrine. Romans 3:2 underscores this by stating that "the oracles of God" were entrusted to the Jewish people, affirming the divine authority of the Hebrew Scriptures.
The confession further asserts that God’s providential care has preserved these texts through the ages, ensuring their purity and reliability. As such, the church is to appeal to the original texts in all controversies of religion, a principle reinforced by Isaiah 8:20, which directs believers to the Word of God as the ultimate standard of truth.
The Need for Translation
While the original languages of Scripture are foundational and authoritative, the confession acknowledges that not all God’s people are familiar with Hebrew and Greek. Because believers are commanded to read (John 5:39) and search the Scriptures, and because all Christians have a right to and interest in the Word of God, it must be made accessible through translation. The confession highlights the necessity of translating Scripture into the “vulgar” (common) language of every nation to ensure that all people can engage with God’s Word directly and personally. This principle is supported by Acts 15:15, which references Scripture being cited and applied in contexts where it could be understood by the audience.
The Importance of Accessibility
The call for translation stems from a theological commitment to the universal accessibility of God’s Word. 1 Corinthians 14:6, 9-12, 24, 28 emphasizes the importance of understanding in worship and edification, stating that communication without comprehension is fruitless. By translating Scripture into the common language, believers can be equipped to worship God "in an acceptable manner" and grow in faith. This accessibility ensures that the Word of God "dwells plentifully" among all people (Colossians 3:16) and provides comfort and hope through its promises (Romans 15:4).
Historical and Practical Implications
This doctrine has significant historical and practical implications. During the Reformation, figures like Martin Luther and William Tyndale emphasized the need to translate Scripture into the vernacular, challenging the church’s restrictions on access to the Bible. Their work democratized access to Scripture and empowered believers to engage directly with God’s Word. In contemporary times, the same principle undergirds the efforts of Bible translation organizations to make Scripture available in every language.
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.20
20. 2 Peter 1:20-21; Acts 15:15-16
Scripture Interprets Scripture
The confession declares that the ultimate and infallible rule for interpreting Scripture is Scripture itself. This principle, often called the analogy of faith (analogia fidei), asserts that the Bible’s unity and divine authorship ensure its internal coherence. When interpreting a particular passage, it must be understood in light of the broader biblical context, using clearer texts to illuminate those that are less clear. This approach safeguards against personal bias or misinterpretation, ensuring that the meaning of Scripture aligns with the whole counsel of God.
This principle is supported by 2 Peter 1:20-21, which teaches that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private interpretation because it was delivered by men carried along by the Holy Spirit. This passage emphasizes the divine origin and singular intent of Scripture, implying that its interpretation must align with its inspired meaning. Similarly, Acts 15:15-16 demonstrates this method in practice as the apostles interpret the inclusion of Gentiles in the church by referencing Old Testament prophecy, harmonizing different parts of Scripture to clarify God’s unfolding plan.
The Singular Meaning of Scripture
The confession asserts that the sense of Scripture is "not manifold, but one." This affirms that while Scripture may have layers of application or rich theological depth, its meaning is singular, rooted in the intent of its divine Author. This conviction guards against subjective interpretations that would fragment the church and distort the truth. Instead, by seeking clarity from the Scripture itself, believers can arrive at a faithful and unified understanding of God’s Word.
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.21
21. Matthew 22:29, 31-32; Ephesians 2:20; Acts 28:23
Scripture as the Supreme Judge
The confession asserts that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in determining all matters of faith and practice. It is the "supreme judge" by which every decree, doctrine, and opinion must be tested, including those of councils, ancient writers, and individual interpretations. This statement reflects the Protestant commitment to sola scriptura, affirming that no human authority can equal or surpass the authority of God’s Word.
Matthew 22:29, 31-32 illustrates this principle as Jesus appeals to Scripture to correct theological error, affirming its final authority in matters of doctrine. Likewise, Ephesians 2:20 describes the church as being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone, indicating that the teaching of Scripture is the bedrock of the church’s faith and practice. In Acts 28:23, Paul uses the Scriptures to persuade his audience about Jesus, demonstrating that Scripture is the final arbiter of truth.
The Finality of Scripture in Faith
The confession emphasizes that the church and individual believers must resolve their faith in the truth of Scripture as delivered by the Spirit. This excludes any reliance on human tradition or subjective experiences as ultimate authorities, ensuring that faith rests solely on the Word of God. This principle provides a safeguard against the intrusion of human error and promotes a Christ-centered, Spirit-led understanding of doctrine.
Practical Implications
The recognition of Scripture as the supreme judge challenges believers to submit their beliefs, practices, and interpretations to the authority of God’s Word. It also emphasizes the importance of thorough biblical study and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning truth. For the church, it establishes Scripture as the foundation for resolving disputes and maintaining unity, ensuring that its teachings remain faithful to God’s revelation.