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A Little Time With The 1689: Day 12

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Day 12

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 7

“All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all;…”

Scripture Lookup

2 Peter 3:16. What does Peter say is hard to understand?

Reflection

There are churches that preach the Gospel. Yet how they understand other matters of Christian theology and practice differ. One example would be Reformed Baptist churches and Reformed Presbyterian churches. Both preach a saving Gospel, yet how and to whom  baptism is to be administered differs between the two groups. Another example would be whether women should wear headcoverings in worship. Some earnest Christians believe Scripture clearly teaches such a notion; yet other, equally earnest Christians do not think it such a clear-cut issue. How do we determine who is correct?

The approach to Scripture’s hard teachings varies. Some throw up their hands and decide to not bother with what these difficult parts of Scripture say.”Who cares? As long as they preach the gospel, anything else doesn’t matter.” Others say that they have no need for commentaries or aid from learned pastors and teachers: “The Bible states it, therefore I know it means this and don’t need any opinions of man!” Neither of these stances respect or recognize the efforts of God-fearing, gifted theologians who have wrestled with the difficult texts in order to aid the Church.

Our approach should be different than nonchalance or stubborn pride. There are parts of Scripture that take work -yes, work!- to understand, and there are conflicting views concerning their meaning, but that should not scare us from rolling up our sleeves and putting forth the effort. We also should make use of the resources available to us in comprehending these portions of God’s Word. Most importantly, we should humbly trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth.

Questions to Consider

  • What are some parts of Scripture you find hard to understand?
  • Are you patient with Christians who have a different understanding of secondary issues?
  • Are you willing to strive toward a clearer understanding of these hard passages?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 11

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Day 11

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 6

 “…and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church common to humane 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.”

Scripture Lookup

1 Corinthians 11:13,14. Is Scripture or nature appealed to in this passage?

1 Corinthians 14:26,40. What is the guideline for worship given in these verses?

Reflection

How do you determine what time a church service should start? If you should use chairs or pews to sit in? Where to meet? What lighting to use?

Decisions regarding the worship of God should always be directed by Scripture. Some elements are essential; these are mentioned clearly in the Bible. There is freedom, though, in choosing those elements that are circumstantial – that aid us in our worship. Chairs for the comfort of members during church would be an example of prudent thinking, although not mentioned as necessary in Scripture.Holding a service in a store-front building is as valid as meeting under a tree. LED lights or candlelight can be used to light the room.

Since God is the Creator of nature and reason, it makes sense that some circumstances between the Christian life and the secular life would be similar. God would not have us doing things that make no rhyme or reason. While Christians are not of this world, we and the world do share a sense of order. As long as the general guidelines of Scripture are obeyed, we are free to use our own common sense and wisdom in determining surroundings and circumstances that aid in worship services.

Questions to Consider

  • What are essential elements of worship?
  • What are circumstantial elements of worship?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 10

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Day 10

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 5.

“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,…”

Scripture Lookup

John 6:45. By whom are we taught?

1 Corinthians 2:9-12. What does the Holy Spirit do?

Reflection

Why isn’t everyone a Christian? If Scripture is such a treasure, and contains all things necessary for God’s glory, our salvation, faith and life, then this Book should be read and everyone should follow God and be saved, right? All that would need to happen is to show the appropriate passage, win them over through reason, and all would be well. If salvation were by intellect alone, that would be the case.

Yet salvation is not by intellect alone. Due to sin, all people need the Holy Spirit to reveal the things of God and the ways of salvation. Scriptures speak of those without saving faith as dead (Romans 6:13) and in darkness (1 Peter 2:9). The Holy Spirit works inwardly to bring life and light to His people through the truths of Scripture. Apart from this work, Scripture cannot be understood.

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. – 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB)

There is a certain pride that can accompany intelligence. Quickness of comprehension and cleverness is favored by our society.  You may be able to quote Scripture from cover to cover. Unless the Holy Spirit illumines your understanding, though, you will never come to understand the saving knowledge Scripture provides.

Questions to Consider

  • Are you trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth?
  • How have you seen the Spirit’s work in illuminating your own life?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 9

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Day 9

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 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.”

Scripture Lookup

2 Timothy 3:15-17. What are the Scriptures able to do?

Galatians 1:8,9. Should other gospels be preached?

Reflection

Is the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants, both used by Mormons, a reliable guide to salvation? What about the writings of Ellen G. White, who influenced Seventh-Day Adventism? Or the teachings of Ann Lee, founder of the Shakers? They may have different beliefs, but they all claim to follow the same set of Scriptures that Christians do.

There are differences between those groups and Christians, though, important ones. Mormons, Seventh-Day Adventists, and Shakers all had prophecies and revelations supposedly given to them by God. Thus they adopted various beliefs and practices that veered away from the clear teaching and logical deductions contained in the Bible. Looking at Galatians 1, we read that it doesn’t matter who is doing the preaching – if that preaching is pointing you to a Gospel that is not the one found in the Scriptures, it is false and those preaching it are accursed. Those are scary and harsh words! Yet they show just how important Scripture is, how powerful Scripture is, and how grievous is any teaching that deviates from it.

