gen-discern-and-explain-with-scripture-where-relevant-1689-lbcf-dd5b

Discern and explain, with Scripture where relevant: 1689 LBCF ch. 1

# 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith - Chapter 1 ## "Of the Holy Scriptures" This foundational chapter establishes the doctrine of **Scripture** and contains 10 paragraphs. Let me break down the key teachings: ## **Paragraph 1: Natural Revelation is Insufficient** The Confession affirms that while nature and providence reveal God's goodness, wisdom, and power (Romans 1:19-20, Psalm 19:1-3), this natural revelation is **insufficient** for salvation. Saving knowledge requires special revelation—God's written Word (Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:15-17). ## **Paragraph 2: The Canon of Scripture** Lists the 66 books (39 OT, 27 NT) as the complete, written Word of God. The Apocrypha is explicitly **rejected** as uninspired. Scripture alone is the final authority for faith and practice (*sola scriptura*). *Key verse: 2 Timothy 3:16* - "All Scripture is breathed out by God..." ## **Paragraph 3: The Apocrypha** Reinforces that apocryphal books are "of no authority in the church of God, nor to be otherwise approved or made use of than other human writings." ## **Paragraph 4: Authority of Scripture** Scripture's authority depends not on human testimony but on **God Himself**, the author. We accept it because of "the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts" (1 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 John 2:20, 27). ## **Paragraph 5: Scripture's Self-Authentication** The Bible proves itself through: - Heavenly content - Efficacy of doctrine - Majesty of style - Agreement of all parts - Giving all glory to God - Full discovery of salvation - Many other "incomparable excellencies" ## **Paragraph 6: Sufficiency of Scripture** "The whole counsel of God...is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Nothing may be added—no new revelations, traditions, or human inventions (Revelation 22:18-19). However, it acknowledges the "illumination of the Spirit of God" is necessary for saving understanding. ## **Paragraph 7: Perspicuity (Clarity) of Scripture** Not all things are equally clear, but **what is necessary for salvation** is "so clearly propounded and opened" that the uneducated as well as educated can understand sufficiently by ordinary means (Psalm 119:130, 2 Peter 3:16). ## **Paragraph 8: The Original Languages** The Old Testament (Hebrew) and New Testament (Greek) are "inspired by God" and "kept pure in all ages." These are the final authority. Translations should be made so all may read Scripture in their own language (Isaiah 8:20, Acts 15:15, John 5:39). ## **Paragraph 9: The Infallible Interpreter** **Scripture interprets Scripture.** The Holy Spirit speaking in Scripture is the "supreme judge" of all controversies, not the church, councils, or human reason (Matthew 22:29, Ephesians 2:20, Acts 28:23). ## **Paragraph 10: The Holy Spirit and Interpretation** Our final dependence in all controversies and decrees of councils must be **the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scriptures** (2 Peter 1:19-21). --- ## **Summary Implications:** This chapter establishes: 1. **Sola Scriptura** - Scripture alone as final authority 2. **Sufficiency** - Bible contains all necessary truth 3. **Clarity** - Essential truths are understandable 4. **Inerrancy** - God-breathed and authoritative 5. **Self-interpretation** - Scripture interprets Scripture 6. **Necessity of the Spirit** - For illumination and application This forms the epistemological foundation for all other doctrines in the Confession.