Thursday, May 11, 2006
Belgic Confession article 7
Article 7 - The Sufficiency of Holy Scripture
We believe that this Holy Scripture fully contains the will of God and that all that man must believe in order to be saved is sufficiently taught therein.1 The whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in it at length. It is therefore unlawful for any one, even for an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in Holy Scripture:2 yes, even if it be an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul says (Gal 1:8). Since it is forbidden to add to or take away anything from the Word of God (Dt 12:32),3 it is evident that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects.4
We may not consider any writings of men, however holy these men may have been, of equal value with the divine Scriptures; nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, since the truth is above all;5 for all men are of themselves liars, and lighter than a breath (Ps 62:9). We therefore reject with all our heart whatever does not agree with this infallible rule,6 as the apostles have taught us: Test the spirits to see whether they are of God (1 Jn 4:1). Likewise: If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting (2 Jn 1:10).
1 2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Pt 1:10-12 2 1 Cor 15:2; 1 Tim 1:3 3 Dt 4:2; Prov 30:6; Acts 26:22; 1 Cor 4:6; Rev 22:18-19 4 Ps 19:7; Jn 15:15; Acts 18:28, 20:27; Rom 15:4 5 Mk 7:7-9; Acts 4:19; Col 2:8; 1 Jn 2:19 6 Dt 4:5-6; Is 8:20; 1 Cor 3:11; Eph 4:4-6; 2 Thes 2:2; 2 Tim 3:14-15
Sola scriptura is one of the main teachings of the Protestant movement. The problem comes when they mess up this teaching and go to the idea of solo scriptura. The two is not the same.
As the belgic confession states we only reject the teachings of others when it goes agaisnt what the Bible teaches.
Creeds do not replace the Bible. Churches get together and form creeds to explain what and why the believe what they believe. When they agree with the Word of God it is good for the church.
We believe that this Holy Scripture fully contains the will of God and that all that man must believe in order to be saved is sufficiently taught therein.1 The whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in it at length. It is therefore unlawful for any one, even for an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in Holy Scripture:2 yes, even if it be an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul says (Gal 1:8). Since it is forbidden to add to or take away anything from the Word of God (Dt 12:32),3 it is evident that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects.4
We may not consider any writings of men, however holy these men may have been, of equal value with the divine Scriptures; nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, since the truth is above all;5 for all men are of themselves liars, and lighter than a breath (Ps 62:9). We therefore reject with all our heart whatever does not agree with this infallible rule,6 as the apostles have taught us: Test the spirits to see whether they are of God (1 Jn 4:1). Likewise: If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting (2 Jn 1:10).
1 2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Pt 1:10-12 2 1 Cor 15:2; 1 Tim 1:3 3 Dt 4:2; Prov 30:6; Acts 26:22; 1 Cor 4:6; Rev 22:18-19 4 Ps 19:7; Jn 15:15; Acts 18:28, 20:27; Rom 15:4 5 Mk 7:7-9; Acts 4:19; Col 2:8; 1 Jn 2:19 6 Dt 4:5-6; Is 8:20; 1 Cor 3:11; Eph 4:4-6; 2 Thes 2:2; 2 Tim 3:14-15
Sola scriptura is one of the main teachings of the Protestant movement. The problem comes when they mess up this teaching and go to the idea of solo scriptura. The two is not the same.
As the belgic confession states we only reject the teachings of others when it goes agaisnt what the Bible teaches.
Creeds do not replace the Bible. Churches get together and form creeds to explain what and why the believe what they believe. When they agree with the Word of God it is good for the church.