“Alright,” you may argue, “so Scripture is to be my authority in religion, but what about everyday life? The Bible doesn’t help me explain mathematics or teach me geography or politics. Does that mean I shouldn’t pay attention to those things? Or does the Bible have no authority in those matters?”

All that you need to know for God’s glory and your salvation, faith and life are found in Scripture. While it may not teach you explicitly about the world we live in, it does provide a framework and guidelines to aid us in how we approach learning and living in this world. Sam Waldron in his 1689:  A Modern Exposition writes:

When we remember that the area of religion and ethics is the supreme sphere of human life and knowledge, we become increasingly aware of the magnitude and value of this doctrine of the sufficiency of the Scriptures. Though it is not an assertion of the omni-sufficiency of the Scriptures, it is saying that they are sufficient to be the basis and starting-point for every other scientific endeavor. The Scriptures are not a textbook of biology, but they sufficiently provide those ethical and religious perspectives basic to any proper science of biology.

So value Scripture highly. Recognize its place as “the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving Knowledge, Faith and Obedience.”

Questions to Consider

  • If you haven’t memorized 2 Timothy 3:16-17, take some time to do so.
  • Have there been “new revelations” or “traditions of men” that you have followed?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 8

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Day 8

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 5

“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 content 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 mans salvation, and many other incomparable Excellencies, and entire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence it self 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.”

Scripture Lookup

John 16:13, 14. What does the Spirit do in this passage?

1 Corinthians 2:10-12. What does the Spirit do in this passage?

1 John 2:20,27. Who does the teaching?

Reflection

At the end of the 1980’s children’s television show Reading Rainbow, the host LeVar Burton would mention other books that would be good to read, “…but you don’t have to take my word for it.” The scene would then shift to children giving reviews of various books. In a sense, this paragraph of the 1689 is saying the same thing. The church can attest to Scripture being the Word of God, but ultimately it is the Holy Spirit working with Scripture in our hearts that persuades and assures us that the Bible is God’s Word.

While the church does not hold power over Scripture (see Day 7), the church can demonstrate to us how the Bible is the Word of God. Books and sermons abound that show evidence that this is so; the beauty, the truth, the clarity, and the logic contained in Scripture is aptly brought forth by pastors, theologians, and apologists as evidence to Scripture’s divine authority. Especially in the Reformed tradition, Scripture is recognized as the authoritative Word of God and is respected accordingly.

Yet the church alone does not have the power nor the ability to make Scripture be the Word of God. That power and ability belongs to God alone. Since the Bible is “God-breathed”, it testifies to its own authority and veracity. The Holy Spirit, being God, illuminates the Scriptures in our hearts so that we can recognize that it is truly God’s Word.

When Scripture tells us that no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God, and that the Holy Spirit abides in His people, we can be comforted. God shows Himself to be intimately involved in making Himself known to His people. He does not leave it to ourselves to prove that Scripture is the Word of God – He takes the time to teach us Himself! What an gracious God!

Questions to Consider

  • Have you ever reflected on the excellency and majesty of Scripture?
  • Have you ever praised the Holy Spirit for testifying to us about Scripture being the Word of God?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 7

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Day 7

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 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.”

Scripture Lookup

2 Peter 1:19-21. Are Scriptures solely a man-made document?

2 Timothy 3:16. How is Scripture described in this passage?

1 Thessalonians 2:13. Are these the words of men, or of God?

1 John 5:9. Whose testimony or witness is it?

Reflection

Should you believe and obey the Bible because your church says so?

Should you believe and obey the Bible because of the great men who wrote the various books it contains?

No and no.

While the Church may recognize the authority of Scripture, the Church does not hold power over Scripture. The only reason why we should believe and obey the Bible is because it is God’s Word. While God used the personalities and and talents of various men throughout history to declare His truth, it is His truth that is contained in there. If God is Truth, He does not lie. His Word, therefore, does not lie.

Strictly speaking the books became part of the canon the moment the ink dried on the page. They were breathed out by God. They were God’s word. But only when gathered together over an extended time was it possible for any church, and then for the entire church, to recognise them as a whole as the canon.-Sinclair Ferguson, From the Mouth of God. (Banner of Truth, Carlisle PA. 2014)

The Almighty Creator of the universe and all that it contains has breathed out the Scriptures. They are powerful words that reveal His character and will. They are a display of His majesty and glory. Trust them. Submit to them. And most of all, trust in and submit to their Author.

Questions to Consider:

  • Do you view Scripture as the word of God?
  • Are you spending time learning God’s word and submitting to its authority?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 6

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Day 6

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 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, then other humane writings.”

Scripture Lookup

Luke 24:27, 44. Which books of the Bible are referenced in this passage?

Romans 3:2. What are these oracles of God with which the Jews were entrusted?

Reflection

Pop quiz:

The Bible that Roman Catholics use and Protestants use is the same. True or false?

Answer: false.

Surprised?

