Session 5: WCF Chapter I Of the Holy Scripture, Sections 6 and 7

CHAPTER I - 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.

Matthew 22:31-32 1 Corinthians 11:13-14 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40

CHAPTER I - Of the Holy Scripture 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.

Revelation vs. Illumination Revelation – the disclosure of something previously unknown General revelation – The revealing of God through creation, history and human conscience Special revelation – The revealing of God’s redemptive plan now through the Bible Illumination – the teaching work of the Holy Spirit through which He convinces us of the truthfulness of the Bible and helps us to understand and obey it - Does not add to doctrine - Available to all believers - Private, quiet

It’s Time for…

Making a Hologram

Viewing a Hologram

A Sample Hologram

Cutting a Photograph

Cutting a Hologram

The Bible Is Like a Hologram One may read the Bible, even cover-to-cover. One may go to seminary and study the Bible in depth. One may even spend his whole career preaching the Bible. BUT One’s appreciation of the Bible’s truth and wisdom transcends mere knowledge only when one reads or studies the Bible under the same illumination that originally inspired it – the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 19:7b Psalm 119:130 2 Timothy 3:14-17

CHAPTER I - Of the Holy Scripture 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.

“Perspicuity” of Scripture (sometimes called “clarity of Scripture”) teaches that the meaning of Scripture can be clear to an ordinary reader, because God uses Scripture to communicate His person and will. Ordinary people who approach the Bible in faith and humility will be able to understand what the Bible teaching, even if they meet with particular points of difficulty here and there.

Proverbs 25:2

The Genealogy of Noah Adam Man Seth Appointed Enosh Mortal Kenan Sorrow; Mahalalel The Blessed God Jared Shall come down Enoch Teaching Methuselah His death shall bring Lamech The Despairing Noah Rest, or comfort.

The Genealogy of Noah Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow; (but) the Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest.

Controversy of the Week!

…“Traditions of Men” What “traditions of men” might we observe at Town North?

Personal Personal Focus Focus

How do you find the answers to Bible questions you have?