Podcast (podcast2): Download
Subscribe: RSS
Summary
This lecture discusses the final four paragraphs (7–10) of Chapter One of the Westminster Confession of Faith, focusing on the nature and interpretation of Scripture. The instructor, Leonard, guides the class through the clarity (perspicuity) and obscurity of Scripture, the importance of original language texts and translations, the principle that Scripture interprets itself (analogy of faith), and the fallibility of human councils compared to the supreme authority of the Bible. The session emphasizes that while some parts of Scripture are difficult to understand, the essential message for salvation is clear to all. It also affirms the reliability of modern translations while acknowledging the original Hebrew and Greek texts as the authoritative source.
Knowledge Points
1. The Nature of Scripture (Paragraph 7)
- Clarity and Obscurity in Scripture
- The lecture affirms the Westminster Confession’s teaching that not all parts of Scripture are equally clear or plain to everyone. It is encouraging and humbling to accept that as finite creatures reading God’s word, there will be parts that are difficult to understand.
- Despite this, the things essential for salvation are presented so clearly that both the learned and unlearned can understand them sufficiently through ordinary means. This concept is called the “perspicuity of Scripture.”
- Examples of clear scriptural truths include the necessity of faith in Jesus and repentance for salvation, Jesus’s death on the cross, the existence of one God, and God as the creator of all things.
- The Secret and Revealed Things of God
- Referencing Deuteronomy 29, the speaker notes that “the secret things belong to God,” which encompasses not just theological puzzles but also the unanswerable “why” questions of life and suffering.
- “The things revealed belong to us and to our children,” which are the clear teachings of Scripture meant for our obedience and understanding.
2. Authority and Translation of Scripture (Paragraph 8)
- The Authority of Original Language Texts
- The Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek are identified as the immediately inspired and providentially preserved Word of God.
- These original texts are “authentical” and the final authority to which the church must appeal in all religious controversies.
- The Necessity and Reliability of Translations
- Since not everyone knows Hebrew and Greek, Scripture must be translated into the “vulgar language” (common tongue) of every nation.
- An analogy explained the reliability of translations even without the original manuscripts: even if the official platinum yardstick is destroyed, we can still accurately measure a yard using other reliable tools like yardsticks and tape measures. Similarly, translations are reliable and accurate conveyances of God’s Word, even if they are not the inerrant original texts.
- The goal is for the Word of God to dwell plentifully in all people, enabling them to worship acceptably.
- Bible Translations and Theories
- The class discussed various English translations, including the ESV, Lexham English Bible, New King James, NIV, NLT, and CEV.
- Two main translation philosophies were mentioned: a literal, word-for-word approach (like Young’s Literal Translation or NASB) and “dynamic equivalence,” which translates the overall idea or thought-for-thought (like the NLT).
- Some translations, like the ESV, are committed to ongoing updates based on new manuscript discoveries or improved understanding of ancient languages to maintain accuracy.
- Paraphrases like The Message or the Living Bible were distinguished from translations. While not suitable for formal exegesis, they are valuable if they encourage people to read the Bible faithfully. The best translation depends on the purpose (e.g., devotional reading vs. in-depth study).
3. Interpretation of Scripture (Paragraph 9)
- Scripture Interprets Scripture (Analogy of Faith)
- The infallible rule for interpreting Scripture is Scripture itself.
- When a passage is unclear, its meaning should be sought by examining other parts of Scripture that speak more clearly on the subject.
- Scripture has one “true and full sense,” not manifold meanings. This unified message helps readers see the Bible as one unfolding story, where later parts illuminate earlier ones (e.g., the New Testament fulfilling the Old Testament).
- Avoiding Personal, Subjective Interpretation
- A distinction was made between interpreting Scripture with Scripture and the subjective approach of “this is what it means to me.”
- In response to a Roman Catholic perspective, it was acknowledged that all interpretation involves humans. However, the Presbyterian system uses checks and balances (like the Presbytery) to hold interpretations accountable to Scripture, rather than relying on a single individual’s authority.
4. The Supreme Authority of Scripture (Paragraph 10)
- The Fallibility of Human Authorities
- All human councils, synods, opinions of ancient writers, and individual spirits are fallible and subordinate to Scripture.
- Even the Westminster Confession itself must be tested against the Bible. The Bible stands above the church’s constitution.
- Scripture as the Ultimate Judge
- The Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture is the supreme judge by which all religious controversies are to be determined and all human writings are to be examined.
- When an elder disagrees with the confession, both the elder’s view and the confession’s standard must appeal to Scripture for resolution. The church then determines if the differing interpretation strikes at the “vitals of Christianity” or is unacceptably divisive.