With Biblical illiteracy running rampant in our culture, it may be a bit of a shock to learn that while 66  books are in the Bible (39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament), a Catholic Bible contains 73 books. Also called “Deuterocanonical books”, they are considered by Roman Catholic Church to be divinely inspired. The books of Daniel and Esther have added material as well that Catholics consider to be Holy Scripture. They are part of the Catholic canon, and as such are a rule for faith and life.

Upon learning of the difference in what is considered Scripture, one has to ask,”Why?” The Roman Catholic Church declared them to be Scripture at the Council of Trent. These books, however, have never been considered Scripture by the Jews. Jesus and the apostles never gave them the authority that they do Scripture.

The books of the Bible we looked at yesterday are Holy Scripture. They are authoritative, and we can rest assured that they are the Word of God. We should be careful not to put any other writing on that level.

Questions to consider:

  • Are there any writings that you (intentionally or not) put on par with Scripture?
  • Want to know more why the Apocrypha are not Scripture? Listen to this debate.

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 5

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Day 5

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 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, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 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.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of the Apostles, Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, 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, Jude, the Revelation.

All of which are given by the inspiration of God, to be the rule of Faith and Life.”

Scripture Lookup

2 Timothy 3:16. What are the uses for Scripture?

Reflection

Ever hear of “Sword Drills”?

I didn’t grow up in a faith tradition that did this, but from what I understand it was a game in Sunday School classes. Students would hold their Bibles over their heads and wait for the teacher to call out a book, chapter and verse of the Bible. Then the students would race through the pages to be the first to reach that citation and read it out loud.

We’ve learned that Scripture is an awesome gift to the church. It is the word of God written, after all! Shouldn’t we know what comprises it, then? As our Western culture grows less and less Biblically literate, knowing what books are in the Bible becomes more and more important. “Fewer than half of all adults can name the four gospels.“

Memorizing the books of the Bible in order can be a great first step in getting comfortable with the Bible. You’ll know when someone quotes Hezekiah they’re either joking or are truly ignorant. You won’t be dependent upon the search function of your phone when looking up a passage in Nahum. You’ll know Jude is in the New Testament. It will be that much easier to be acquainted with the canon, the rule of faith and life.

Questions to consider:

  • Can you name the books of the Bible?
  • Can you name them in order?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 4

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Day 4

Of The Holy Scriptures

 Chapter 1, Paragraph 1

“…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.”

Scripture Lookup

Proverbs 22:19-21. According to the passage, what is used to help make truth known?

Romans 15: 4. What does Scripture offer?

2 Peter 1:19,20. How does Peter describe the prophetic word that he and the apostles declare?

Reflection

After learning of all the exciting and miraculous ways God revealed Himself in the past, it can be easy to long for such a supernatural experience ourselves. Those events sound like a spectacular summer blockbuster movie! In contrast, Scripture can sometimes seem like a dry documentary. However, when we realize just how much of a treasure Scripture is, we see how its light is brighter than any revelation that came before.

The written Word, or Holy Scriptures, reveal God and His will to His people. While it complements those former manners in which God revealed Himself, it nonetheless surpasses those former ways. Scripture does a better job at keeping that truth available than what came before. Scripture does a better job at spreading that truth than the former ways. By having God’s will committed to writing, the information can be disseminated more easily than through a single prophet in a single point in history.

Scripture also is superior to the former ways of revelation in how it builds up God’s church, His people. It provides a grounding for the church. Remember back in Day 1 when we looked up Ephesians 2:20? “…the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone…”  Not only does it equip the church, it encourages us and gives us hope (Romans 15:4). It teaches, rebukes, corrects, trains in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). It is the sword of the Spirit we are to wield in all circumstances (Ephesians 6).

THAT is Scripture.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your aid in his excellent Word! What more can he say than to you he hath said, you who unto Jesus for refuge hath fled?

Questions to consider:

  • Have you ever reflected on the necessity of Scripture?
  • What is your attitude toward Scripture?
  • Do you give Scripture a place of authority in your life?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 3

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Day 3

Of The Holy Scriptures

Chapter 1, Paragraph 1

“Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that His will unto his Church;…”

Scripture Lookup

Hebrews 1:1. How did God speak long ago?

Reflection

God has revealed some attributes of Himself in creation, yet that is not enough revelation to bring us to a saving faith. However, He is not an impersonal, distant God content to leave us with little knowledge of Himself. Before the Scriptures were collected, God showed His splendor and majesty to various people.

Sometimes He spoke directly to particular individuals: Abraham was told by God to leave his country and go to a land the Lord would show him. Sometimes He appeared in dreams: the Lord appeared to Jacob in a dream and said He would give the land Jacob slept on to his descendants. He spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, and passed by Elijah when he was in the cave.

Sometimes He declared His will through prophets. The nation of Israel learned how it was to be ruled through the prophet Moses. Elijah, Isaiah, Jonah, Jeremiah and other prophets spoke the words the Lord gave them, revealing more of God’s attributes and His will towards His people.

It is awesome to think of God revealing Himself in these ways to His people. And yet these prophecies and revelations were only pieces of a puzzle completed by Scripture.

Questions to consider:

  • Is there a better way to learn about God and His truth than by visions and prophecy?
  • Do you find yourself longing for visions more than you do the Word of God?